Sharing our new logo!
The Coalition for Outdoor Renaming and Education (CORE) is excited to share our new logo and the story of its design process! As a coalition, CORE strives to make the outdoors more welcoming and inclusive for all people by changing racist and derogatory place names; we sought a logo to visually represent this mission and vision. Over the last few months, the CORE Steering Committee has been working with Eastern Cherokee artist Luke Swimmer to create a logo that represents our organization’s work to educate, empower, heal, and engage communities in renaming work. Swimmer shares his process in its creation:
“The logo I designed for CORE reflects a deep connection to nature and the stories that landscapes hold. Drawing inspiration from the Coalition’s mission, I sought to create a visual identity that celebrates the natural world while honoring the cultural and historical significance of places” Swimmer said. “At the heart of the design is a person. Their presence represents wisdom, resilience, and a sense of guardianship over the environment. Surrounding them are elements from nature—an eagle, the sun, and mountain peaks—symbolizing the Coalition’s dedication to preserving and educating others about these sacred spaces.”
CORE’s work is inherently rooted in place. As such, CORE strives to ensure that all of our renaming work is driven from the deep connections that people — and in particular Tribal Nations — have to these places and to what they are named. Building renaming campaigns from the ground up in a way that is driven from the history and knowledge people have about these lands is essential for success in this work. We are thrilled that Luke has been able to beautifully integrate our passion for equity, education, history, and the outdoors into our logo design.
“This logo is a blend of storytelling and design, serving as a reminder that the names and places we honor carry histories worth protecting. It is a celebration of our collective responsibility to connect with the land and to understand its cultural and ecological significance.”
Graphic artist Luke Swimmer (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians). Photo courtesy of Luke Swimmer.
Luke Swimmer is an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University and The University of Kansas. He grew up on the Qualla Boundary in the Big Cove community, but now calls the Snowbird Community home with his wife, Tabytha, and their 5 kids. Luke is a versatile artist who has experience working in graphite pencils, charcoal, and pen/ink. Over time, his passion for visual storytelling evolved into a career in graphic design, where he seamlessly blends modern digital methods with the rich heritage of his Cherokee culture.
Drawing inspiration from his family, traditional patterns, oral histories, and the natural beauty of Cherokee homelands, Luke Swimmer creates pieces that honor his roots while embracing contemporary design. His work embodies a deep respect for his cultural identity, using art to preserve and share his heritage with a broader audience.
Whether through bold graphic designs or subtle nods to traditional art forms, Luke Swimmer aims to bridge the past and present, crafting visuals that celebrate the enduring spirit of Cherokee culture.