b'ART MEETS COMMERCEadmit that I did do some digging online INDIGENOUS UNDERSTANDING to see how people were responding to social media announcements and it was For Jennifer Taback, a member of Shawanaga First Nation, seeking inspirationreally nice to see fans help to shut down within Indigenous communities has been integral to her creative and businessany comments that crossed the line, says success. She shares one example of when she was working on a project forTaback. It can be scary to face public scru-tiny on this level, but the fan base were Indigenous Youth Roots, a reconciliation-based non-profit, in 2023. As part of thisamazing supporters.work, Taback spent days on the land with Elders and youth seeking inspiration, connection and guidance. The jerseys and other items featuring the companys Indigenous-inspired design The Elder spoke about how our name changes as we move through life and itwere made available for auction at Real was the same with organizations, Taback says. Were not the same as we wereSports Auction, offering fans a chance to years ago, so name changes were just a part of the process of better definingown a piece of this significant collabora-who you are as a person and organization. It was really meaningful to be able totion. Proceeds from the auctions were understand that the design and communication work I do already has roots indonated to the ENAGB Indigenous Youth Indigenous ways of being.Agency (Eshkiniigjik NaandwechigegamigA Place for Healing Our Youth / Aabiish Through the Elders teachings, adds Taback, she was able to find clarity on how toGaa BinjibaayingWhere Did We Come best integrate Indigenous understanding with more Western branding practices. From?) through the MLSE Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to change lives through sport.Design de Plume broke through toDesign de Plume team was able toMORE AHEADnon-Indigenous Canadians in one ofexperience this firsthand. They attendedDespite its many achievements, Design Canadas oldest and storied traditions.the Indigenous Celebration Game atde Plumes work is just getting started. Torontos Scotiabank Arena in JanuaryWith their commitment to excellence and evolution in design and social impact, the Settler and Indigenous relationshipswhere they were approached by fansagency is dedicated to expanding the visi-need so much more work and its sowho expressed their admiration forbility of Indigenous culture and perspec-meaningful to see that some large orga- the design and the significance of thetives in all areas of society. Their hope is nizations understand the value of theirwork being done. This positive feed- that their work will continue to inspire not support, despite challenges, says Tabackback was heartening, says Taback, andonly Indigenous communities but also of relationship-building.showed the power of design to bridgebusinesses and organizations that have cultural divides. the power to change hearts and minds. From the agencys perspective, the response to the Leafs project wasThe collaboration also sparked conversa- The work for settlers and those organi-overwhelmingly positive, not only fromtions on social media, where fans activelyzations is to improve them where and Indigenous communities but from hockeysupported the project, denouncing anywhen they can. They are the ones who fans nationwide. The Sudbury-basednegative or discriminatory comments. Illneed to challenge the systems in place The Leaders in Railway Maintenance and Construction Services Across CanadaREMCAN is committed to building positive, respectful, and sustainable relationships withWhere community and career come together Indigenous communities. Our focus is on promoting employment opportunities, pre-employmentwww.remcanprojects.com/careers training, and business ventures or partnerships through community engagement.COMPETITIVE REWARDING CUTTING-EDGE PAIDCOMPENSATION WORK EQUIPMENT TRAINING54A CCIB PUBLICATIONSummer 2025'