First Nations Drinking Water

In 2021, the courts approved a settlement between Canada and First Nations subject to drinking water advisories that lasted at least one year between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021. As the settlement Administrator, Deloitte contracted Argyle for our settlement communications expertise for the First Nations Drinking Water (FNDW) settlement. Our efforts aimed to inform Class Members about the settlement and claims process, direct them to the settlement website where they can find additional resources, and communicate and amplify clear, factual information in a culturally appropriate manner.


As part of our deliverables for FNDW, we developed a brand that exudes calm, healing and hope for what this settlement represents.

This concept includes four stones in various sizes, portraying the idea of stones being skipped on the water and the ripple effects they make. Four stones were chosen as four is a sacred number in First Nations culture (four directions, four seasons, etc.). The stones fill the empty space within a water droplet, highlighting the steps to be taken with the settlement. Each stone skipped has accompanying stylized water splashes, creating a sense of upward movement. The central circular elements are tied together with traditional style line work elements to represent how interconnected water is to everything.

The logo was used on the firstnationsdrinkingwater.ca website, and on all materials created, including online resources for claimants such as webinars and interactive guides, and resources for communities and organizations to share with their community members and networks such as postcards, posters and social media graphics.