2016 International Aboriginal Tourism Conference

The 2016 International Aboriginal Tourism Conference Logo

The inspiration for the 2016 IATC logo is the 8-point Star Petrolglyph, a significant Mi’kmaw cultural symbol of unity.

In 1983, a man in Bedford, Nova Scotia came across a Mi’kmaw petroglyph of the 8-point star. It is believed that this eight-point petroglyph is over 500 years old.

The eight-point star is understood to be an updated version of the seven-point star; which the Mi’kmaw used to represent the seven districts of their nation. The Mi’kmaw nation grew to eight communities with the addition of the K’Taqmkuk (Newfoundland) into their territory.

The 2016 IATC logo is a representation of this significant Mi’kmaw cultural symbol of unity. Its use of vibrant colour contrasting on dark surfaces and its layered geometric forms are inspired by the works of Mi’kmaw artist Tracey M. Barnaby, most noticeable in her print “Mi’gmaq Unity”