As the year comes to an end, I am thrilled to share the incredible highlights that shaped Big Spirit Inc. throughout the productive year of 2023. It was a year of growth, meaningful partnerships, and impactful projects that resonated with our commitment to creativity, cultural representation, and community engagement.
Empowering Clients, Old and New
One of the most fulfilling aspects of 2023 was our ability to support both new and long-standing clients. The trust they placed in Big Spirit allowed us to make a larger impact than ever before on the marketing efforts of various companies and organizations. This reaffirms our dedication to delivering exceptional creative solutions that elevate our clients’ brands and messages.
Collaboration with Minnesota State Agencies
Our engagement with Minnesota state agencies was a cornerstone of our year. The impactful work we undertook with organizations like Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office and The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Epidemiology Center (GLITEC) affected communities across the state. It was heartening to hear positive feedback about our contributions to these agencies’ marketing efforts, reinforcing our commitment to making a difference in the communities we serve.
Notable Events in 2023
Taking part in the Minnesota State Fair was a highlight for Big Spirit. Our presence at the Cultural Destination Booth in the Education Building allowed us to connect with a diverse audience and showcase the unique vision of our company. It was a pleasure to share the story of how a simple idea during the Super Bowl resulted in Big Spirit being selected as a preferred vendor, demonstrating the innovative spirit that defines our approach, and meeting Peggy Flanagan Minnesota’s 50th Lieutenant Governor.
The Hawaii Trade Mission to Oahu was another highlight of Big Spirit’s year. This trip provided me with the opportunity to connect with the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and explore collaborations with businesses in the state. It exemplified our commitment to fostering relationships, learning from diverse perspectives, and expanding our reach beyond geographical boundaries.
GLITEC’s Opioid Conference
The Journey Toward Wellness Opioid Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin, hosted by GLITEC, was a significant event for Big Spirit. We felt honored to be invited and used the platform to showcase our work in marketing design and products developed around health initiatives. This aligned with our mission to contribute positively to health and wellness, especially in tribal communities.
Proud Projects
Among the projects in 2023 that filled us with pride, the Orange Shirt Day apparel design stood out. Collaborating with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, we created a unique design to raise awareness of the American Indian boarding school system’s historical injustice. This project was a testament to our commitment to social awareness and justice.
Additionally, creating the logo for the Minnesota Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office was a profound honor. This symbolizes our dedication to supporting initiatives that address and remedy the crises affecting Indigenous peoples across the United States.
Giving Back
To Big Spirit, giving back is a core value. In 2023, we had the privilege of working with Hiawatha Collegiate High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I donated time and resources to help Native American high school students design apparel inspired by their own artwork. This initiative allowed us to connect with Native youth, celebrate cultural, and bring awareness to the local community.
As I reflect on the highlights of 2023, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible team at Big Spirit and the inspiring partners and clients who made this journey possible. The year was a testament to our commitment to creativity, cultural representation, and community engagement. We look forward to building on these achievements and continuing to make a positive impact in the years to come.
