On April 8, 2026
The story behind the RCAAQ’s logo
Behind the RCAAQ logo lies a powerful artistic process. Discover its story.
In 2026, the RCAAQ will be celebrating 50 years of social involvement and solidarity. Among the symbols that bear witness to this past, our logo plays a special role. It embodies a vision, the talent of a socially engaged artist and a legacy spanning generations. Learn how an illustration engraved on birch bark inspired the RCAAQ’s logo.
A picture that tells a story
Our logo was chosen during a contest launched in the early 1980s within the Native Friendship Centre Movement. Created by Christine Sioui Wawanoloath, an active member of the Val-d’Or Native Friendship Centre, the winning artwork was inspired by a birch bark engraving, a reflection of our deep respect for tradition.
A symbol that draws us together
The challenge was to envision a logo that would reflect the RCAAQ’s values. Christine set to work, researching, sketching and reading, to refine an image that would embody the very soul of the Movement: our values of peace and friendship. As she turned the pages, an illustration caught her eye: a person holding out a pipe. This simple yet powerful gesture became the heart of her concept. She then imagined two characters who had no specific gender so that everyone can see themselves in the image of respectful and open exchange.
An outstretched pipe, an open hand: giving, sharing, helping. We see, in the background, a sunrise. This universal symbol of hope and renewal evokes light and joy. The rising sun is a sacred moment marking a new beginning, and it illustrated the first steps of the RCAAQ, which was in full development at the time.
For Christine, the logo needed to speak for itself and be understood instantly:
« When an image enters the world, it remains there for generations to come. This is all the more important for the logo of a Movement like the RCAAQ. »
— Christine Sioui WawanoloathA socially engaged artist
An Abenaki‑Wendat multidisciplinary artist, Christine Sioui Wawanoloath has been exploring fine arts and literature for over 40 years. She expresses a rich and diverse world through painting, ink, digital art, collage and sculpture. Her involvement doesn’t stop with artistic creativity: she helped organize Quebec’s first Indigenous film festival, as well as intergenerational gatherings to pass on the knowledge of Elders.
More than just a visual, our logo reflects our collective vision. It represents peace, friendship and open-mindedness, values that have shaped our history and will continue to guide our steps. This symbol unites us today and for generations to come.