Tsuut’ina Nation Creation Story

In 2015, I had the unique opportunity to work closely with Indigenous Elders of the Tsuu’tina Nation here in Calgary on the Southwest Calgary Ring Road (SWCRR). The SWCRR, built and managed by Alberta Transportation, consists of 31 kilometres of six- and eight-lane divided highway that passes through Tsuut’ina Nation lands. As part of this highway development, the Tsuu’tina Nation requested that Alberta Transportation include their Creation Story on a few of the bridge abutments along the SWCRR. Along with two colleagues, I spent two years working with Tsuut’ina Elders and Tsuut’ina Nation’s Historical Society to bring their vision to life and create a series of panels along SWCRR bridge abutments that illustrated key elements of their community’s history and their Creation Story. It was a very meaningful, rewarding project that allowed me to combine my love and passion for art and design, with years of Indigenous engagement experience.