Logo

This logo represents the overall purpose of the Indigenous Studies Program at McMaster University.

First Nations artist/designer, Arnold A. Jacobs interprets the logo that he has created for the Program:

The overall component of the design is circular to represent unity and a coming together of First Nations.

The eagle, a spiritual guardian and a symbol of strength and courage, is positioned over a native head that is looking dramatically upward to the future. The native wears a feather, not for decoration, but as a symbol for lifting the human spirit.

Holding the feather in place is the sacred circle of life, divided into four cycles that affect our lives; they are the four directions, four winds, four seasons, and four colours.

The lightning ash represents the Power of the Creator of all things. The wings are given this power to lift the eagle to great heights. This power represents the uplifting spirit to the student for higher achievement.