The Program
Calgary Arts Development is working with the Treaty 7 Nations (Blackfoot Confederacy, Îyârhe Nakoda Nations and Tsuut’ina Nation) and the Métis Nation in Alberta on future public art initiatives that are community-led public art initiatives rooted in reconciliation.
The goals of the program are to foster inter-community and long-term relationships with community leaders, members and artists of Treaty 7 and the Métis Nation in Alberta based on listening, respect and building trust. The program seeks to support the sharing of Indigenous stories and the development of Indigenous public art in Calgary. Through artist development opportunities and public art commissions, the program will build capacity for Indigenous artists. Public art projects commissioned through the program may become part of the City of Calgary’s Public Art Collection, ensuring their ongoing preservation and interpretation.
Members of our Public Art team are attending community events to share information and encourage feedback.
| Engagements | Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nakoda Classic Powwow | Mînî Thnî | August 29 to 31, 2025 |
| Métis Gathering | Métis Crossing | August 21 to 24, 2025 |
| Whoop-Up Days Siksikaitsitapi Powwow | Lethbridge | August 20 to 21, 2025 |
| Piikani Celebrations | Brockett, Piikani Nation | August 15 to 17, 2025 |
| Tsuut’ina Annual Celebrations | Redwood Meadows Fairgrounds, Tsuut’ina Nation | July 23 to 27, 2025 |
| Kainai Powwow | Standoff, Kainai Nation | July 18 to 20, 2025 |
| Calgary Stampede Powwow and Elbow River Camp | Calgary | July 12 to 13, 2025 |
| North American Indian Days Powwow | Browning, Montana | July 10 to 13, 2025 |
| Elbow River Camp Kids Day Powwow | Calgary | July 9, 2025 |
| 2nd Annual Métis Stampede Festival | The Confluence, Calgary | July 9, 2025 |
| Blackfoot Confederacy Stampede BBQ | Calgary | July 9, 2025 |
| Siksika Powwow | Gleichen, Siksika Nation | June 27 to 29, 2025 |
| Multicultural Powwow | Calgary | June 27, 2025 |
| Lead a Good Example Powwow | Strathmore | June 6 to 8, 2025 |
| Iinnii Days Powwow | Browning, Montana | June 4 to 6, 2025 |
| Iiniskim Powwow Banff | Banff | May 31, 2025 |
| Okotoks Powwow | Okotoks | May 30 to June 1, 2025 |
| Tsuut’ina Education Powwow | Tsuut’ina Nation | May 30, 2025 |
Blackfoot Confederacy Initiative
Guided by the Blackfoot Confederacy Nations, including the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani and Amskapi Piikani Nations, this project aims to surface and document the Blackfoot stories of Mohkinsstsis through meaningful, sustained engagement with Nation members. The outcomes of these engagements will help shape future public art initiatives, informed directly by community needs and perspectives.
This initiative is being supported by a steering committee made up of artists, community leaders and arts professionals connected to the social and cultural facets of the Blackfoot Confederacy Nations’ artistic communities. The group includes members from all four Nations and will provide guidance, share experiences and identify common barriers to help shape how we move forward with broader community engagement.
If you have questions, or would like to fill out a survey, please contact Tamara Cardinal, Project Lead, at tamara.cardinal@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or Jared Tailfeathers, Project Lead, at jared.tailfeathers@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
Learn more about the Blackfoot Confederacy Initiative at one of our upcoming information sessions. All in-person events open one hour prior to the presentation times listed below.
UPDATE: Siksika Information Session on October 22 is cancelled.
| Info Session | Location | Date & Time |
|---|---|---|
| Information Session, Piikani | Brocket Multipurpose Building, Piikani Nation | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 6 – 8pm Register here |
| Information Session, Kainai | Red Crow College, Standoff, Kainai Nation | Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 2 – 4pm Register here |
Information Session, Online | Online via Zoom | Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 6 – 7:30pm Register here |
| Information Session, Lethbridge | Casa Lethbridge | Thursday, October 18, 2025 | 5 – 7pm Register here |
| Information Session, Siksika | Blackfoot Crossing, Siksika Nation | Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 6 – 8pm Register here |
| Information Session, Calgary | Central Library, Calgary | Thursday, October 30, 2025, 6 – 8pm Register here |
| Information Session, Online | Online via Zoom with Blackfeet Community College | Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 2 – 3:30pm Register here |
Îyârhe Nakoda Projects
Working with the Îyârhe Nakoda Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney First Nations, this project will be community-led and outcomes will be informed by community values and desires. Through community engagement, Îyârhe Nakoda community members will help guide the direction for a public art initiative in Calgary.
If you have questions, or would like to be involved, please contact Bruno Canadien, Project Lead, at bruno.canadien@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or Sarah Houle, Project Lead, at sarah.houle@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
Tsuut’ina Project
Working with the Tsuut’ina First Nation, this project will be community-led and outcomes will be informed by community values and desires. Through community engagement, Tsuut’ina community members will help guide the direction for a public art initiative in Calgary.
If you have questions, or would like to be involved, please contact Riel Manywounds, Project Lead, at riel.manywounds@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or Sarah Houle, Project Lead, at sarah.houle@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
Métis Project
Guided by the Métis Nation within Alberta, this project aims to celebrate and bring more visibility to Métis culture by sharing important cultural knowledge, histories and the ongoing legacies of the Métis peoples through public art.
The initial phase of this project is engagement with the Métis community to learn the needs of the community with the intention to create a public art initiative. Through community engagement, Métis community members and Métis artists will help guide the direction of the development of a public art initiative that provides opportunities to share the Métis stories of Calgary.
If you have questions, or would like to fill out a survey, please contact Tiffany Wollman, Project Lead, at tiffany.wollman@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or Alexis Kinloch, Project Lead, at alexis.kinloch@calgaryartsdevelopment.com.
We are honoured to collaborate with the Métis community on a new public art initiative. To begin this work in a good way, we’re hosting a Métis Public Art Gathering at The Confluence on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
The event will include a project introduction, panel discussion with Métis artists, a guided workshop and a tour of significant sites led by Dawn Wambold and Matt Hiltermann.
This first step ensures the Métis Project is rooted in Métis voices, history and ways of knowing. Open exclusively to members of the Métis community.
Métis Public Art Gathering
Saturday, October 18, 2025
The Confluence (750 9 Ave. SE) | 8:30am – 1:30pm
Site visits (locations to be announced) | 2 – 5pm
Free with registration: Reserve your spot here
Download this printable colouring page by Métis artist Presley Mills.
Presley Mills Colouring Page 8.5×11 PDF