Sperry design was engaged to design five interpretive panels for Cape Breton Highlands National Park. These special panels marked a significant collaboration between Parks Canada and the local Mi’kmaw Community.
Four of the panels recreate the story of the Sweetwater Maiden, based on Mary-Louise Bernard’s illustrated children’s book Sweet Water Maiden: The Legend of Maple Syrup. our of her book illustrations with passages from the book in English, French and Mi’kmaq translations are depicted on the panels and allow visitors to enjoy the story in the natural and beautiful setting of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. One of the panels displays an artistic rendering of the traditional Mi’kmaq lands, known as Mi’kma’ki, for historical context. Throughout the process, Sperry Design worked with our Parks Canada client, who in turn, worked with the Mi’kmaw Advisory Committee through a careful review, feedback and approval process to guarantee that that both the Mi’kmaq community, and Park’s Canada ‘s messaging were accurately detailed in panel content.
All the panels were designed with die-cut edges to mimic the soft, rolling and tree-lined mountains of the park. The colours used on the panels adhered to Parks Canada’s brand and colour standards, which fit perfectly in the traditional Mi’kmaw style of earthy and organic colour. To provide a further sense of place and nature, Sperry Design incorporated subtle maple leaf graphics and textures that ran consistently through the five panels.