UFA continues to look for opportunities to advance reconciliation throughout the year and today, in honour of The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we extend our gratitude to Indigenous artist Jason Carter for creating a special piece of artwork for the Sohkyoyiis Meeting Room at UFA's Calgary Support Office (CSO). Jason Carter is a proud contemporary Indigenous artist from Little Red River Cree Nation. He is a sculptor, painter and public artist, and his work can be seen worldwide. Together with his partner and creative director, Bridget Ryan, they own the Carter-Ryan Art Gallery, with locations in Banff and Canmore.
Artist Jason Carter poses with his artwork, The UFA Lodge of the Land displayed in the Sohkyoyiis meeting room at UFA's Calgary Support Office
The piece is entitled "The UFA Lodge of the
Land" and is an acrylic on canvas measuring 96" x 36" and was commissioned in
March of this year. The piece serves as a visual symbol of UFA's commitment to
reconciliation and is displayed in a special meeting room, named Sohkyoyiis.
The room was gifted its name during a Pipe Ceremony led by Siksika Elder Miiksika'am
(Clarence Wolfleg), and Sohkyoyiis means "Lodge on the Land" in Blackfoot. Our
co-operative has been on a collective journey of reconciliation, and it was
important to create a space honouring Indigenous culture where meaningful
gatherings can take place, and good relationships can be nurtured with
Indigenous visitors and employees. We are grateful to Jason Carter for creating
this beautiful artwork showcasing UFA through an Indigenous perspective. In
addition to today's art installation, UFA pledged a donation of $1,000 to
Spirit North, a national charitable organization that helps empower Indigenous
youth thought land-based activities and programming.
