Through the Ādisōke Indigenous Public Art program, Indigenous artists from across Canada have been selected to create artwork for Ādisōke, the Ottawa Public Library – Library and Archives Canada joint facility.
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 series 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, Claire Brascoupé 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 will provide original photographs for the facility.
- Katherine Takpannie, Nunavut, based in Ottawa, will provide original photographs for the facility.
To read more about the selected artists, visit adisoke.ca or view the “Get to know the artists” video.
The Indigenous Public Art Program was developed by the City of Ottawa Public Art Program to celebrate Indigenous art, culture and heritage at Ādisōke. It is overseen by the Curator of Indigenous Public Art, Dawn Saunders Dahl, member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and based in Alberta. The Indigenous artists were selected through a comprehensive assessment process that included Indigenous peers and consultants. The program will integrate public artwork made by local, regional and national Indigenous artists (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) throughout the interior and exterior of 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 Ottawa. Ādisōke will deliver a vibrant client and visitor 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.
To learn more about the Indigenous Public Art program and to stay up to date on artist features, visit adisoke.ca. You can also follow the Ādisōke project on X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube.
