Indigenous Art Commission
for a bronze medallion for Concordia’s permanent collection
A permanent bronze medallion will be integrated into the renovated Henry F. Hall Terrace by the end of 2026
Project context
In line with the Indigenous Directions Action Plan recommended action (3.6) to develop a prominent and permanent Indigenous space at Concordia, and Concordia’s Public Art Strategy and Policy to promote equitable representation in its collection, a permanent bronze medallion will be integrated into the renovated Henry F. Hall Terrace, a central high-traffic and symbolic location on the university’s downtown campus.
Located on unceded Kanien’kehá:ka territory, the Henry F. Hall Building is layered with histories of resistance, learning, and community. The Indigenous medallion will become a permanent part of that story. This visible symbol of Indigenous presence is founded in ongoing efforts to center Indigenous knowledges in public spaces.
The new terrace is intended to be a welcoming and peaceful space that inspires harmonious relationships.
The commission
Two Indigenous Fine Arts students selected by the Indigenous Directions Leadership Council have been invited to propose a design for a 5-foot (approx. 160 cm in diameter) circular bronze medallion that will be installed on the renovated Henry F. Hall Terrace.
The medallion, inserted in the terrace pavement, surrounded by a circular seating area, is intended to represent a sacred, ceremonial fire that is never extinguished, that draws people to its warmth and light, and that serves as a gathering space for conversation and meditation.
The design will speak to Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and remembering, and honour the Indigenous nations connected to this land.
The artists were asked to propose imagery that will be engraved on the bronze medallion that reflects:
- Indigenous presence, connections, spirit or land-based teachings or stories.
- Their unique approach to storytelling, visual culture and place.
Once the design is selected, the medallion will be produced and installed by a bronze specialist hired and managed by Concordia’s Public Art Lead, and it will become part of Concordia’s Public Art Collection.
Project goals
The addition of a site-specific public artwork by an Indigenous artist will be an enduring testament to Concordia’s commitment to inviting ongoing dialogue and fostering relationships with Indigenous communities. It responds to an ongoing commitment to reconciliation and to increase the presence of Indigenous artists in Concordia’s public art collection.
The project goals are:
- To commission a medallion that is rooted in Indigenous aesthetics, knowledge and identities and reflects longstanding and continued Indigenous presence at Concordia.
- To provide visibility and celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures on campus and in the wider community of Tiohtià:ke.
- To encourage and support Indigenous student artists.
- To raise awareness about Indigenous art and cultures and foster a desire for further learning.
- To contribute to creating a space for gathering and foster a sense of belonging for Indigenous faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Jury
Members of the Indigenous Directions Leadership Council
- Hannah Claus
- Gage Diabo
- Donna Kahérakwas Goodleaf
- Cheyenne Henry
- Michelle McGeough
- Nicolas Renaud
- Kristy Snell
- Manon Tremblay
- Sigwan Thivierge
- Allan Vicaire
- Simon Daley (student)
- Wasueg Nicholas (student)
Jury members (non-voting)
- Annie Gérin, Dean of Fine Arts
- Sandra Margolian, Public Art Lead
