05/29/2025
The Mississippi Mills All My Relations (MMAMR) logo was co-created by artists Laura Dieter and Ahlena Sultana-McGarry to reflect our mission of fostering relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities through respect, learning, and shared responsibility.
Rooted in Anishinaabe teachings and inspired by the lands and waters of Mississippi Mills, the design represents connection, reciprocity, and relationship-building. At its heart are the Seven Grandfather Teachings, each represented by a traditional woodland-style animal figure, honouring the values of wisdom, love, humility, truth, bravery, honesty, and respect that guide Anishinaabe ways of being.
Flowing through the design, the Mississippi River symbolizes the deep interconnection between land, water, and community. Its form is intentionally shaped to resemble two hands clasping—a symbol of MMAMR’s commitment to strengthening good relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
As an organization grounded in the unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Omàmiwininì (Algonquin Anishinaabe), we recognize the responsibilities that come with this relationship to people and the land. Our logo visually expresses our dedication to ethical space, two-eyed seeing, and the transformative power of collaboration. This visual identity serves as a reminder that reconciliation is an ongoing journey—one that calls for listening, reflection, and meaningful action. We hope it continues to inspire dialogue, deepen understanding, and strengthen relationships as we honour the teachings that guide us forward together.
Symbolism
The Seven Grandfather Teachings – Represented through their corresponding animal figures, each teaching offers guidance on how to live with wisdom, love, humility, truth, bravery, honesty, and respect for all of life:
Beaver:Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom)
Eagle: Zaagi’idiwin (Love)
Wolf: Dabasenimowin (Humility)
Turtle: Debwewin (Truth)
Bear: Aakode’ewin (Courage)
Raven: Gwayakwaadiziwin (Honesty)
Buffalo: Minwaadendamowin (Respect)
The Sun – A universal symbol of life, unity, renewal, and interconnectedness.
The River – Inspired by the Mississippi River, the logo’s flowing form represents the natural waterways that sustain life. It also symbolizes the coming together of Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, intentionally shaped to resemble two hands clasping in partnership.
Artist Bios
Laura Dieter
Laura Dieter is an Indigenous artist from Peepeekisis Cree Nation, whose practice is rooted in storytelling, healing, and cultural reclamation. Working in the traditional Woodland style, she draws inspiration from First Nations culture and the natural beauty of Canada. Through her work, she seeks to foster healing and spark dialogue, bringing awareness to the challenges faced by Indigenous communities today.
Ahlena Sultana-McGarry
Ahlena Sultana-McGarry is a local multidisciplinary artist of Pakistani and Irish-English descent, whose work explores identity and environmental connection. Through digital and mixed media, she layers colour, movement, and abstraction to evoke the natural world and the histories embedded within it. Her art invites reflection on the interconnectedness of people, place, and memory, embracing both personal and collective narratives.
A Collaborative Vision
Laura and Ahlena approached this opportunity with a shared belief that art fosters connection, strengthens community identity, and sparks dialogue. By bringing together their diverse lived experiences and artistic practices, they have created a logo that honours Indigenous histories and perspectives while embracing the ever-evolving multicultural landscape of Mississippi Mills.
