The Project
In order to honour and learn from the long history of Indigenous habitation of this land and work publicly towards reconciliation, the neighbours and residents of Oxenden, Ontario are raising funds to commission an Indigenous artist or group of artists to create a piece of art speaking to traditional and/or current connections to this land and water, and to a commitment to reconciliation.
We especially welcome artists from Neyaashiinigmiing, Saugeen First Nation, Beausoleil First Nation, or others with a direct connection to this territory. We welcome young and emerging artists as well as collaborative efforts and encourage provocative pieces. Proposed works are welcome in either flat or sculptural form with the selected piece to be installed in Oxenden at the corner of Grey Road 1 and Havelock Street/Zion Church Road (a very busy intersection just east of the Wiarton airport), installed in a corner lot or affixed to the side of a corner building depending on the medium of the winning piece.
We are currently raising funds and anticipate the award for the winning submission to be between $5,000 and $10,000.
Context
The inspiration for this commission came from a neighbourhood picnic during Canada’s 150 where we as a community humbly realized the role we could be playing in recognizing the deeper histories of the Indigenous communities that stewarded this land for over 10,000 years before contact and from whom we owe deep gratitude.
This busy intersection is frequented by hikers, cyclists, dog walkers, ATV and snowmobilers, tourists and general traffic, and is also an on-road section of the Bruce Trail and Water Walker route, so it seems a very prominent and relevant place to honour Indigeneity publicly.
Selection Process
We are gathering a jury of advisors from local Indigenous and artist communities who will help decide on the winning proposal(s). Depending on fundraising, more than one piece may be selected.
Project Timeline (2021-2022)
August- Call for Proposals (170th Anniversary of the surrender of Colpoy’s Bay Reserve in Treaty 93)
Sept/Oct- Site visits possible
November 19- Submissions are due
November- Jury Shortlists Proposals
December- Jury conservations and optional site visits with short listed artists
January 19,2022- Final selection of artist
Spring 2022- Installation can begin***
August 16,2022- Opening ceremony ***
*** These dates to be confirmed
Specifications 
Mural/ 2 dimensional piece
- Should be treated to withstand weather
- Be able to attach securely to a wood-framed building
- Dimensions are tall and thin. Max width=6 feet, max height= 25 feet
Sculptural/ 3 dimension piece
- Up to 10 feet tall
- Must be able to be secured firmly to the ground
- Could include seating, horticultural elements, reflective messaging
Submissions due November 19,2021. Please include:
A description of your proposed art piece, no more than two pages in length. Should include a sketch and clearly describe the subject and medium of the proposed piece and any important information or context necessary to understand the nature of the piece.
The price (up to $10,000) that you would charge to create the piece including materials, delivery and installation.
Attachments or links to at least 3 revelant previous works by the artist and any collaborators and bios including any connection to this part of Turtle Island.
Questions, requests for site visits, and submissions by email to: Indigenous.Art.Oxenden@gmail.com or phone at (226)-923-0735.
Project committee: Martha McGloin, Kelsey Carriere & Tobin Day
Advisors: Paul Nadjiwan, Edie Duncan & Sandy Ashton