About the Program
The Bouchier Foundational Awards recognize team members who demonstrate Bouchier’s core values, We Care, We Inspire, We Deliver, that are influenced by the seven sacred teachings in Indigenous culture.
There are seven awards, each representing one of the seven sacred teachings. ​
About the Commission
Bouchier seeks to commission one Wood Buffalo-based artist to create seven (7) original awards, each representing one of the Seven Sacred Teachings:
- Respect – Bison
- Traditional meaning: The Bison is steadfast, sturdy, and strong. It respects all beings and offers its body to sustain life. It respects all elements, gently stepping over medicines and bravely facing the storm. The bison honours all creation.
- Award criteria: Individuals who earn respect from colleagues or community by staying true to their values, and their actions/behaviours align with their words.
- Wisdom – Beaver
- Traditional meaning: The Beaver uses its natural gifts to support the wellness of its family and the land. It has the knowledge to build in a way that sustainably improves their environment. It teaches us to honour the collective wisdom of our community and the world around us.
- Award criteria: A person who identifies solutions to complex problems, actively shares knowledge, supports continual learning and offers guidance to others.
- Courage – Bear
- Traditional meaning: The Bear is a brave protector. It knows the land and is in synergy with plants, animals, swimmers, and crawlers. It minds the land by protecting its balance. The Bear reminds us to face challenges with confidence and bravery.
- Award criteria: Someone who shows bravery, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity or challenges. They overcome obstacles by speaking up, sharing their story/experience and standing up for others and what they believe in.
- Love – Eagle
- Traditional meaning: The Eagle flies highest in the sky and, therefore, acts a messenger to the Creator, carrying our prayers up but also carrying messages down. The Eagle can see the bigger picture from all angles with purity of heart. The Eagle is known to be a loving parent and supports many life cycles on the land.
- Award criteria: An individual who finds good in all and demonstrates genuine care, empathy and support for others, fostering inclusivity and a positive work environment.
- Honesty – Sabe
- Traditional meaning: The Sabe is a great spirit. It reminds us to be truthful to who we are and to walk tall with integrity. It is believed Sabe walked among us to remind us of the Creator’s wish to stay true to our natural self.
- Award criteria: A person of integrity - shows consistent adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. They are someone you can count to live by their word time and time again.
- Truth – Turtle
- Traditional meaning: The Turtle is believed to have witnessed all creation and, therefore, carries the truth of the universe on its back. There are thirteen plates on the turtle’s shell connecting it to the thirteen moon cycles in one year. The Turtle offers balance and reminds us to live truthfully to ourselves and the land.
- Award criteria: Someone who takes responsibility for their actions, learns from their mistakes, and stays true to themselves even in difficult situations.
- Humility – Wolf
- Traditional meaning: The Wolf humbly works the betterment of its pack, caring for the young and old family members before itself. It mates for life and is a generous and loving parent. The Wolf reminds us of what kinship and community systems should be.
- Award criteria: Individuals who do not naturally seek recognition for their achievements, willingly share credit with others and embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth.
The commissioned body of work must be cohesive overall, while ensuring that each individual award clearly reflects and is inspired by its corresponding Sacred Teaching.
Scope of Work
The selected artist will:
- Create seven original awards, one for each Sacred Teaching
- Ensure each award visually and conceptually reflects its assigned teaching
- Produce work that is 2D, 3D, or fine craft
Key Dates & Deliverables
- Final awards due: No later than 4:00 PM on October 15, 2026
- All work must be:
- 100% original
- Royalty-free
- Free from copyright or intellectual property risk
Artist Fee
Applicants must include their total all-inclusive fee for the commission in their submission. The proposed fee should account for all expenses related to the design, creation, and delivery of the seven (7) awards.
How to Submit
All proposals must be submitted through the Arts Council Wood Buffalo Opportunities Portal.
Steps to apply:
- Create an account or log in
- Select “Bouchier Foundational Awards” as your category
- Complete and submit your proposal
Submission Deadline
Proposals must be received by 11:59PM on April 17, 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process
- Proposals will be reviewed by Bouchier staff
- All decisions are final
- Only successful artists will be notified
- Notification will be sent by April 24, 2026.Â
Questions & Contact
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Emma Carter
emma@artscouncilwb.ca
(780) 713-1948
