An Oshawa Indigenous public art call is seeking writers and storytellers to create a permanent text-based installation at Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park.
The City of Oshawa has opened the two-stage competition to Indigenous creative writers, poets, artists, Knowledge Holders and storytellers connected to or from the seven Williams Treaties First Nations. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on November 5, 2026.
Selected writer will receive a $12,000 fee
The selected writer will receive $12,000 to develop original text for installation near the Garden of Human Rights. Fabrication and installation costs will be handled separately by the city and will not come from the writer’s fee.
Oshawa is considering engraved stone elements built into interlocking brick or text engraved on boulders beside park pathways. Shortlisted writers may give input on those options or propose another installation method during the second stage.
The public artwork is intended to spotlight an Indigenous voice while complementing the waterfront park’s reflective design. Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park is at 169 Harbour Road, next to Lakeview Park.
Eligibility centres on Williams Treaties connections
Applicants must be connected to or from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Hiawatha, Curve Lake or Alderville First Nations, or the Chippewas of Georgina Island, Rama or Beausoleil First Nations. The lead applicant must be at least 18.
A jury of Indigenous community members will shortlist three writers. Each finalist will receive $750 to take part in the second-stage discussion before the jury recommends one applicant.
Stage-one submissions must include a biography or artist statement, a resume, up to five work samples and a letter describing the applicant’s connection to the territory and past community work. The city’s online form contains the full requirements for the Oshawa Indigenous public art project.
