GNWT looking to build public monument in Yellowknife

As part of the effort to uphold the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Actions, the GNWT has put out an open commission for a publicly accessible and highly visible monument to be constructed in Yellowknife to honour the victims and families of Residential Schools.

The designing and construction of this monument will be led by direct survivors and their families, with help from the GNWT on matters of healing.

This project is still in its very early stages, and at this point, the GNWT is still searching for any interested parties who could build the monument, through a “Request for Expressions of Interest” (RFEI).

In responding to requests for further information, Toyeke Adedipe, the Senior Communications Officer for the Department of Finance and the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs, said that “This is strictly a non-binding, information-gathering process. We are not awarding any contracts through this RFEI and no pricing information is required. The purpose is to assess interest and capacity, and to gather information that will inform future competitive procurement processes.”

At this time, it is too early for Adedipe to speak further on any specific proposals, preferred locations, or partnerships while the process is ongoing.

“However, we encourage all interested Indigenous artists or artist-led groups from the Northwest Territories or Nunavut to review the call and consider submitting an expression of interest which closes July 24.”

Applications for this project will be open for individual Indigenous artists, or Indigenous-led artist groups, who must be from the NWT or Nunavut. Applications can also be sent in by those who are interested in designing a monument that reflects and honours Indigenous perspectives and experiences.

Anyone who is interested in applying can do so by contacting PSSTenders@gov.nt.ca.