WFN News

WFN looking for syilx/Okanagan artist(s) to create outdoor mural at new U-Haul location

Westbank – Westbank First Nation (WFN) is requesting proposals from syilx/Okanagan artists to create a large mural depicting syilx/Okanagan culture and history, with a connection to travel and trade. The artwork or mural will be located at the new U-Haul location on Old Okanagan Highway in Westbank BC.

U-Haul recently opened its business on WFN reserve lands (3571 Old Okanagan Hwy) and is looking to reflect this positive relationship through providing space to have syilx/Okanagan artwork or a mural created on one of the external walls. 

The area where the building is located has been a central location for travel, trade and interactions for generations predating settlement in our territory. The business location parallels the Old Okanagan Hwy. Prior to this recognition, it was a main passage corridor for syilx/Okanagan people travelling up and down the valley, harvesting resources and conducting trade with neighbouring First Nation people. The trail has undergone many transformations over generations including serving as the Fur Brigade Trail, the Main Street for Westbank in its early stages of development, and today, serving as a recognized corridor used to connect residential areas to Hwy 97.

The full Request for Proposal can be found here. The deadline for proposals is June 29, 2018 at 2:00pm.