REPATRIATION CONFERENCE LOGO

In April 2021, we announced our Repatriation Conference Logo Contest, where Indigenous artists could submit their graphic logo design for our Annual Repatriation Conference. Our winner was CHRISTIAN BIGWATER.

Logo Story
This illustration depicts a cycle and a “coming home” of cultural heritage that has been stolen and looted and taken away from their
original homelands and peoples.

The turtle represents the earth and the tipi, the turtle's legs, represents home.

The feathers represent the journey.

The moon cycles represent time.

Other icons represent different items taken and repatriated.

No matter the distance or direction or amount of time passed, these items
will cross time and space to make their way home.​

Christian Bigwater
Artist

Christian Bigwater is Diné (Navajo), and of the Kinlicheeni Clan (Red House-Zia) and born for the Totsonii Clan (Big Water). 

Christian hails from Canyon De Chelly, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. “I see other [art] pieces outside of the Native American culture, and I see their differences and influences,” said Bigwater before expressing his desire to “expand” with his artwork and craft toward experimental mainstream realms—Japanese mokume gane-inspired jewelry design, in particular. His family’s Canyon De Chelly ranch impressed upon Bigwater the scenes of horses, the rich, red landscapes of the red canyon walls, the curves in the cedar tree form, and the clear, blue sky of the Navajo Nation. These elements of Navajo day-to-day life are the essentials in Bigwater’s art.
​Learn more about Christian and his artwork at ChristianBigwater.com
Picture
Conference T-Shirt Design

Caitlin Newago
Artist

Caitlin Newago is a mother, artist and Tribal member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Currently, she is focusing on modernizing traditional Ojibwe designs and mediums. She uses digital art and quillwork as a way to reconnect with her Anishinaabe culture and learn more of her traditions. Creating these pieces and reconnecting with her passion for art has been a vital part of her healing journey. She hopes she can promote this healing and connect with and uplift other survivors in the process. 
​​