Architectural rendering of the new Saik’uz Health Centre.

Request for Indigenous Art Proposals:
Carved Wooden Sign for the New Saik’uz Health Centre

Submission deadline: Thursday, October 31, 2025
Contact: Jordan Cranmer, Health Manager
Email: jordan.cranmer@saikuz.com
Mail/Drop-off: Saik'uz Health Centre, 716 Patrick Street, Vanderhoof, Saik'uz Territory, BC, V0J 3A1
Phone: 250-567-9773 (Saik’uz Health Centre)
 

Overview

Saik’uz First Nation is commissioning a permanent carved wooden sign to be designed by an Indigenous artist and installed as part of the new Saik’uz Health Centre project. The sign will complement a 75 cm x 100 cm arrowhead-shaped stone feature and must be highly visible to vehicles passing by on Kenny Dam Road.

The sign will welcome visitors, display the Health Centre name, and reflect the values of health, wellness, and community.

Scope & Specifications

• Primary medium: Carved wood (natural, durable materials for outdoor use)

• Approximate size: 150 cm (L) x 50 cm (H) 

  • We welcome size variations based on the design; however, a larger size is preferred.

• Placement: Roadside, a few feet off Kenny Dam Road for maximum visibility.

• Design guidance:

  • Must integrate visually with the stone feature

  • Should balance legibility at a distance with cultural depth and artistry

  • Incorporate Indigenous design elements and natural materials.

Eligibility

• Open to Indigenous artists (individuals or teams).

Budget

• An honorarium and materials allowance will be provided.

• Specific budget details will be finalized with the selected artist via contract.

• Project must be completed within 8 months of contract signing. Delays may result in financial penalties.

Project Timeline

Note: Dates may adjust slightly to meet project needs.

• Deadline to submit: October 31, 2025

• Review & selection: November–December 2025

• Contracting: January 2026

• Fabrication & installation: Up to 8 months from the contract date

Selection Process & Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed by the Health Manager, Land-Base Healing Coordinator, a Cultural Advisor, and an Elder from Saik'uz First Nation.
Selections will consider:

• Artistic quality and originality.

• Suitability for outdoor installation (materials, durability, maintenance).

• Compatibility with the stone feature and surrounding environment.

• Feasibility within the proposed budget and timeline.

What to Include in Your Proposal

Please submit the following in a single email or package:

1. Artist statement and short bio

2. Concept sketch or rendering of the proposed sign

3. Materials and dimensions (note if different from those requested)

4. Budget estimate, including materials, fabrication, finishing, and installation

5. Timeline for completion

6. Up to five images of relevant past work (with brief captions: title, year, materials)

Combine documents into a single PDF if possible, and label files clearly (e.g., Lastname_Firstname_HealthCentre_SignProposal.pdf).

How to Submit

Send proposals by email or mail/drop-off:

Email: jordan.cranmer@saikuz.com
Subject line: Saik’uz Health Centre Sign – Artist Proposal

Mail/Drop-off:
Health Centre Manager – Attn: Art Proposal
716 Patrick Street
Vanderhoof, Saik'uz Territory
BC, V0J 3A1

For questions, contact Jordan Cranmer, Health Manager, via email or at the Saik'uz Health Centre (250-567-9773).

We welcome Indigenous artists with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Mussi for your interest in contributing to this meaningful addition to our new Health Centre.

© 2019 Saik'uz First Nation