About the Project: Little Feet, Big Dreams: Building with Culture, Care, & Art Submission
The Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society is issuing a call to Indigenous artists, artisans, and community members to
contribute to a series of cultural installations for the new childcare centre located at 3553 11th Street in Houston, B.C.
Houston is situated on the unceded traditional territory of the Wet’suwet’en people, and we express our deepest
gratitude for their stewardship of these lands.
This 3,600 sq. ft. centre will serve 37 children from infant to age 5 and will open in Summer 2026. The
childcare centre is funded by the Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC (AHSABC), which is providing both
capital and long-term operating costs.
This project is funded by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council through the Braided Infrastructure Program. Each
piece is designed to reflect Indigenous identity, teachings, language, and visual storytelling in ways that are
welcoming and meaningful for young children and families.
Prior to final approval on working designs, all installations will be presented to, and receive feedback from
Elders, knowledge keepers and community members in a workshop format. Artists will work collaboratively
with build team to ensure placement, installation, and long term maintence is suitable for children and the
building.
About the Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society
Dze L K’ant is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization based in Smithers, B.C., with service hubs in Houston
and Dease Lake. Its mission is to provide culturally grounded services that enhance the well-being of
Indigenous children, families, and communities through programming in education, housing, health, and the
arts. (www.dzelkant.com)
About the Funders
First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC)
FPCC’s Braided Infrastructure Program supports the integration of Indigenous arts, culture, language, and
heritage into physical spaces across B.C. FPCC assists B.C. First Nations in their efforts to revitalize their
languages, arts, cultures and heritage. (www.fpcc.ca)
Aboriginal Head Start Association of BC (AHSABC)
AHSABC is a provincial Indigenous organization that delivers community-led early childhood programs rooted
in culture and language. These programs give Indigenous children a strong start in life by supporting their
physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, while strengthening families and building connections
within their communities. (www.ahsabc.com)
DLK001: Hand-Carved Frog Panel – Front Exterior Installation
Scope of Work
A hand-carved wooden frog panel is to be permanently installed on the exterior front wall of the building. The
frog should reflect themes of transformation, healing, and growth.
Design Goals
• Welcome children into the centre with a culturally resonant symbol
• Embody teachings of transformation and interconnection
• Use vibrant, welcoming design rooted in Indigenous styles
Specifications
• Approx. 3–4 ft in diameter or similar scale (TBC)
• Carved from durable wood, sealed for outdoor conditions, non-stained
• Installed securely on the outer entrance wall
Payment: Artist Fee: $5,000
• Supplies & Materials: $3,100 (includes tools, installation hardware, sealants)
• Supplies paid upfront, honorarium in staged payments
DLK002: Salmon-Themed Playground Maze – Outdoor Play Feature
Scope of Work
An interactive 3D maze feature for the playground representing the salmon journey and life cycles. May
include maze panels constructed of cedar and include carved or sculpted features.
Design Goals
• Connect children to land and seasonal cycles
• Integrate local Indigenous symbolism and salmon teachings
• Inspire outdoor exploration and sensory play
Specifications
• Must be CSA-approved for playground safety must not exceed 30 inches in height
• Durable weather-resistant wood which does not need to be stained, installation elements can be other
child-friendly materials such as recycled rubber, engineered wood fiber (EWF), and plastic
• Dimensions 12×16 ft maximum (TBC)
• Installation base is natural dirt, no concrete
Payment: Artist Fee: $5,000
• Supplies & Materials: $3,100 (includes installation supports)
• Supplies paid upfront, honorarium in staged payments
DLK003: Painted Artist Murals
Scope of Work
Two painted murals that will be installed inside the childcare centre’s two main activity rooms.
Design Goals
• Celebrate Indigenous modern identity and visual storytelling
• Make the activity spaces welcoming and educational
• Include calming and joyful elements for children
Specifications
• 2 panels; each approx. 6 x 12 ft wide (TBC)
• Child friendly paint and surface prep
• Overtop of painted drywall
Payment: Artist Fee: $5,000
• Supplies & Materials: $3,000 (hardware, primed panels, coatings)
• Supplies paid upfront; honorarium in staged payments
DLK004: Storytelling Panels – Hallway Graphic Narrative
Scope of Work
A set of comic-style graphic panels that tell the story of how the centre was built: from visioning to ground
blessing to construction and opening. The narrative will include community contributions and place children
within the story of the building and land.
Design Goals
• Connect children to the history of the building and land
• Depict phases of building development and ceremony
• Make children feel part of a living, evolving story
Specifications
• Up to 4 panels (approx. 3 ft x 4 ft each) to be hung in either the entry or vestibule (TBC)
• Printed or painted on canvas, paper (various weights and finishes), and rigid boards like MDF or aluminum,
framed with glass
• Indigenous text and language encouraged
Payment: Artist Fee: $3,500
• Supplies & Materials: $2,000 (printing/framing)
• Supplies paid upfront; honorarium in staged payments
DLK005: Cultural Artifacts – Indoor Display Collection
Scope of Work
Seeking 4 culturally significant items from Indigenous community members, artists, or families to be exhibited
indoors. Items should be authentic and appropriate for child-accessible learning.
Design Goals
• Celebrate Indigenous material culture
• Provide children with visual access to authentic objects
• Display items with respectful cultural interpretation
Specifications
• 4 items total
• Each displayed in custom case (approx. 2–3 ft wide) (TBC)
• Cases may be wall mounted, mounted on a base, suspended from the ceiling or displayed within shelving
• Labels developed in collaboration with contributors
Payment
• Honorarium: $1,000 per item (4 total)
• Display Cases: $500 per case (4 total)
• Label Budget: $700 total
• Cultural protocol, history, and provenance must be submitted
DLK006: Collaborative Fabric Panel – Workshop-Based Installation
Scope of Work
An artist-facilitated community workshop where children, Elders, and families contribute fabric and found
items related to the Bulkley River. The final fabric panel will be permanently displayed inside.
Design Goals
• Celebrate Bulkley River culture and storytelling
• Engage families and children through hands-on art
• Block-printed fabric panel will blend traditional design motifs with modern childhood imagery
• Include diverse objects: feathers, photos, bark, buttons
Specifications
• Panel approx. 4–6 ft wide and 3–4 ft tall (TBC)
• Textile materials provided or collected from participants
• Framed or hanging installation safe for children; pieces must be secured with minimum risk of falling
• Can be framed or unframed (but installation must remain protected from dust)
Payment
• Artist Fee: $3,000
• Materials & Installation: $1,500
• Workshop Costs: $1,800 (venue, transport, childcare)
• Refreshments: $350
• Supplies/workshop expenses paid upfront, honorarium in stages
Application Process
Deadline: 5:00 PM, October 3, 2025
Please contact Joanne Hughes to receive the full RFP package which includes proposal submission
requirements, evaluation criteria, submission instructions, project timelines and terms and conditions.
Joanne Hughes, Consultant
joanne@dzelkant.com
613-882-0888
Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre Society