Apply by March 20th at 4:00 PM
Intro
Tla’amin Nation is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from experienced First Nations carvers to design and carve a 30-foot totem pole for installation at the new tiskʷat Coming Home apartment development.
This pole will be a permanent cultural feature that reflects Tla’amin presence, history, and love for this place. We are seeking a lead carver or carving team with demonstrated experience in large-scale poles, a strong artistic vision, and a clear commitment to mentorship and knowledge-sharing.
Project overview
- Project: Design and carving of one (1) approximately 30-foot totem pole (log provided by Tla’amin Nation)
- Location: tiskʷat Coming Home Apartment Development, Tla’amin Territory
- Carving site: In the Tla’amin community (transportation and installation provided after carving completion)
- Style: Coast Salish style, descriptive of Tla’amin’s ongoing relationship to the tiskʷat village site, the big river, and plant and animal relations
Mentorship is required
Tla’amin Nation places a high value on carving projects that support intergenerational learning and strengthen up-and-coming carvers. EOIs must include a clear mentorship component outlining how Tla’amin apprentices will be involved throughout the project.
Tla’amin will support apprentices through a separate budget.
Mentorship may include:
- On-site learning opportunities during design and carving
- Skill-sharing in carving techniques, formline development, and finishing
- Meaningful participation (not observation only)
Preference may be given to proposals that demonstrate a strong, thoughtful approach to mentorship.
What to include in your submission
Submissions do not need to be formal or lengthy. We welcome clear, thoughtful responses that reflect your voice and practice.
1) Letter of Interest
Please include:
- A brief introduction of the lead carver(s) or carving team
- Relevant experience with large-scale poles or public carvings
- Your artistic approach and connection to Coast Salish style work
- Confirmation of your commitment to participate in public events
- Any initial thoughts about working with Tla’amin Nation
2) Samples of Work
- Images and brief descriptions of previous carvings
- Examples of completed poles or comparable large-scale works
- Links, photos, or printed images are all acceptable
3) Proposed Budget and Pricing
- Estimated carvers’ cost is $48,000–$60,000
- Provide a clear breakdown of fees, materials, travel, and other costs
- Carvers provide their own tools; Tla’amin will provide tools for mentees
- The carving log, structural base, and installation will be provided by Tla’amin Nation
- Include any mentorship/apprentice costs you anticipate (Tla’amin has a separate budget for these)
- Tla’amin will issue a 25% deposit at project commencement; additional payment terms are negotiable
Budgets are understood to be estimates at this stage and may be refined with shortlisted proponents.
4) Mentorship Plan
- How apprentices will be engaged
- Estimated duration of carving and mentorship activities
- Level of apprentice participation (design, roughing out, finishing, etc.)
Timeline
- EOI submission deadline: March 20 at 4:00 PM
- Shortlisted proponents may be contacted for discussion and refinement
- Contract awarded: April 17
- Carving begins: May 1–15
- Carving complete: August 15
How to submit
EOIs may be typed or handwritten and can be submitted:
- Electronically, or
- In person (drop off at Tla’amin Government House)