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Animikii (ah-nih-mih-key) means Thunderbird in Anishinaabemowin. Thunderbird and is a very powerful and respected being in Ojibwe culture; thunder is caused by the beating of the Thunderbird's immense wings. Jeff Ward’s (Animikii’s founder) spiritual name is Animikii Gwewinzenhs which means "Thunderbird Boy.”
The name, “Animikii” is Ojibwe, but our logo is done by a Coast Salish artist. This contrast reflects Animikii’s identity as an organization founded upon Anishinaabe teachings, headquartered in Coast Salish territories. “Animikii” means “Thunderbird” in Ojibwe which calls back to Animikii’s origins as a sole proprietorship operated by Jeff, and the Anishinaabe values upon which the organization is built.
The logo was developed by Andrew (Enpaauk) Dexel from the Nlakapamux Nation; it is meant to be a transcultural piece that showcases the story of Animikii. Andrew is known for his original paintings and his modern interpretations of traditional forms, stories, and teachings.
In the video below, Andrew Dexel talks about collaborating with Jeff Ward to make the Animikii Logo and the meaning of the Thunderbird throughout Turtle Island.