The Story of Our Logo
Positive Living North became an Indigenous AIDS Service Organization (ASO) in 2003, and this was the inspiration for our logo, the creation of which our members contributed significantly to!
Freedom Bird
An Iroquois story tells us that a long time ago people were disrespectful toward animals, the earth and each other. So the Creator took the sun away. For four days the robin sang strongly and clearly, calling for the sun to return. The Creator took pity and returned the light. Those same robins are heard before sunrise, calling for the light of a new dawn.
The Positive Living North robin has a heart at its centre representing life, love and compassion. The green symbolizes healing and open communication. The red ribbon is the symbol for the HIV/AIDS movement. The rainbow wings signify inclusion of the full spectrum of humanity and enable the bird to fly with the promise of hope and freedom.
About the Artist
Glenn Patterson is an artist, drum-maker and film maker. Glenn synthesized the themes from three drawings that were submitted by people who are part of Positive Living North. About the process of creating it, Glenn said, with a smile,”I like the way it flew together.”
The Story of Our Name
When AIDS Prince George transitioned into it’s new identity in 2003, the decision was made to change the name to something that was more reflective of our northern uniqueness. Elders from the Nak’azdli First Nation and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation were consulted as to the carrier translation of Positive Living North. Elders Nick Prince and Margaret Gagnon worked on the translation and developed, “No kheyoh t’sih’en t’sehena”. To hear how to pronounce the Carrier name, you can listen to the sound bite provided by Elder Nellie Prince, from the Nak’azdli First Nation.