Indigenous public art
Indigenous public art program
Art is the storytelling of a history. Respecting and sharing the unique, local Indigenous traditions, beliefs and practices through public art helps to share Indigenous perspectives and stories. It serves as a reminder that Indigenous people lived on this land long before Scottish settlers named it Calgary, and that every Calgarian has a role to play in acknowledging the past and working toward a brighter future.
Of The City’s public art collection, which began growing in 1911 and now has more than 1300 pieces, less than 3% was created by Indigenous artists. To correct this disparity, we’re taking meaningful steps to improve opportunities for Indigenous artists to consult on, participate in and create public art in Calgary.
Opportunities for Indigenous artists
New opportunities are available for Indigenous artists!
- Apply now: Visit the opportunities for artist page.
- Stay updated: Sign up for our monthly public art newsletter and the Indigenous artist roster.
- Follow us: Discover the latest opportunities and celebrate Indigenous artists of Facebook and Instagram.
Indigenous arts professionals
We are deeply honored to be the first municipality in Canada with an all-Indigenous team of arts professionals dedicated to delivering more opportunities for Indigenous artists and increasing Indigenous representation in the public art collection.
Indigenous curators help build connections between local government, the arts community and Indigenous groups.
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Sign up for our monthly public art newsletter to be notified when all public art opportunities become available.
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View other opportunities for artists on the Calgary Arts Development website.
Jessica McMann
In summer 2020, we welcomed Jessica McMann to the public art team as an Indigenous curator.
Jessica is an Alberta-based Cree (Cowessess, SK) curator and artist (musician, dancer, visual artist). She's also a classically trained flutist with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Calgary and a Master of Fine Arts from Simon Fraser University.
In addition to creating traditional beadwork and drums, she also makes immersive sound art videos. Her recent compositions and soundscapes explore Indigenous identity and history. She's co-founder and co-director of Wild Mint Arts, an Indigenous arts company.
Although her art is primarily music and dance, Jessica's artwork is exhibited at Urban Shaman Gallery and Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford. Her curatorial practice is embedded in Indigeneity, relationality and advocacy.
She works closely with the Moh'kinsstis Public Art Guiding Circle, public art program staff, and the Indigenous Relations Office to bring Indigenous knowledge, histories, cultures, languages, traditions, worldviews, and ways of knowing into the public art program.
Sophia Lebessis
In consultation with the Nunavut-based elder community, Inuit art gallery owner Sophia Lebessis is working to curate a travelling collection of sculptures, prints and textiles that both respects and reflects the rich art and culture of the Inuit people of Canada.
Sophia is Inuit on her mother's side and Greek on her father's. She grew up in Arviat, Nunavut, learning about the world of Inuit art and how to promote the works of highly collectible and influential artists.
With her keen eye for art and experience in sourcing art, from creation to distribution, Sophia has a unique approach to contributing to the future of Inuit art that focuses on education and entrepreneurship to transform appreciation for Canada's national art form.
Indigenous team members strive to ensure Treaty 7 Nations, Métis Nation of Alberta, District 5 and 6 and all Indigenous Canadians are accurately and fairly represented in the City’s public art collection.
Neko Wong-Houle
Neko Wong-Houle (she/they) is a queer, registered band member of the Blackfoot, Kainai Nation, with Ojibwe and Chinese-Canadian ancestry.
She is currently based in Montréal, Quebec, where she is studying film animation in her third year at Concordia University. She is working toward a multimedia practice with primary interests in animation, storytelling, fine arts practices and digital media with a passion for communications.
In 2021, Neko received the Indigenous Golden Sheaf Award at the Yorkton Film Festival and was the youngest filmmaker to win any award at the festival. For three consecutive years, Neko has received the Susan Pigott Fellowship for Indigenous filmmakers, and in 2024, they are representing the Indigenous Futures Research Centre as a Milieux Institute Undergraduate Fellow.
Neko is excited to reconnect with their traditional territory of Southern Alberta by promoting local Indigenous artists through their work with the Calgary Indigenous Public Art Team.
Kayla Gale
Kayla Gale is a Cree-Métis artist born in Mohkínstsis | Wîchîspa | Guts’ists’i | Calgary to a Dene-Métis family. They received their BFA at Alberta University of the Arts and are currently pursuing their Master of Education at the University of Calgary. Kayla is committed to their community and proud to be involved with many grassroots Indigenous initiatives within the arts. Having received numerous awards for their leadership efforts, Kayla continues to support Indigenous artists within Calgary and is looking forward to further connecting with artists around public art.
Henry Heavyshield
Henry Heavyshield is a Blackfoot (Kainai) writer currently living in northern Alberta.
He completed his undergraduate degree (B.A. English/Indigenous Literatures) at the University of Lethbridge, and he attended graduate studies at The University of British Columbia.
His work has appeared in Joyland, C Magazine, Kimiwan Zine as well as in an anthology of Indigenous writing with Annick Press. When he isn’t reading, writing, or tending to guinea pigs you can usually catch him on his bike or skateboard. He would like to thank the generosity and support of his family. Kitsikakommim (I love you).
Art created by Indigenous artists
Moving toward Reconciliation as a city, province and country requires showcasing art by Indigenous artists as a way of understanding and learning about the people who have lived in this region since time immemorial.
Click on each photo to learn more about the artist and artwork.
Title: Renewal
Artist: Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild
Exhibition year: 2025
“Renewal” beautifully captures the essence of rebirth and introspection. The artwork features a woman standing gracefully with her back to the viewer, symbolizing a moment of reflection and connection with nature. Surrounding her is a vibrant border of intricately detailed flowers, each bloom representing growth, vitality, and the promise of new beginnings. The juxtaposition of the woman’s serene posture against the lively floral frame invites the observer to ponder themes of renewal, femininity, and the cycles of life. This piece serves as a stunning reminder of the beauty found in both solitude and the natural world.
As a visual artist deeply connected to my cultural roots, I find inspiration in the traditional materials and techniques that have been passed down through my family. Working with mediums such as ledger art, printmaking, and digital art allows me to bridge the gap between the past and the present, creating pieces that honor my heritage while also speaking to contemporary audiences.
Ledger art, with its origins in the storytelling traditions of my ancestors, serves as a powerful tool for me to reclaim narratives and share the stories of my people in a visually striking way. Through this medium, I pay homage to the resilience and strength of indigenous communities, highlighting our experiences in a manner that is both visually captivating and emotionally resonant.
Incorporating printmaking into my practice allows me to explore themes of identity, spirituality, and connection to the land in a more tactile and hands-on way. By combining traditional printmaking techniques with modern influences, I am able to create pieces that speak to the complexities of indigenous identity in a rapidly changing world.
Digital art, with its endless possibilities and versatility, offers me a platform to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of traditional indigenous art.
Overall, my work as an indigenous artist is a reflection of my deep-rooted connection to my culture and my commitment to using art as a means of storytelling, healing, and empowerment. By exploring traditional materials, techniques, and themes in a contemporary context, I strive to create art that is both timeless and relevant, inviting viewers to engage with and learn from the rich cultural heritage of indigenous peoples.
Title: Saaam medicine or powers of healing
Artist: Amber Weasel Head
Exhibition year: 2025
Amber Weasel Head is an Indigenous artist, Her roots are Blackfoot (Kainai) and Bitteroot Salish- Amber draws inspiration from her cultural, blood memory and the stories which reflects a connection in her artwork. She is inspired daily by her family, especially her husband and children.
Amber is passionate about nurturing and uplifting fellow artists. Her advocacy work aims to empower and mentor emerging artists while sharing invaluable techniques. Amber's dedication to teaching and supporting others fuels her creative journey.
Amber's artistic training spans from her own cultural teachings to various institutions such as the En'owkin Centre, University of Victoria, continuing education course from Institute of Institute American Indian Arts, Santa Fe (IAIA), and Portage College. These diverse educational experiences have honed her skills in paint, creative writing, digital arts, film, and beadwork.
Recently, she completed a residency at the renowned Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity to further expanding her artistic horizons.
Amber aims to advance her artistic journey while sharing her knowledge. Inspired by her culture and roots, she believes art is healing and connects us to ourselves.
Title: Innii paasakaan buffalo dance
Artist: Amber Weasel Head
Exhibition year: 2025
Amber Weasel Head is an Indigenous artist, Her roots are Blackfoot (Kainai) and Bitteroot Salish- Amber draws inspiration from her cultural, blood memory and the stories which reflects a connection in her artwork. She is inspired daily by her family, especially her husband and children.
Amber is passionate about nurturing and uplifting fellow artists. Her advocacy work aims to empower and mentor emerging artists while sharing invaluable techniques. Amber's dedication to teaching and supporting others fuels her creative journey.
Amber's artistic training spans from her own cultural teachings to various institutions such as the En'owkin Centre, University of Victoria, continuing education course from Institute of Institute American Indian Arts, Santa Fe (IAIA), and Portage College. These diverse educational experiences have honed her skills in paint, creative writing, digital arts, film, and beadwork.
Recently, she completed a residency at the renowned Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity to further expanding her artistic horizons.
Amber aims to advance her artistic journey while sharing her knowledge. Inspired by her culture and roots, she believes art is healing and connects us to ourselves.
Title: Still here
Artist: Crystal Clark
Exhibition year: 2025
My name is Crystal Lee Clark, an Indigenous artist of Dene, Nehiyaw (Cree), and Métis ancestry, with ancestral ties to the Michel First Nation on my maternal side as well ancestral ties to Fort Chippewan in Treaty 8 territory.
I’m a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta. I am from Fort McMurray and currently live near Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. My work is deeply rooted in storytelling, the natural world, and Indigenous futurities. I use both traditional and digital mediums to explore themes of rematriation, relationality, and ecological interconnection.
My practice blends painting, illustration, digital art, and mixed media to create layered visual narratives that honour land, culture, and spirit. Each piece is grounded in research, reflection, and relationship — to place, history, and the more-than-human world. I often incorporate symbolism from Indigenous plants, animals, and landforms to tell stories of resurgence, kinship, and joy.
Title: Tamaani | Here portable collection
Artist: 12 artists from different regions of Nunavut
Medium: stone sculptures
Teach students about the rich art and culture of the Inuit people of Canada. This collection is available for lending to teachers, schools and educational organizations in Calgary and area. Learn more
Photography by Alana Bluebird-One Spot
Initiatives
Indigenous Digital Art and Illustration Program
The Indigenous Public Art program invited Indigenous artists to submit existing digital artwork and illustrations to be licensed for use on The City’s website, temporary publications, and public-facing artist calls and posters. The program will result in Calgary significantly increasing its opportunities for Indigenous artists to consult on, participate in, and create public art in the city.
Artwork: Renewal by Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild
Tamaani | Here Inuit art exhibit
The Tamaani | Here art exhibit is a portable collection of 12 stone sculptures carved by artists from different regions of Nunavut. It is available for lending to teachers, schools and educational organizations in Calgary and area. Students will be inspired to further their learning about the rich art and culture of the Inuit of Canada.
The collection is curated by Sophia Lebessis, Canada’s first Inuk to own an Inuit art gallery. In the words of the curator, “Tamaani (Here) is a starting point with which to relook at Inuit art, not as a homogenous art form, but the land coming to life, bringing one into the imagination of an artist's relationship with the environment that has shaped them.”
Photography by Alana Bluebird-One Spot
Moh’kinsstis Public Art Guiding Circle
Since 2017, the Moh′kinsstis Public Art Guiding Circle has supported The City’s public art program to respond and act appropriately in its relationship with Indigenous communities and citizens. The Guiding Circle is made up of Indigenous artists of different disciplines, from a variety of communities and who bring diverse perspectives. Public art concepts, whether created by Indigenous or non-Indigenous artists, are presented to the Guiding Circle for feedback to ensure they are respectful of the original people of this land.
About reconciliation
Two reports were produced in 2015 to highlight calls to action for reconciliation. The City’s Indigenous public art program is responding to Call to Action #83, which is to create collaborative art that contributes to reconciliation.
- The Government of Canada produced the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, which outlines 94 calls to action for all levels of government.
- The White Goose Flying Report was created by the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (CAUAC) shortly afterwards. It details the calls to action that can be achieved at a local level.
Learn more about the Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee (CAUAC).
Past initiatives
Indigenous Place Keeping Program
The Indigenous Place Keeping program featured educational programming, workshops and art by Indigenous artists in the municipal building, a place where Calgarians come to do business and where Council meets to make decisions.
The program supported artists, performers, curators, and academics from all disciplines at any stage in their careers. It was open to all Treaty 7, Métis Nation of Alberta, District 5 and 6, urban Calgarian Indigenous and Indigenous people from elsewhere that currently make Calgary their home.
Digital Voices Exhibition
From October 2024 to the end of February 2025, there was a showcase of digital artwork by local Indigenous artists, presented by the City of Calgary Public Art Program and The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland. This exhibit highlighted the diversity of artists expressing their relationship to this place - Mohkinstsis - while maintaining their own cultural identity. We can see how the land grounds all with a sense of belonging and allows personal experiences and stories to flourish. The artworks were selected through a selection panel, with additional work chosen by the curator.
Featured artists included Crystal Clark, Andrew Holloway, AJ Kluck, Jadyn Fischer-McNab, Georgina Metzler, Stephanie One Spot, WÂPOSHPYII and Autumn Whiteway. The exhibit was displayed at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland.
The Land is home
From spring 2022 to spring 2023, the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Nature Centre is displaying The Land is Home project – a rotating exhibition of artworks that feature connections to the land created by Indigenous artists. The Land is Home reveals new perspectives on nature, and reminds Calgarians that Indigenous people have cared for these lands since time immemorial and served as the original stewards of the places we now enjoy as parks.
Alberta Public Art Network artist residency
In 2021 we worked with the Alberta Public Art Network (APAN) to provide a research residency that gave artists living in Alberta the support to further develop their artistic practices. Two Indigenous artists participated. Faye HeavyShield a member of the Kainai Nation and seth cardinal dodginghorse from Tsuu’tina Nation explored the theme "acts of care" and presented at the APAN summit in October 2021.
Benefit-Driven Procurement, Public Art and Indigenous Peoples
Beginning in 2019, we worked with our procurement team on a project to help increase the number of Indigenous artists applying for, and being selected for, public art projects. This 14-month project aimed to enable long-term sustainable relationships among The City of Calgary and Indigenous Peoples. It focused on improving processes for reaching out to artists in Indigenous communities and finding the best way to commission them.
Education and field guides
In 2019, a field guide and an education guide were produced in response to the Wolfe and the Sparrows project. They were written and edited by Indigenous writer and art educator, Steve Gin, to help educators and grades 5-9 students explore this and related artworks.
Street Art Program for Youth
The 2019 Street Art Program for Youth brought together Indigenous artists, Indigenous Elders and Calgary youth. They shared teachings and explored common values with the youth Over a six-week program. This collaboration resulted in the mural, Our Window on the wall of the Downtown Calgary Mosque.
Indigenous Artist in Residency program
In 2017, the Indigenous Artist in Residency program invited Treaty 7 and local urban Indigenous artists to participate in a three-month long residency. Artist Danielle (Danni) Black, also known as Sui Taa Kik (Sue-Da-Gee), Marina Crane (Hapan Kinyewakan) and Sheldon First Rider were selected to take part. The program was designed to foster a supportive environment for Indigenous artists in Calgary. It also provided dedicated research time for Indigenous artists interested in working within a municipal government context and in pursuing public art as part of their practice.