Indigenous artists selected for Ādisōke the OPL-LAC joint facility
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Chin, Communications Director
Email: achin@dsai.ca
Gary McCluskie, Principal
Email: gmccluskie@dsai.ca
Ottawa, ON – Through the Ādisōke Indigenous Public Art program, public artwork made by local, regional and national Indigenous artists (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) will be integrated throughout the interior and exterior of the new joint facility.
The selected artists will collaborate with the design team of Diamond Schmitt, in joint venture with KWC Architects, to incorporate their commissions into the design of Ādisōke, building on the project’s commitment to representing Indigenous heritage through one of the most inclusive and in-depth public engagement and consultation processes for any public building in Canada.
The following artists have been selected to produce artwork for the facility: Dee Barsy, Skownan First Nation based in Winnipeg, will produce artwork for the interior Pimisi entrance; Mary Anne Barkhouse, ʼNa̱mǥis First Nation based in Haliburton Highlands, will produce an exterior sculpture for the facility; Destiny Swiderski, Red River Métis based on Vancouver Island, and Jaimie Isaac, Sagkeeng First Nation based in Winnipeg, will produce artwork for the exterior pillars of the facility; Naomi Blondin, Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg First Nation, and Verna Stevens, Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg First Nation based in Ottawa, will produce artwork for the Indigenous circular lodge; Emily Brascoupé, Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg First Nation based in Ottawa, Claire Brascoupé, Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg First Nation based in Ottawa, and Mairi Brascoupé, Kitigan Zibi Anishinābeg First Nation based in Ottawa will produce artwork for the exterior and interior glazing; Barry Pottle, Nunatsiavut, based in Ottawa, and Katherine Takpannie, Nunavut, based in Ottawa, will each provide an original photograph for the facility.
Set to open in 2026, the modern and iconic facility of Ādisōke will become a landmark destination located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinābe Algonquin Nation, in what is now known as the National Capital Region. Ādisōke will deliver a vibrant customer experience through public services, exhibitions and events that showcase Indigenous stories and histories, as well as our rich Canadian heritage. The joint programming and services will make this a truly unique offering in Canada. The name Ādisōke is an Anishinābemowin Algonquin word that refers to the telling of stories.
Read more about the project and art program here.
Meet the artists here.