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Calling Ligʷiłdax̌ʷ Artists – Request for Proposals – First Nation Art at REC- REATE
The Strathcona Regional District, We Wai Kai Nation, and Wei Wai Kum First Nation are working together to support the integration of Ligʷiłdax̌ʷ art into the new REC-REATE Aquatic & Wellness Centre at Strathcona Gardens in Campbell River.
As partners in this shared initiative, we are excited to invite Ligʷiłdax̌ʷ artists to submit proposals for two major public art opportunities: a large interior wall feature and an outdoor sculptural installation. These works will play a central role in welcoming the community and celebrating Indigenous culture in this important public space.
Jan. 21, 2025 Update | First Nations Art Awards Announced for REC-REATE Aquatic and Wellness Centre
On January 12, the review panel convened to evaluate submissions for the First Nations Art Program for the REC-REATE Aquatic and Wellness Centre at Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex. The panel was honoured to review an exceptional range of proposals, with the overall quality of submissions exceeding expectations.
The panel deeply appreciated the care, creativity, and thoughtfulness demonstrated by all participating artists and artist teams. Each submission carried merit and reflected strong cultural expression, making the panel’s deliberations both meaningful and challenging.
A key consideration for the panel was the desire to showcase the work of multiple Lig̓ʷiɫdax̌ʷ artists, while ensuring the opportunity was distributed equitably between both Nations. This resulted in a thoughtful and deliberate decision-making process, and the final selections were not made lightly.
The review panel consisted of the elected Chiefs of the We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum Nations — Chief Ronnie Chickite and Chief Chris Roberts — along with Ken Blackburn, a local artist and recently retired member of the Campbell River Arts Council; John Buttery of HCMA Architecture, one of the architects supporting the design and construction of the new Aquatic and Wellness Centre; and Wolfang Parada, REC-REATE Project Manager and Senior Manager of Engineering Services for the Strathcona Regional District.
Art Awards
The We Wai Kai Nation, the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, and the Strathcona Regional District are pleased to announce the following art awards:
- Jessica Chickite
Killer Whales and Sport Silhouettes
Social Heart mural - Ernest Puglas, with Hunter Puglas and Fisher Roberts
The Pride of the Lig̓ʷiɫdax̌ʷ
Wall-mounted carved panel in the corridor connecting the Social Heart to the arenas - Greg Henderson, Junior Henderson, and Jaylen Price
Kwankwanxwalige and the Lig̓ʷiɫdax̌ʷ Sea Worm
Patio totem in raised planter - Brent Smith
Raven, Orca, and Bear
Carved figures for the outdoor patio in an at-grade garden bed
This approach aligns with the goals of the First Nations Art Program: to celebrate and honour the presence, stories, and contributions of the Lig̓ʷiɫdax̌ʷ people, and to meaningfully integrate Indigenous art throughout the facility. By selecting four distinct works, the REC-REATE project will reflect a broader range of artistic voices and cultural expression.
The We Wai Kai Nation, the Wei Wai Kum First Nation, and the Strathcona Regional District extend their sincere congratulations to the successful artists and artist teams, and express deep appreciation to all artists who shared their time, talent, and vision through this process.
Gilakas’la
Submission Period Closed – Evaluation Planned for mid-January
The proposal submission period is now closed. Thank You to All Ligʷiłdax̌ʷ Artists Who Submitted
The Strathcona Regional District, together with We Wai Kai Nation and Wei Wai Kum First Nation, extends our sincere appreciation to all the Ligʷiłdax̌ʷ artists and artist teams who submitted proposals for the REC-REATE Aquatic & Wellness Centre public art opportunities.
We are honoured by the creativity, cultural knowledge, and care reflected in every submission. The work shared with us is extraordinary, and we are grateful for the time, thought, and spirit each artist brought forward.
The evaluation process has been rescheduled to mid-January 2026, with the selected proposal to be announced shortly afterward. We look forward to celebrating the successful artwork and seeing it become a central feature of the new facility.
Gilakas’la, and thank you again to all who participated.
Learn more about the REC-REATE project
Important Dates (Updated):
- RFP issued: August 25, 2025
- Proposals due: November 7, 2025, by 2:00 PM
- Evaluation: mid-January 2026
- Award announced: updated date to follow the evaluation
- Final specifications required: April 2026
- Artwork installation: January 2027
Below you’ll find images and location details to help guide your proposal.
We envision this opportunity as a way to celebrate the talents of Ligʷiłdax̌ʷ artists and to support meaningful representation from both Nations. We strongly encourage collaborative and mentorship-based proposals, particularly those that bring artists from both Nations together. Through this approach, we hope to strengthen relationships, support the sharing of skills and cultural knowledge, and offer the broader community an opportunity to connect with the art, its stories, and the history it carries.
If you have any questions or need help with the proposal process, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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