Indigenous artworks collection celebrated inside Edmonton City Hall

In commemoration of National Indigenous History Month, the City of Edmonton and Edmonton Arts Council are pleased to announce the permanent installation of four new Indigenous artworks, now on display inside City Hall.

This artwork collection is a direct response to the City of Edmonton’s Indigenous Framework and Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Call-to-action #8) and MMIWG2S+ commitments and actions to ensure the resurgence of Indigenous cultures and histories in city spaces, especially those accessible to the public; so that Indigenous Peoples can see themselves reflected in these spaces.

“It’s my hope these artworks inspire all to contemplate how we will reflect our history, culture, and our relationships with Indigenous Peoples through their art, including what our visitors will see, and what we will see, both inside and outside the front doors of our facilities,” said Ward Dene Councillor Aaron Paquette. “Indigenous art helps us to understand who we are and where our place is.”

In 2019, the City of Edmonton invited Indigenous artists Melissa-Jo (MJ) Belcourt Moses, Brad Crowfoot, Dawn Marie Marchand, and Lana Whiskeyjack to capture the spirit and discussion from various community conversation events held by the City in order to collect feedback on the development of the City’s Indigenous Framework.

The Indigenous Framework was created as an intentional step forward for the City of Edmonton to meaningfully support Truth and Reconciliation efforts with Indigenous Peoples who live, work, and connect with Edmonton for a variety of reasons.

Each artist was asked to tell a story through the creation of a visual art piece, and these artworks embody how the City, as an organization, should live out kinship and how to be a good relative to each other and to the land.

“The installation of these artworks by four remarkable Indigenous artists is a testament to the reclamation of Indigeneity in public spaces in our city, and a reminder to us all that we are all connected through creativity, story and relationships,” said Sanjay Shahani, Executive Director of the Edmonton Arts Council.

The artwork collection is located on the northeast side of City Council Chambers, on the second floor of City Hall.

The four artworks will be displayed prominently outside of City Council Chambers as an important reminder of the Mayor and Council and City Administration’s commitment and responsibility to build good relations with Indigenous Peoples and to recognize that we all have roles to play on the journey of Truth and Reconciliation.

The accompanying video, Spirit and Art: Learning Through Stories, is also available to watch and includes additional details on the intent and spirit of the artworks by each artist.