Introducing Our New Logo

We’re very excited to introduce our new look here at Gulf Island Seaplanes – one that reflects our proud heritage as an Indigenous-owned airline here on the West Coast of British Columbia.

Designed by Tom Spetter, Lead Designer at the Victoria-based digital agency Animikii Inc., our new logo features strong local Indigenous artistic influences – including the Thunderbird and haietlik (translated as ‘lightning snake’), two spirits and legendary creatures with a rich history among Indigenous cultures here on the West Coast.

Many legends are associated with the Thunderbird among the Kwagiulth, Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Coast Salish people. One Coast Salish legend tells of the Salish people’s great reliance on the salmon for food. One day, a killer whale swam into a nearby bay and the salmon were driven away. Soon the people began to hunger and starve and called out to the Thunderbird for help. The Thunderbird swooped down from a great height, grabbed the killer whale and carried it out to the sea. The salmon returned and the people were no longer hungry. Thus the Thunderbird is known as a protector of the people and is deeply revered by many.

Today the Thunderbird remains a very powerful and respected being to the the Kwagiulth, Nuu-Chah-Nulth and Coast Salish people living along the Salish Sea and beyond.

Our new logo also features Hagwilget Peak in the centre. A prominent peak situated just south of Hazelton in Northern BC, Hagwilget Peak holds a special significance to Gulf Island Seaplanes co-founder Alison Evans, who grew up in the nearby area. Incorporating Hagwilget Peak in a logo that reflects the Indigenous-owned nature of Gulf Island Seaplanes was something she and fellow co-founder Sean Evans aspired to do for many years.

As an Indigenous-owned digital agency, Animikii Inc. was a natural choice for designing our new logo. Spearheaded by Tom Spetter, lead designer and member of Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, our new logo is a great source of pride to our team, and marks a continued celebration of our Indigenous background. 

As an Indigenous-owned digital agency, Animikii works with leading Indigenous-focused organizations from all industries to drive positive change for Indigenous Peoples through technology.

An Indigenous-owned airline based on Gabriola Island, Gulf Island Seaplanes also provides regularly scheduled and chartered services to a number of destinations on the West Coast of B.C. To find out more about booking your own regularly scheduled or chartered floatplane service, call us at 250-247-9992 or reach us by email at info@gulfislandseaplanes.com today!