The Indigenous-Language Immersion (ILI) Study logo was designed by Mike J. Marin (Navajo/Laguna Pueblo/Washoe), a self-taught artist and independent filmmaker from Oakland, California. His signature can be seen in the bottom far-right corner of the image above. Mr. Marin says this about the logo:
The symbolism of the design is centered around motherhood and Native American oral traditions. Many Native American tribes are matrilineal, and therefore it is important for a mother to communicate and pass onto the child what it means to be a positive and healthy human being. She is the first voice and the eagle carries her message. The mother and child are surrounded by the turtle father who represents the creation stories of Native peoples. He carries wisdom and history on his back throughout his never-ending journey as father and protector. The surrounding Pueblo design represents water and the ever-flowing change.
In addition to his work as an artist, Mike Marin is the founder and chief designer of Redgear Productions, a family-owned and operated Native-themed apparel business since 1996. He relocated from Oakland to Chicago, Illinois in 2002 and graduated from Columbia College Chicago in 2011 with a BA in film and video. After a 20-year career in Early Childhood Education, he moved on to pursue his dream of becoming an independent filmmaker. Shortly before moving to Los Angeles, Mike founded his own film company, Real Talk Junkies Films, and completed his first feature film, The Smudging, a Native-themed supernatural thriller. Now living in Los Angeles, Mike continues his filmmaking dream and manages his online clothing company. You can find Redgear Productions at www.tee.pub/lic/redgear96.