The Office of Vital Statistics is inviting Akwesasne artists and creators to submit original logo concepts for the Akwesasne Membership Board.
One finalist will be selected to collaborate with the Office of Vital Statistics to develop a polished logo that will become the official visual identity of the Akwesasne Membership Board.
Closing Date: Friday, September 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Submissions and questions can be directed to:
Nola Benedict, Executive Assistant
Office of Vital Statistics
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
101 Tewesateni Road, Kawehno:ke
Akwesasne, ON K6H 0G5
Email: nbenedict.ovs@akwesasne.ca
Background:
Our current logo has proudly represented the Board for approximately 35 years, and we are looking for a fresh visual identity that reflects the Board's important role within the community. The Akwesasne Membership Board is an independent decision-making body elected across our three districts (Kawehnò:ke, Kaná:takon, and Tsi Snaíhne). The Board's core responsibility is to uphold the Akwesasne Membership Code (enacted in 1987) and the Akwesasne Residency Law. Through these laws, the Board exercises Akwesasne's inherent sovereignty and self-determination to define our own citizenship, protect our lineage, regulate residency, and preserve the cultural and political integrity of our territory.
Rules & Submission Guidelines:
Eligibility
- Open to all Akwesasne community members.
Original Concepts
- All submissions must be the entrant's original work.
- Submissions may include hand-drawn sketches, digital concept sketches, and/or written descriptions of a logo concept.
- Stock artwork, traced artwork, and AI-generated images are not permitted.
Design Considerations
- Concepts should reflect the role, purpose, and values of the Akwesasne Membership Board.
- Artists should keep in mind that the final logo will need to be professionally developed for a variety of applications, including letterhead, official documents, websites, social media, and exterior signage.
- The final logo must be effective at both small and large sizes and remain recognizable in full colour, solid black, and solid white.
Selection Process
- The Office of Vital Statistics will review all submissions.
- The Office of Vital Statistics (OVS) reserves the right not to select a finalist if no submission sufficiently meets the objectives of the callout. All decisions of the OVS selection committee are final.
- One finalist will be selected based on the strength of their concept and invited to collaborate with the Office of Vital Statistics to develop a finalized logo design.
- The selected finalist may be asked to make reasonable revisions to the concept during the logo development process in collaboration with the Office of Vital Statistics.
Compensation
- The selected finalist will receive $1,000 upon completion of the final logo concept developed in collaboration with the Office of Vital Statistics.
- The finalist must sign a Copyright Transfer Agreement, assigning ownership of the final logo to the Office of Vital Statistics, before the compensation is released.
Ownership & Rights
- By submitting an entry, participants acknowledge that, if selected, they will work with the Office of Vital Statistics to refine their concept into the final logo.
- Upon acceptance of the final logo and execution of the Copyright Transfer Agreement, all copyright and ownership of the completed logo will belong exclusively to the Office of Vital Statistics.
How to Submit
- Submit your concept by email, postal mail or hand-delivered in a sealed envelope to:
Attention: Nola Benedict, Executive Assistant
Office of Vital Statistics
Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
101 Tewesateni Road
Akwesasne, Ontario K6H 0G5
Email: nbenedict.ovs@akwesasne.ca
- Include:
- Your full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Include a brief description (approximately one paragraph) explaining:
- The inspiration behind your concept, any cultural significance or symbolism, and how your concept represents the Akwesasne Membership Board.
- Submit concepts and information listed above by the deadline of Friday, September 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Download the Call Out: