“The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called on all provinces and territories to create memorials for the First Nations, Métis and Inuit children who did not make their way home from these federally funded and church-run institutions. This healing and education memorial will be open to anyone visiting the Alberta legislature grounds.”

Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations

Alberta’s government has asked leaders of Indigenous organizations to be on a consultation panel, create an expression of interest, review submissions and choose one or more artists to design the memorial. “The memorial matters because of where we have journeyed and who we are. This is to never forget the residential school experience.”Elder Bert Auger, Whitefish Lake First Nation

The chosen artist is expected to be announced this fall.

Artist eligibility

Any Indigenous artist or artist-led teams, collectives or partnerships of artists from or living in Alberta are welcome to submit an expression of interest. Recent familial connections to Alberta First Nations or with the Metis Settlements and Métis Nation Regions are required.

More criteria are listed in the request for expression of interest.

Quick facts

• Twenty-five federally funded, church-run residential schools operated in Alberta between 1862 and 1988.
• In September 2020, Indigenous Elders and leaders joined Minister Wilson to plant a tree in what will become a reconciliation garden on the legislature grounds. The memorial will be placed near the garden for the public to visit and learn about residential schools.

Alberta’s government remains committed to reconciliation. Indigenous-led solutions that affect meaningful change will lead to a better future for all.