Thunder Bay Police seek Indigenous art for police station

THUNDER BAY -- The Thunder Bay Police Service is calling for submissions of art from members of the Fort William First Nation.

The art will be displayed at police headquarters on Balmoral Street, in part to show that the police service "is looking to recognize that it is on the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation," according to a news release issued Monday.

Selected artists will receive a commission to produce works that could include paintings, beadings, birch bark, leather work, burnings, quillwork or photography.

Acting Deputy Police Chief Don Lewis said the art will improve the appearance of the police station "so it can better reflect the community we serve."

The project, the statement said, is in keeping with the spirit of the friendship agreement signed last fall by the First Nation, the City of Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay Police.

"I would like to recognize the Thunder Bay Police Service in their efforts of working together in partnership with the members of Fort William First Nation on this project," said Chief Peter Collins.

Collins noted that his community has numerous skilled artists whose work spans a variety of media.

"I look forward to seeing the final selections and the unveiling of the space" at the police station, he said.

Interested participants can submit their expressions of interest to the police service by February 28, 2018, including information about their work, their experience, a portfolio and references.

Artwork must fit within a glass display case (68 inches wide, 40 inches high and 4 inches deep), and paintings and photos should be on a canvas or frame no larger than 36 inches wide.

Details about the budget for the project were not included in Monday's announcement.