Maskwacis Cree Tribal Council
Change Your Colours Campaign
Copywriting, graphic design, media relations & buying
Overview
We were approached by Maskwacis Cree Tribal Council (MCTC) to develop a campaign that would raise awareness of and combat the rising realities of drug and gang violence in the communities MCTC serves—Ermineskin Cree Nation, Samson Cree Nation, Louis Bull Tribe, and Montana First Nation (70km south of Edmonton)—and surrounding areas. Together, these nations form one of the largest Cree populations in the province. We determined our mission was to craft a powerful and culturally resonant message, framed positively, to inspire healing, unity, and cultural reclamation that matched MCTC’s deep commitment to cultural revitalization, community safety, and youth empowerment.
The result was the “Change Your Colours” campaign that showcases messages of love, kindness, peace, resilience, warrior spirit, kinship, and support in Cree syllabics, alongside a beautiful image of a pow wow dancer in their regalia. Displayed prominently on the Capital Light Rail Transit (LRT) line in Edmonton, as well as on billboards across Edmonton, Wetaskiwin, Camrose, and major highways, these powerful messages are encouraging connection – to family and to culture – and disconnection from a life of gangs and guns.
Deliverable
- We developed a campaign message and artwork that made history in having Cree syllabics prominently displayed on Edmonton’s LRT system, on key highways, and in surrounding communities heavily impacted by drugs and gang violence.
- We took a very limited budget and turned it into a six-figure advertising campaign by applying for a PATTISON Outdoor Elevating Voices grant on behalf of MCTC.
- Project lead Elizabeth Bunney delivered a pro-bono media event through her consultancy Elizabeth Bunney Communications to give back to Community.
- The campaign launch achieved close to 40M impressions and more than $1M in Ad Value Equivalency through online media sources in the first week following the campaign launch (not to mention the traditional broadcast reach through key outlets like Global and CTV Edmonton).
College of New Caledonia
2024 Indigenous Education Plan: lhk’enazdulkat (we change ourselves)
Editing, graphic design
Overview
The College of New Caledonia (CNC) has been serving the educational needs of B.C.’s Central Interior since 1969, offering a comprehensive range of programs to over 5,000 students annually. CNC works with many Indigenous communities in the region to deliver programs with the goal of seeing Indigenous students thrive at CNC and at home. We were tasked with taking the 2024-2029 Indigenous Education Plan that was built in collaboration with communities in the region and highlight the interconnectedness of the college, people and the land. Further, we were asked to push the boundaries of the college’s brand guides to create a distinct design, but one that still felt like it belonged in a suite of college strategic plans being rolled out at the same time.
Deliverables
Based on a creative brief created in consultation with those responsible for building the plan, we delivered a carefully designed book that met our client’s needs. We challenged conventional design approaches to communicating a strategic plan by avoiding a traditional, hierarchical, and linear way of laying out a strategic plan.
It was important that the visuals communicate a wholistic approach to Indigenous education with balanced priorities for the college. Our design avoids a layout that communicates any sort of prioritization for initiatives and areas of focus. Additionally, we used a limited number of hard edges in the design. We favoured gradients, circles, and soft edges wherever possible. Our designer drew streams of water to flow through the book to connect the plan. This symbolizes the interconnectedness of the college, the people ,and the land. To contextualize the book to the region, we worked with the college to gather images of people, artwork, and any stories of significance to influence and integrate into the design. The college provided a story about “Dream Hunters” that came with illustrations that were integrated into the final design. These illustrations feature people and small communities that were placed along the stream of water flowing through the book.
Our Work
Rise Air
Rise Air Careers Guides
Writing, editing, and graphic design
Overview
Recruiting pilots and air maintenance engineers is an ongoing challenge faced by many airlines around the world. Rise Air, a 100% Indigenous-owned aviation company based here in Saskatchewan faces the same challenge. Our project focused on developing a career guide aimed at engaging pilots and air maintenance engineers worldwide to consider a career with Rise Air. The goal is to set Rise Air apart as an employer of choice, and to attract and retain top talent for a career with Rise Air, further bolstering its pivotal role in Saskatchewan’s aviation sector.
Deliverables
We wrote, edited and designed two guides written for pilots and air maintenance engineers (AMEs) with the aim of attracting them to a career with Rise Air. With just a few pages, we needed to communicate what life is like in Saskatchewan, how pilots and AMEs from other parts of the world can be licensed to work in Canada, and what sets Rise Air apart as an employer.
Our Work
Athabasca Basin Development
Print Ad Revisions
Graphic Design, Copywriting
Overview
Throughout the year, our endeavor was to refresh Athabasca Basin Development’s (ABD) print ads. We meticulously updated existing ads with a splash of fresh messaging to reflect their growing portfolio and ongoing commitment to northern Saskatchewan. Plus, we introduced new ads to celebrate the holidays and National Indigenous Peoples Day. Through our nuanced approach we helped ABD amplify its narrative and values, strengthening its brand voice and community impact.
Our Work
Indigenous Advisory Council for CN
Final Report and Resignation
Media relations, issues management planning
Overview
Our team worked closely with the former Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) for CN Rail (Co-chaired by Ms. Roberta Jamieson and Hon. Murray Sinclair) to deliver the Council’s annual report to the CN Board of Directors and CEO which included the IAC’s mass and early resignation. We also developed an issues management strategy and provided media relations support announcing the IAC’s resignation.
Deliverables
- Annual report, which included the IAC’s resignation and recommendations going forward for CN’s TRC initiatives.
- A comprehensive issues management and media relations strategy implemented by us. The aim was to effectively communicate the resignation of the former Indigenous Advisory Council for CN Rail.
Results
- 1,000+ mentions
- 38.5% positive and 54.9% neutral media sentiment
- Five-day media cycle with international coverage
Kitsaki Management
2023 Annual Impact Report
Graphic design
Overview
We were approached by the Kitsaki Management team to use their written copy and help design their first-ever Annual Impact Report. Kitsaki was established in 1981 by visionary, progressive leaders of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band (LLRIB). Since then, Kitsaki has built a diverse portfolio of businesses to create wealth for current and future generations and to maximize benefits to the Lac La Ronge Indian Band. To do this they are invested in several sectors including transportation, hospitality, environmental, mining, engineering, insurance, and forestry.
Deliverables
We worked with the Kitsaki team to design a 36-page annual impact report. This report focused on how their revenues are re-invested back into the community to support capacity building, skill-building, and employment training opportunities.
Our Work
Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation
Project Compass
Internal communications, change management strategy.
Overview
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) champions the interests of over 13,500 Pre-K to12 teachers in Saskatchewan, advocating for excellence in public education and professional growth for educators. We were approached by the STF communications team during a time of transition on their team.
STF was embracing a massive digital transformation project and we supported the communication team on designing and implementing a change communication strategy. This digital transformation would change the how the organization worked – gone with paper resumes, expense sheets and vacation tracking – hello digital systems!
Deliverables
- Designed an engaging change communication strategy for the ‘Project Compass’.
- Our communications goal with Project Compass was to have the STF staff ‘Falling in Love with Work Again’.
- We Provided a creative brief for an engaging video called ‘Papercut Confessions’ to celebrate the launch of the project. This video was a subtle way to communicate the various systems that were transitioning from paper to digital.
Camponi Housing Corporation
Media Relations, Issues Management
Media relations, issues management planning, event coordination
Overview
SaskNative Rentals and Camponi Development Corporation approached us to support the media relations and issues management planning for the groundbreaking of their new supportive housing project on Hart Road in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Outcomes
- Interviewed invested parties and developed an issues management brief to prepare leadership to respond to public concerns as they arose.
- Prepared a media backgrounder and project overview sheets for event attendees.
Distributed a media release that earned six local and Indigenous news mentions, with 535.4K impressions, 60% positive and 40% neutral media sentiment. 40% of our coverage was television and 60% was online. - Supported the development of a media release in coordination with municipal, provincial, and federal government bodies.
A2SKI Industrial
Brand Identity
Creative Brief, Graphic Design
Overview
Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies and A2SKI approached us to create a brand identity that tied in culturally significant imagery, popped, and exudes a sense of reliability, dependability and strength.
Deliverable
- Consult with client to develop a creative brief.
- Landed on a visual identity that portrays an eagle with wings to make a saw blade. The eight feathers of the saw blade represent the eight communities that make up Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. We incorporated syllabics into the logo in both a horizontal and vertical version.
- Final project delivery included a mini-brand book showing usage, colour palettes and sample applications.
Our Work
Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies
Brochure, tradeshow banners
Copywriting, graphic design
Overview
Tasked with updating the trade show presence of Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies (PBGOC), the economic engine of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation (PBCN), our goal was to design materials that mirror PBGOC’s current identity and ambitions. This involved a blend of capturing PBGOC’s strategic investment ethos, commitment to community empowerment, and their journey towards economic self-sufficiency for PBCN. The challenge lay in distilling the essence of PBGOC’s mission, values, and future vision into engaging and cohesive trade show collaterals that align with their newly updated website.
Deliverables
Brochure: We developed a sleek brochure that details PBGOC’s investment strategy, portfolio diversity, and the forward-thinking five-pillar approach. Designed to resonate with partners and community members alike, this piece effectively communicates PBGOC’s role in generating wealth and opportunities for PBCN.
Trade Show Banners: Updated banners were created to highlight PBGOC’s expanding investments, showcasing the growth and dynamism of the company. These banners, matching the brochure in tone and style, amplify PBGOC’s message of sustainable success and strategic expansion at trade shows.
Concise Messaging and Visual Harmony: The content across all materials was crafted to be both impactful and reflective of PBGOC’s guiding principles. Visually, the collaterals align with the refreshed brand identity, ensuring a unified and recognizable look that stands out during trade events.
Our Work
Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation
STF Bulletin Stories
Social media strategy, content creation, and creative writing.
Overview
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation (STF) champions the interests of over 13,500 PreK-12 teachers in Saskatchewan, advocating for excellence in public education and professional growth for educators. With a rich history of over 80 years, the STF sees public education as a universal right and works towards societal and educational improvements for all citizens of Saskatchewan. We were approached by the STF communications team during a time of transition on their team and we collaborated with them in creating content for their freshly redesigned member newsletter.
Deliverables
- Wrote and produced social media content for their annual calendaring based on the articles we wrote in the bulletin.
- Wrote and edited articles for STF’s Bulletin magazine
Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc. (BATC)
Press Conference
Media relations
Overview
Work with BATC’s Acâhkos Awâsisak (Star Children) project team to support a press conference about the ground-search findings at the Delmas Catholic Residential School (also known as Thunderchild and St. Henri) and Battleford Industrial School.
Outcomes
- Organized a hybrid press conference involving Survivors, First Nation leadership, project team members, and the Minister of Crown–Indigenous Relations Canada
- Prepared and distributed a media kit, including the media advisory, agenda, media release, and key messaging
- Earned 22 news media mentions and 47.8M impressions
Nick Sackville
Ward 3 City Council Campaign
Brand design, communications strategy and execution, issues management, media relations
Overview
Nick Sackville approached us to provide strategic communications support for his Saskatoon Ward 3 City Councillor run. We carefully vetted Nick to ensure our values aligned, and ultimately we were happy to support his effort.
Deliverables
- Conducted primary and secondary research to develop and strategically align Nick’s personal brand identity and voter profiles
- Worked with Nick on an issues management plan to determine his position on issues important to Ward 3 residents
- Developed Nick’s campaign website with support from our Collective member Kailey Lavallee
- Worked with Jess Rose Designs and Honey Cut Studios to develop high-impact graphics and direct a series of campaign videos
- Strategically planned and executed an earned media campaign to generate brand awareness for Nick, making his the only campaign launch of the candidates to have three major news outlets in attendance: CBC, StarPhoenix, and CKOM
PÎKISKWÊWIN
Indigenous Languages Podcast
Strategic and communications planning, brand development, media relations
Overview
Develop both a broad strategic plan and a focused communication and marketing plan to support the pîkiskwêwin Indigenous languages podcast initiative.
Deliverables
- Conducted primary and secondary research to develop audience profiles for the podcasts
- Assisted in the development of brand identity, voice, and tone
- Developed a communication and marketing plan including strategies, goals, objectives, and key messaging
- Facilitated a two-day strategic planning session with the pîkiskwêwin team to develop the project strategy
- Produced and executed a media relations strategy earning 48 recorded new mentions, 5.7M impressions, and $136.9K Ad Value
Our Work
Rise Air
2022 Annual Impact Report
Research, writing and editing, graphic design
Overview
Rise Air, a 100% Indigenous-owned aviation company, has carved out a significant niche in Saskatchewan’s air transport sector, boasting over 280 personnel and a versatile fleet capable of reaching every corner of the province and beyond. With its unique ability to connect communities from Saskatoon to Fond-du-Lac through scheduled flights and specialized charter services, Rise Air is an important part in Saskatchewan’s aviation industry. Our mission was to craft the 2022 Annual Impact Report to tell stories of its impact, raise awareness about Rise Air’s operations, and highlight its commitment to serving the north. This report needed to convey Rise Air’s impact on community development, its role in creating employment opportunities for Indigenous people, and its contribution to the growth and success of Saskatchewan through its diverse services.
Deliverables
A 24-page Annual Impact Report for Rise Air, created through comprehensive interviews with board members, employees, and staff. This document is designed to showcase Rise Air’s expansive reach, its innovative and tailored aviation services, and its foundational role in supporting and partnering with First Nation communities for mutual growth. The report serves as a testament to Rise Air’s operational excellence, community commitment, and its vision of being the first choice in aviation services in Saskatchewan and beyond.
Our Work
Athabasca Basin Development
20 Year Anniversary Book
Research, writing and editing, graphic design
Overview
For 20 years, Athabasca Basin Development (ABD) has been a cornerstone in Indigenous-owned investment across a broad spectrum of industries, from construction to aviation, in Northern Saskatchewan. As the company reached this milestone, our task was to tell ABD’s story – highlighting its journey, principles, and achievements in a 20 Year Anniversary Book. Through insights from board members and staff, we showcased the company’s commitment to sustainable business, its role in fostering community partnerships, and its vision for future growth. This narrative was to reflect the company’s mission of maximizing economic opportunities in the Athabasca Basin region with an entrepreneurial spirit, and its goal to be recognized as a leading Indigenous-owned investment company in Canada.
Deliverable
- A 48-page publication marking Athabasca Basin Development’s 20th anniversary. Drawing from interviews with the company’s leadership and team, this book highlights their strategic investments, community impact, and the vision that propels them forward. It serves as a tribute to their two decades of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to the economic empowerment of Northern Saskatchewan.
- This milestone publication garnered the 2023 Saskatchewan Award for Communication Excellence, a testament to its impactful storytelling and the significant achievements of Athabasca Basin Development.
Our Work
