Orange Shirt Day art commission
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) Indigenous Space and Visual Symbols in the Health Sciences Committee is seeking work samples and brief concept proposals from local Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) artists interested in helping acknowledge Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2024.
Since 2019, this committee has worked with Shop USask to make non-college-specific orange shirts available to the USask and external community, with proceeds directed toward a fund supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and to the artist responsible for the featured artwork. To date, over $35,000 has been raised.
Learn more about the project requirements and how to declare interest
The deadline to declare interest in this project is April 12, 2024.
To learn more or submit a proposal, please email collin.semenoff@usask.ca
Vanessa Hyggen, 2023
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“Some of my favourite childhood memories are of being out on the land, playing with my cousins - being free and unencumbered as childhood should be. This painting represents that feeling of love and safety. The Cree syllabics say kakithaw awâsisak sâkihâwak, meaning every child is loved. The sweetgrass shelters the children and represents not only the teachings of sweetgrass, but also our living culture and medicines, which bring healing and goodness." - Vanessa Hyggen Vanessa Hyggen is a Woodland Cree and Norwegian painter and bead artist from nemepith sipihk (Sucker River), in Northern Saskatchewan. She is a member of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band and currently lives in Saskatoon. She is interested in utilizing memory, tradition, and themes of nature in her work, in honour of her ancestors and for her personal creative growth. |
Kevin Peeace, 2021
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"This painting speaks to the importance of our children and future generations. My children both used my grandfather's moss bag, which has been in the family for over 100 years. The traditional moss bag represents protection; with the child being held, swaddled, and immersed within our culture. The moss bag is both a traditional and practical item that has been used and continues to be used by my family and many of our relatives." - Kevin Peeace Kevin Peeace is a local Indigenous artist and was commissioned by Dr. Holly Graham, PhD, through her Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing. |
Handcrafted art sales at Shop USask
Local emerging or established Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, or Inuit) artists are encouraged to submit separate proposals to make handcrafted pieces available for sale to the USask community through Shop USask.
There is currently no deadline to declare interest in this opportunity.
To learn more or submit a proposal, please email rspurchasing@usask.ca