Art is the storytelling of a history, and Mohkinstsis certainly has a lot of it. Indigenous peoples have lived on this land since time immemorial, including the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). According to the City of Calgary’s website, “Respecting and sharing the unique, local Indigenous traditions, beliefs and practices through public art helps to share Indigenous perspectives and stories.”
Calgary is also “the only municipality in Canada with an all-Indigenous team of arts professionals dedicated to delivering more opportunities for artists and increasing representation in the public art collection”. The city’s collection of art began growing in 1911, but of the 1300 total pieces, less than 3 per cent were created by Indigenous artists.
Indigenous people lived on this land long before Scottish settlers named it Calgary, and every resident has a role to play in acknowledging our shared past. Here are all the places in Calgary you can engage with Indigenous public art, and do just that. If you’re an Indigenous artist interested in displaying public art, you can also sign up to join the city’s official roster.
The Tamaani | Here portable exhibit is available for lending to teachers, schools and educational organizations in Calgary and the area. It arrives complete with four secure display cases (each with three original stone carvings), display boards with information about each sculptural grouping, a written information package with curatorial notes, and descriptions of how the four sculptural grouping themes are significant to Inuit culture, folklore, symbolism and cosmology.
Artist: Compiled by Sophia Lebessis with art from 12 regions of Nunavut
Where to find it: This collection is available for lending to teachers, schools and educational organizations in and around Calgary
This work is a tribute to the enduring strength and beauty of Indigenous culture, woven through the symbolism of the shawl and its flowing fringes — alive with movement, energy, and power.
Artist: Tamara Lee-Anne Cardinal
Date of completion: 2025
Amber Weasel Head is an Indigenous artist. Her roots are Blackfoot (Kainai) and Bitterroot Salish. She draws inspiration from her cultural blood memory and the stories which reflect connection in her artwork.
Artist: Amber Weasel Head
Date of completion: 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.
Artist: Alaynee Goodwill-Littlechild
Date of completion: 2025
IndigiTRAILS is a free app available on Apple and Android devices. The Remembering Our Children trail, located at Prince’s Island Park, allows you to take a 30-minute walk to view seven different art installations. Each art installation focuses on starting a conversation about Indian Residential Schools and the ongoing impacts. The artwork was created by Indigenous youth living in the City of Calgary.
Artist: Indigenous youth from Calgary
Where to find it: Prince’s Island Park — 698 Eau Claire Ave. SW, Calgary
Explore the world of Indigenous art and teachings with IndigiTRAILS: Winged Wisdom, an interactive exhibit featuring the birds of Treaty 7 and the wisdom of local Elders. Discover the spiritual significance of each bird, their symbolism in Indigenous stories, and the meaning behind why we should honour and respect each of them.
Artist: Various
Where to find it: Inglewood Bird Sanctuary — 2425 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
Explore the world of Indigenous regalia and powwow with IndigiTRAILS: Regalia Roots – an interactive exhibit featuring the dances, regalia and traditions from Treaty 7, with the wisdom of local Elders and Knowledge Holders. Discover the spiritual significance of each dance, any symbolism in Indigenous stories, and the meaning behind why communities come together.
Artist: Various
Where to find it: Elbow River Park — Bragg Creek, Alta.
Indigenous men have come together to start a conversation about climate change through artwork showcased at Crescent Heights Rotary Park. This heartbreaking installation explores the ways young people feel about the future of Earth and is sure to stimulate dialogue.
Artist: Indigenous youth from Calgary
Where to find it: Rotary Park — 617 1st St. NE, Calgary
Let us know where you’ve seen Indigenous public art in and around Calgary.
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