Shxw'owhámél First Nation
Client
Shxw'owhámél First Nation
Industry
Government
Services
Brand Strategy
Tone of Voice
Brand Identity
Art Direction
Cinematography
Photography
Web Design
Web Development
The client
Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation is a community of 200 members located along the Fraser River near Hope, BC, Canada. In their traditional language, Halq’eméylem, Shxw’ōwhámél means where the river levels and widens. As Stó:lō people or people of the river in Halq’eméylem, the Fraser River played and continues to play a critical role in the lives of Shxw’ōwhámél’s people as a cultural resource and food source.
The challenge
After years of struggling to find the right partner for a new website, Shxw’ōwhámél First Nation approached us to make their vision a reality. In our initial discussions, it was immediately evident that a website alone would not resolve the problems they wanted to solve. We helped Shxw’ōwhámél discover that what they really wanted help with was developing a clear communication strategy and a brand identity worthy of their ambitions.
The solution
We did a deep dive into Shxw’ōwhámél’s history, brand identity, and helped them reaffirm their values and mission statement. We sought inspiration from other First Nation communities and institutions to inform the brand strategy. We were equally inspired by rebranding projects from leading municipal governments in Canada and abroad.
Our research combined with consultation from Shxw’ōwhámél led to the creation of a brand strategy built around four principles: empowerment, transparency, stewardship, and resilience. Using Shxw’ōwhámél’s brand principles, we created a unified and flexible brand identity system that captures the richness of their culture and ensures consistent messaging across all platforms.
Typography
The new font, Lato, embodies the warmth, strength, friendliness, and vibrancy of SFN.
Website
Based on insights gained through research and client feedback, we designed a website that better serves the needs of Shxw’ōwhámél’s members and allows them to communicate confidently and effectively both internally and externally.
Cinematography
We produced an engaging film that captures the journey SFN is on to build a vibrant, culturally-rich, and economically self-sufficient nation.
Photography
We created images that capture the inviting personalities of SFN’s people and it's beautiful, breathtaking landscapes.
Brand Guidelines
We created brand guidelines for Shxw’ōwhámel First Nation to ensure a consistent visual and communication style no matter the medium used.