Canada Games Indigenous Artists Licensed Merchandise Program
Call for Expressions of Interest from Indigenous Artists
EXTERNAL POST
The Canada Games represent a coming together, and uniting of a nation through the
power of sport. Young athletes and their supporters come from all thirteen provinces and
territories, representing the vast diversity of the land and the people of our country.
As part of our commitment to honouring and celebrating the cultures and traditions of
Indigenous peoples, we invite First Nations, Métis and Inuit Artists to collaborate with us
on a special Canada Games themed licensed merchandise collection. We aim to feature
designs inspired by the artists’ heritage, showcasing the history, culture and perspectives
of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island. We will select approximately five artists
whose work will reflect the diversity of Indigenous peoples across the land, offering the
Canada Games Movement a chance to engage with and continue to learn from these
important stories.
This initiative was made possible through a generous donation by a private Family
Foundation.
Who Are We Looking For?
– Indigenous artists who can authentically represent their personal, cultural and
territorial identity and blend that with the spirit of the Canada Games to create a
beautiful and meaningful design
How Many Artists Will Be Selected?
– Five Indigenous Artists will be selected to design artwork for a specific garment of
licensed merchandise
What Is The Compensation?
– Each selected artist will be paid $2,000 for their artwork
How can an artist submit an expression of interest?
– Interested artists are invited to complete the submission form linked here by
November 30, 2024
Canada Games Council | Conseil des Jeux du Canada
C/O House of Sport, 2451 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1H 7X7
T 613 526 2320 | CanadaGames.ca
How Will The Artwork Be Used?
– Each artist will have their artwork applied to a specific product, creating a line of
five unique pieces in total
– Products may include hat, t-shirt, tank top, sweater, long-sleeve t-shirt
– The products will be produced in a limited quantity and will be sold online at
https://shop.canadagames.ca/ and onsite at the St. John’s 2025 Canada Games.
– To celebrate the artists and their designs a promotional plan will be launched to
amplify their story and the merchandise to a national audience
Review Committee
– Representatives from the following organizations / groups:
– Donor Representative
– Canada Games Council DEI Task Force
– Aboriginal Sport Circle
– Canada Games Council Staff
Timelines
– September 30, 2024 – Call for Expressions of Interest launches
– November 30, 2024 – Submission Deadline
– December 18, 2024 – Selected Artists further briefed on program
– February 28, 2025 – Due date for final artwork
– April 30, 2025 – Online sales launch
– August 8-25, 2025 – In-person sales at 2025 Canada Games
The Canada Games Council is committed to ensuring they are reflective of Canadian
society. We are on a journey to better support equity, inclusion, belonging while making
meaningful progress on Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action #87 to #91. We
encourage all interested Indigenous artists to share their stories through this exciting and
unique opportunity.
