In its most simple breakdown, identity design can commonly be comprised of a logo and text. An Indigenous designer can choose to look at the graphic element or the textual element in this equation.
graphic elements will be explored by all designers. There are many challenges when taking this approach to identity design, and some graphic elements of visual cultures should not be reproduced or perpetuated. Proper research is necessary to ensure a respectful and responsible design process for cultural communities.
textual elements on the other hand are less likely to be examined and questioned.
Through this research, I suspect that Indigenous peoples might endure the greatest cultural harm from linguistic imperialism. The utilization of the English language suppresses not only the indigenous language but the ingrained knowledge and perspectives that accompany the long standing, lived experiences.
Seeking to break this trend, I wondered more about the textual forms of language.
I chose to start developing a typeface that reflected how textual communication is used in my community; which primarily centers around a selection of consonants and vowels. Design comprised of some traditionally known glyphs and diacritics, along with digraph combinations.
Unlike most Native American "inspired" fonts, this one was built with language education in mind.
I next faced the challenge of how I was going to utilize the text.
Introspection commenced, and I started to build out my exhibit.
Our indigenous language; our complex, unique and original birthright is at the center of my perspective. Language reinforces our cultural identity and reconnects us to the land that we belong to. In the face of adversity, language is a reassertion of the unbroken strength that is always present within our mind, soul and spirit.
