Nisg̱a’a Youth Saak/Oolichan Art & Story Contest
2026 (now closed); 2027 (stay tuned!)
Contest Description
Saak | The Oolichan Project
As part of a large international collaboration focused on the intersections of biodiversity conservation and Indigenous health and wellbeing, the “Ărramăt” Project, the Oolichan Project focuses specifically on the critical role of saak (oolichan) for the Nisg̱a’a Nation. This is a collaboration between the CIF and the Lax̱galts’ap Village Government, with funding provided through Ărramăt.
In 2026, we launched an art and story contest, inviting Nisg̱a’a youth from the elementary level through to young adults to submit works that showcase how they see saak being connected to the health of the Nisg̱a’a people and the future they envision for saak and the Nisg̱a’a Nation. A community panel helped select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize winners from the elementary junior (Grade 1-3) and senior (Grade 4-7) levels, as well as young adults (ages 18-35) – showcased below!
This contest will run again in early 2027, with results announced at Hoobiyee in Lax̱g̱alts’ap.
Prizes
Elementary Jr.
1st Place: $100
2nd Place: $50
3rd Place: $25
Elementary Sr.
1st Place: $100
2nd Place: $50
3rd Place: $25
Young Adult
1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $150
3rd Place: $75
2026 Winners
Young Adult
1st Place
“The Impact of Saak/Oolichan” by Aama Gootgum Nooxgum Gibuu - Montana McNeil
“[Tradition] reminds us that we are not separate from the land, but a part of it, connected through every step we take and every source we gather.” - Montana
2nd Place
“The name of the piece is Walx - to carry something on ones back. I made this piece to showcase our savior fish as the backbone to our society, as the key aspect to our survival.” - Trinitee
Materials: Wood with acrylic paint, metallic paint, and pencil crayons.
“Walx” by Trinitee Willie
3rd Place
“By caring for saak and its environment, the Nisga’a will continue to nurture their culture, traditions, and connections to the land, ensuring that both the fish and the peoples thrive for many generations ahead.” - Rebecca
Digital art.
“Life and Land” by Rebecca Doolan
Elementary Sr.
1st Place
This artwork depicts Marcus and his brother eating Saak.
“Saak is important because it’s our savior fish.” - Marcus
“Savior Fish” by Marcus Lincoln
2nd Place
This artwork depicts the importance of Saak to Sam.
“Saak is important to me because saak provides food for everyone.” - Sam
“Saak” by Sam Stevens Jr.
3rd Place
“I love how you decided to include different textures with sparkles! It makes the saak you drew come alive!.” - Community Panel Judge
“Oolichan” by William Stephens
Elementary Jr.
1st Place
Art by Paul Jr. (Grade 3)
“It is a life savior for our health.” - Paul Jr.
2nd Place
Art by Marissa (Grade 3)
“…it’s a life saver. Helps peoples feel better who has a sore ears.” - Marissa
3rd Place
Art by Kolsyn (Grade 2)
“Saak help us as health…I love saak so much.” - Kolsyn
Honorary Mentions
Saak & Bana’a by Rory Innes
Harvest Moon by Vivian Stevens
Fishery Bay by Riley Lincoln
The Oolichan Project Partners
The Oolichan Project is a research & outreach collaboration focusing on the interconnections between oolichan conservation and Nisg̱a’a health and wellbeing, involving three key partners:
Ărramăt (funder) – learn more at https://arramatproject.org/
UBC Centre for Indigenous Fisheries (university partner) – Dr. Andrea Reid
Lax̱g̱alts’ap Village Government (community partner) – John-Francis Lane
Questions or Ideas?
Please direct them to theoolichanproject@gmail.com.