Meaning of the NACAFV logo

The National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence (NACAFV) approached artist, Doug Kakekagumick, originally from the Sandy Lake First Nation in Ontario but now living in Ottawa, on the possibility of designing a new logo for the NACAFV. His painting was inspired by his grandfather's teachings and legends passed down on First Nation understandings, matching it all to reflect the mandate of the NACAFV. The meaning of the new NACAFV Logo is as follows: "The circle encompasses the women and children with the moon and sun representing the female and male with the Smudge Ceremony for good energy. The white lines outside the circle illustrate "lightenings", a metaphor of violence which is to be kept outside of the circle. In the Circle we've also included the Inuit inukshuck and the Metis Sash and symbol, to also represent the NACAFV membership and to remind everyone that violence needs to be kept outside of anyone's circle."

Poetry

Woman of the Dawn
by Wenona Gardner

I am the heart of my family,
I am the center of my community
I carry the nation on my back
I carry the life of tomorrow in my soul.

I rise above the violence.
Bones heal. Bruises fade. My fear I face.
The rage I channel to protect myself.
To protect my children.
I walk away from the destruction
with my Great Creator by my side.

I am the one who can change the tide.
I am the one who will say STOP!
No more forever.

For I am the Woman of the Dawn.
I rise with the morning sun.
Blazing with light, love, and hope.
I hold the future within me.