CBAIP - Capacity Building For American Indians Project

 

"Assisting American Indians, Alaska Natives and minority entities to develop and maintain culturally appropriate vocational rehabilitation programs."

Dr. Gaseoma designed the original artwork for the CBAIP logo with input from staff members Winona Reid and Sharlene Brown, and one Arizona tribal VR program staff member. The design incorporates several concepts important to American Indians in general and to Arizona Indian tribes in particular.

The hand symbolizes the "helping hand" of the CBAIP in its work with appropriate agencies to assist American Indians, Alaska Natives, and minority entities in the development and implementation of Vocational Rehabilitation programs. The "helping hand" includes the four colors used in the medicine wheel of the Lakota/Dakota Nations and also represents the four colors of mankind.

The mountains on the palm of the hand are the San Francisco Peaks, located near the Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona and considered sacred by Arizona Indian tribes. The eagle is considered by American Indians and Alaska Natives to represent strength, courage and perseverance.

Eagle's feathers are used in some religious ceremonies and to make traditional regalia. The border design is a symbol of water or moisture, often used in pueblo pottery and jewelry.