The Story of the 7th Generation Community Services Corporation and its logo

Our philosophy is based on the traditional belief (for many tribes) that everything we do or say will continue to have an affect for seven generations. The 7th Generation Community Services Corporation began with a vision by Pat and Ken Barnes as a vehicle to give back to the Native community. It is a vehicle whereby the Native community can become more informed about what their options are as they venture more into the non-Native world. In addition, the non-Native community can become more familiar with the culture of the Native community. With this balance of understanding, the Native American community can reach their internally-defined degree of economic independence and self-sufficiency.

Our parents are the seventh generation, we are the seventh generation and our children will be the seventh generation. (If a generation is considered to be 25 years, then the year 2005 would be seven generations from the year 1830.)

The logo for The 7th Generation Community Services Corporation was the inspiration of Ken Barnes and created by Will Davis. It is a circle with a tree inside bearing seven branches on each side of the trunk and an eagle above it. There are two feathers to the side and two staffs. All parts of the logo point towards balance; balance in all things.

• The tree is balanced in its seven branches and the circle is always a symbol of balance.
• The roots of the tree represent the four directions as well as being rooted in the earth for stability/balance.
• The two feathers represent honesty and integrity, in addition to standing for the idea of balance, such as the balance between light and dark, male and female, above and below.
• The two staffs symbolize the balance of leadership. They seem to be supporting the circle, which can be seen as a shield or as Mother Earth
• The eagle is the protector, the connection to spirit; he can see with clarity for great distances, even to the seventh generation. It also symbolizes the ability to rise above the mundane and to seek our highest purpose. With the keen sightedness of the eagle, we can keep the vision, the goal in sight.