Call for local Indigenous artist issued for Council Chambers artwork

Artwork to display rich cultures of Indigenous Peoples of Treaty 8 Territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, and the unceded territory of the Métis.

As part of its ongoing commitment to reconciliation, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is commissioning a local Indigenous artist, or artist team, to create an artwork for Council Chambers.

Stemming from a June 2019 Council resolution, the project will recognize Treaty 8 and unceded Métis Territory and the critical importance of reconciliation to Indigenous Peoples, the broader Wood Buffalo community, and the Municipality.

To ensure the voices and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples are equitably infused into the artwork’s design, Knowledge Keepers appointed from First Nation and Métis communities and organizations will support the selected artist or team in the development of concept artwork.

Through a Sharing Circle, the Knowledge Keepers will review and approve the final artwork design by group consensus.

“Art has a vital role to play in bringing to light community stories and histories, building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of pride and belonging to a place” said Deanne Bergey, Director, Community & Protective Services.

Dennis Fraser, Director, Indigenous and Rural Relations adds, “It is our sincere hope this process will allow for an exchange of cultural knowledge and dialogue, traditional storytelling, and will embrace a deeper discussion on reconciliation as related to artistic expression,”.

The selected artist or team will work with the Municipality to fabricate and install the piece in Council Chambers this fall.

Interested artists or artist teams may learn more and submit applications online or by mail by March 25, 2021.

For more information, visit the RMWB website.