Glenlawn Collegiate has unveiled an alternative Lion logo that weaves together Indigenous symbolism and the school's commitment to reconciliation in a visual representation that goes far beyond branding.
The alternative logo was created in collaboration with Saskatchewan-based visual artist Chris Chipak, a member of the Red Pheasant Cree Nation whose work has been featured with professional teams including the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Swift Current Broncos, and Toronto Blue Jays. Chipak's artistic practice centres on cultural education and telling stories rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing.
The process began last year when Glenlawn leadership, inspired by similar initiatives with professional sports teams and post-secondary institutions, started exploring how to create a visual identity that honoured the land and the community the school serves. Principal Dionne Potapinski connected with Chipak this fall.
"His process was really about understanding who we are," Potapinski explained. Chipak spent considerable time learning about Glenlawn—its location, history, values, and vision for its students.
As the design evolved, Potapinski brought Stephanie Bartelette, a member of the school's clerical team, into the collaboration. Bartelette’s voice was crucial in shaping the final design, particularly in advocating for the inclusion of a smudge bowl, which embraces Indigenous traditions and fosters community.
"I was really honoured to participate in helping create that," Bartelette said. "Being Indigenous, seeing this integrated into the school process and actually acknowledging that we are on Treaty One territory—I think more people need to be aware of that."
The alternative logo places the Lion at its centre, surrounded by layers of meaning rooted in the natural world and Treaty symbolism.
The sun rises in the east and the moon sets in the west, reminding students that belonging at Glenlawn endures day and night. The ten white spruce trees honour Manitoba's provincial tree, the ten months of the school year as well as growth through one's time at Glenlawn Collegiate. The river flows on either side of the Lion's head, paying tribute to the Red River Settlement and the fundamental Treaty promise, "As long as the sun shines, the grass grows and the river flows."
Northern lights stream across the design, symbolizing movement, hope, and connection to the sky world.
Three figures gather around the smudge, representing students, staff, and community learning together. A feather transitions from light to dark above the Lion's head, symbolizing purpose and the obstacles that one must overcome on the path to finding one's direction in life. Encircling everything is the Circle of Courage, grounding the school in belonging, generosity, independence, and mastery.
Chipak emphasized the collaborative nature of the work. "I want to highlight the collaborating and creating process. To work alongside the school and learn more about the goal of what the school staff want for their school environment and more importantly each individual student, it is very inspiring…. It was clear the direction was to have the lion still a part of the image, but to have it connected to nature, the sky, and life. This would build on the reminder that we are all living under the same sun and moon, and we are all connected. I wanted the image to tie in the land and symbolism of Manitoba, specifically Treaty One."
Potapinski emphasized that the design reflects the school's commitment to decolonization, strengthening relationships, and ensuring every student feels seen and valued.
"This logo is a teaching tool, a grounding place, and a commitment," Potapinski noted. "It tells our students that they are part of something larger than themselves. It tells our community that Glenlawn walks forward with intention and humility."
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