Co-Directors Robin Sutherland, left, and Larissa Speak unveiled the Institute's new logo, a Thunderbird, on Thursday. Photo Courtesy: Lakehead University

Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law has unveiled its new Anishnaabemowin name of the Indigenous Law and Justice Institute as well as its new logo during a ceremony Thursday at the John N. Paterson Auditorium.

Mino-Waabandan Inaakonigewinan, means “seeing the law in a good way.”

“We are extremely excited to share the Anishinaabemowin name we were ceremonially gifted at our inaugural summer land-based learning camp, as well as the logo created for our institute,”said Co-Director and Assistant Professor Larissa Speak.

The name was bestowed upon the institute by Elder Ron Linklater in August of last year.

Both the name and logo reflect the important work the Institute is doing with communities to revitalize Indigenous laws and legal orders.

“Mino-waabandan Inaakonigewinan,’ or ‘seeing the law in a good way,’ is something we strive for daily through our law program and the Institute’s activities. says Director of Indigenous Relations and Co-Director Robin Sutherland. “The Thunderbird image also relates to seeing law in a good way and reflects our location in Thunder Bay, especially with Fort William First Nation being our closest neighbour and home to Anemki Wajiw, or Thunder Mountain.”

The new logo is a Thunderbird, designed by local Anishinaabe artist Ryan Pooman. The logo represents power, protection and strength, the qualities associated with vision and leadership that will guide the institute.