Since 2022, the Collaboratory has embraced the beaver (Castor canadensis) as the lab’s mascot. The beaver is an important part of many ecosystems across North America, and its presence indicates a healthy environment. The beaver can create new spaces via construction of its dams, that make life possible for many other living beings.
Similarly, through slow and steady work, much as the beaver builds its dam, the Lab does its part to create positive environmental and geographical futures for the Indigenous communities and Nations we are fortunate enough to work alongside.
The Collaboratory commissioned celebrated W̱SÁNEĆ artist Sarah Jim to create our new logo. Jim shares her inspiration behind this design:
“The prompt was wetland, beaver, and the land. The circular cattail design represents the health of the land by protecting the beaver within. Cattails love water, so they are interconnected to the wave below. The crescent moon symbolizes circles, phases, and reflection. Coast Salish elements are included throughout to honour our traditional lands and waters. Land water and sky are common elements in my work to acknowledge that everything is connected.”
Geographic Indigenous Futures Collaboratory 