Qalipu First Nation offers a logo contest for school-aged children across Canada in commemoration of the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. The children were asked to design a logo that demonstrates their thoughts and feelings about the history of residential schools and what this day means to them.

Naoise White, a Grade 7 student from Corner Brook Intermediate was the 2023 contest winner.

Naoise shared some details about her design:

“My drawing is about all Canadians being united and being committed to freedom, trust and healing.  The circle represents all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, living in harmony together. They are strong and united. Their orange shirts show that every child matters whatever their background is. They care and respect the people who went to residential schools.

In the middle of the circle, there is an eagle feather. It is a powerful symbol of connection, freedom, trust and wisdom. Freedom for all Canadians, trust that their lives are equal and wisdom not to allow it to happen again. This is what the feather means for my drawing.

The background is a medicine wheel. It is about health and healing for everyone no matter what. The four parts of the wheel are, physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional. This is what my truth and reconciliation drawing is about.”

A limited number of shirts featuring this winning logo are available for purchase by visiting the Corner Brook office. Payments are cash only.  The cost of a T-shirt will be $15 for youth sizes and $20 for adult sizes and youth sizes are available. All profit from t-shirt sales will be donated to an organization or charity that supports Truth and Reconciliation.

Keep an eye out for the 2024 logo contest which will be launched soon!