YYC Public Art Call: Treaty 7 Indigenous Artist
Calgary Airport Authority
Deadline to apply: January 15, 2026, at 11:59pm MT
Contract period: February 28 – December 2026
Budget
- Supplies and installation will be provided.
- $13,500 artist fee includes all costs for site visit(s). One artist or artist team will be selected.
- A tour of the installation site can be arranged for the artist.
Please note: There will be future calls for artists for all Indigenous groups connected historically and contemporarily to Calgary and surrounding areas.
Background
In May 2025, an Indigenous reconciliation strategy was released in alignment with Canada’s ongoing reconciliation efforts to establish a framework for creating a respectful, inclusive and educational environment at YYC Calgary International Airport and YBW Springbank Airport.
This strategy honours the seven First Nations of Treaty 7 and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, recognizing their rich cultures, languages and histories. Inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, particularly Call to Action 92, the goal is to foster understanding, respect and sharing of local Indigenous cultures.
The Indigenous reconciliation strategy will guide Calgary Airports on its path of transformation and communicate its commitment and responsibility for truth and reconciliation. This strategy is a living document, ensuring progress is continuously monitored and renewed through evaluation and evolution.
Goals
- Collaborate with Indigenous artists and cultural practitioners to create spaces that celebrate and preserve Indigenous culture and histories.
- Deepen appreciation of Indigenous histories and traditions by promoting reconciliation and cultural awareness.
- Support artwork that reflects Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, connecting and being.
The selected artist will be a member of one of the Treaty 7 First Nations and develop an original concept that considers the cultural context of Treaty 7.
Artist opportunity
The selected artist or artist team will design artwork on the back wall of the new centralized passenger screening area. The artist will be responsible for the design and will be consulted on fabrication and installation.
This call is open to all Calgary and surrounding area Treaty 7 First Nations artists aged 18 and older.
Schedule (subject to change):
- Applications Due: January 15, 2026
- Artist selected: February 15, 2026
- Contract Signed: February 28, 2026
- Final artwork review: March – April 2026
- Fabrication: April – September 2026
- Installation: October – December 2026
- Blessing and unveiling: December 2026
Public art mural location
The location is within the centralized passenger screening area, highly visible to guests as they pack up belongings after screening. This project will consolidate three separate security screening points for domestic passengers into one location in the Domestic Terminal Building.
For more information visit yyc.com.
Dimensions
The artwork will be 1.7 m tall by 7.5 m wide and installed flush into the wall. Pattern in images shown for reference only — artist will provide digital artwork of their own design.
To apply
Submit applications electronically in PDF format to: indigenouspublicart@gmail.com. Email subject line: Treaty 7 Indigenous Artist YYC Application.
Contact: For more information about the project, contact project coordinator Dawn Saunders Dahl via email at indigenouspublicart@gmail.com to arrange a phone call or video conference.
Land acknowledgement
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour our ancestors and the original caretakers of this land long before we were here. We recognize Treaty 7 territory, home to the Blackfoot Confederacy, comprising the Siksika, Kainai and Piikani First Nations, as well as the Tsuut’ina and the Îethka Nakoda Wîcastabi, which includes the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney First Nations.
Additionally, the City of Calgary is shared with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, encompassing the Battle River Territory for the Calgary Nose Hill Métis District No. 5 and the Calgary Elbow Métis District No. 6.
As one of North America’s leading hubs for connectivity, YYC welcomes a global community of visitors, connecting them to nationally significant landmarks and experiences throughout the region. These include Banff National Park, the Canadian Badlands, Waterton Lakes, the Rocky Mountains and many authentic Indigenous tourism experiences.
Committed to the growth and prosperity of the diverse communities on these traditional lands, Calgary Airports supports the lives, work and leisure of those who inhabit and visit the areas we serve.
