ohpinamake 2025: Applications Now Open
Submission Deadline: December 1, 2025, 11:59pm CT
The University of Saskatchewan Art Galleries and Collection (USAGaC) has opened the application call for the fourth annual ohpinamake Prize for Indigenous Artists. “ohpinamake” is a nêhiyawêwin term meaning “to lift others,” which was gifted to USAGaC by three Indigenous community leaders: elders Maria Campbell and Louise Bernice Halfe-Sky Dancer, and artist and alumna Ruth Cuthand (BFA’83, MFA’92). This prestigious award recognizes an Indigenous artist who works within the spirit of the term, and whose territories intersect with the current colonial borders of Canada.
This opportunity is made possible through the generous support of donors Jim and Marian Knock. Originally from Saskatchewan, the Knocks provided an initial 50,000 CAD for ohpinamake to be administered by USAGaC in the College of Arts and Science. An award of 10,000 CAD will be provided annually for the next two years.
In further conversation with community, USAGaC has endeavoured to remove systemic barriers that keep Indigenous artists and others from accessing opportunities like this. From this space of engaged listening, we are continuing to develop both the processes of application, adjudication, and the possible outcomes of ohpinamake over the remaining years.
Eligibility
The chosen artist must clearly engage in a practice that “lifts others”. This can be understood as an active social practice or as the production of artwork that elevates Indigenous world-senses and creates community. It can also be understood as modeling behaviour that supports others in truly relational ways. Only Indigenous candidates will be considered for this award.
The University of Saskatchewan is committed to safeguarding the cultures and integrity of Indigenous peoples, Indigenous values, and Indigenous languages. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous students provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth Policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy.