Meet our Mascots!
Ahkameyimok the bison and Miyo~wahkotowin the magpie were designed by Corvus Roan, an indigiqueer and Two-Spirit Nakota Sioux (Stoney) and Nehiyaw (Cree) visual artist, community worker, and youth leader based in ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ Amiskwaciwaskahikan (Edmonton).
These two characters are time-travelers that use traditional Indigenous oral stories and knowledge, like star-mapping, to educate others about the importance of balance between mankind and nature.
Their mission? To spread the message of love, peace, and bannock grease.
Ahkameyimok, the buffalo
they/them
Ahkameyimok is big hearted and friendly, if sometimes a bit stubborn, of large stature but a giant softie.
Likes: Eating good food (sweetgrass or buffalo sage, buffalos are vegetarian) dancing to any good beat, standing up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Like longs walks in our river valley hiking trails.
Dislikes: Bullies / those who pick on the vulnerable, when people waste food, summer construction in the city (It’s too hot for this!)
Ahkameyimok means “Persevere” or “Don’t give up.” Ahkameyimok is a foundational Cree word that conceptualizes never giving up and persevering, it is encouraging and deeply rooted in Cree culture and teachings.
Miyo~ wahkotowin, the magpie
she/herMiyo~ wahkotowin is mischievous, playful, and loyal, small in stature but approachable!
Likes: collecting trinkets, rocks, and more random items they find on their travels, good clear sky days where flying is easy
Dislikes: garbage on the ground/littering, cold seasons, and people who complain about how “loud” they are.
‘Miyo’ is from ‘Miywâsin’ which translates to “it is good.” Wahkotowin is a foundational Cree word which translates to ‘Kinship’ or ‘relations.” This translates to “Good relations” in English.