Government seeks artists to create memorial
A new expression of interest invites Indigenous artists to design a monument in memory of children who died at residential schools.
“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on all provinces and territories to create memorials for the First Nations, Métis and Inuit children who did not make their way home from these federally funded and church-run institutions. This healing and education memorial will be open to anyone visiting the Alberta legislature grounds,” explained Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
Alberta’s government has asked leaders of Indigenous organizations to be on a consultation panel, create an expression of interest, review submissions and choose one or more artists to design the memorial.
“The memorial matters because of where we have journeyed and who we are. This is to never forget the residential school experience,” added Elder Bert Auger, Whitefish Lake First Nation.
The chosen artist is expected to be announced this fall. The application period closes at 2 pm MDT on July 29, 2022.
The Residential Schools Memorial Advisory Panel was established to develop a vision for the memorial with consultation from Indigenous communities, review eligible artist submissions and recommend an artist to create the memorial.
The Residential Schools Memorial Request for Expressions of Interest is open to all Indigenous artists who live in or are from Alberta.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #82 calls “upon provincial and territorial governments, in collaboration with Survivors and their organizations, and other parties to the
Settlement Agreement, to commission and install a publicly accessible, highly visible, Residential Schools Memorial in each capital city to honour Survivors and all the children who were lost to their families and communities.”
On September 30, 2021, the Alberta government and Indigenous leaders planted a tree on the legislature grounds to represent growth, continuity, renewal and life. A reconciliation garden will also be planted on the site. The Government of Alberta is now welcoming Expressions of Interest for a permanent memorial on the site.
• Funding
• Up to $1 million.
• Artist eligibility
Any Indigenous artist or artist-led teams, collectives or partnerships of artists from or living in Alberta are welcome to submit an expression of interest. Recent familial connections to Alberta First Nations or with the Metis Settlements and Métis Nation Regions are required.
More criteria are listed in the request for expression of interest (https://www.alberta. ca/residential-schools-memorial.aspx)
Quick facts
• Twenty-five federally funded, church-run residential schools operated in Alberta between 1862 and 1988.
• In September 2020, Indigenous Elders and leaders joined Minister Wilson to plant a tree in what will become a reconciliation garden on the legislature grounds. The memorial will be placed near the garden for the public to visit and learn about residential schools. Alberta’s government remains committed to reconciliation. Indigenous-led solutions that affect meaningful change will lead to a better future for all.