Little Amik could be coming back to Fort Frances.
It was a former mascot that was created in the early 1970s and widely used for marketing purposes for the better part of three decades.
It is a beaver wearing a voyageur toque.
A version placed on the town entrance signs until 2014 had Little Amik without the toque.
Former town of Fort Frances welcome sign featuring Little Amik, June 2013. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting
The symbol was registered as a trademark by the town in 1971.
Town administration is proposing it be reintroduced.
A report to council states a local business pitched the idea of a more modern version that could be used by the town, businesses, events and other groups.
Administration says bringing it back would have to be done respectfully.
“Administration’s intention is to focus on keeping Little Amik as a symbol of the area residents, tying in a cultural exchange, much as the Voyageur was a distinct culture blending European and Indigenous traditions,” the report states.
It does not recommend bringing back Little Amik to its former state.
“While the original depiction holds historical and sentimental value, a modernized version is recommended to appeal to all age groups and remain relevant and flexible in design.”
It adds that Indigenous consultation is crucial to having a design that reflects cultural significance.
The Chief Administrative Officer and the town’s Communications officer have sought advice from the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Planning Committee.
Three agencies have shown their support.
The report will come to council on Monday.
If approved, one of the first places Little Amik could appear is on the water tower.
Administration says there are also opportunities for merchandising, marketing, photo opportunities, and a mascot that would take part in parades and other events.
It also suggests the possibility of creating a new festival incorporating the mascot.
Little Amik could be coming back to Fort Frances.
It was a former mascot that was created in the early 1970s and widely used for marketing purposes for the better part of three decades.
It is a beaver wearing a voyageur toque.
A version placed on the town entrance signs until 2014 had Little Amik without the toque.
Former town of Fort Frances welcome sign featuring Little Amik, June 2013. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting
The symbol was registered as a trademark by the town in 1971.
Town administration is proposing it be reintroduced.
A report to council states a local business pitched the idea of a more modern version that could be used by the town, businesses, events and other groups.
Administration says bringing it back would have to be done respectfully.
“Administration’s intention is to focus on keeping Little Amik as a symbol of the area residents, tying in a cultural exchange, much as the Voyageur was a distinct culture blending European and Indigenous traditions,” the report states.
It does not recommend bringing back Little Amik to its former state.
“While the original depiction holds historical and sentimental value, a modernized version is recommended to appeal to all age groups and remain relevant and flexible in design.”
It adds that Indigenous consultation is crucial to having a design that reflects cultural significance.
The Chief Administrative Officer and the town’s Communications officer have sought advice from the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Planning Committee.
Three agencies have shown their support.
The report will come to council on Monday.
If approved, one of the first places Little Amik could appear is on the water tower.
Administration says there are also opportunities for merchandising, marketing, photo opportunities, and a mascot that would take part in parades and other events.
It also suggests the possibility of creating a new festival incorporating the mascot.
