Nisg̱a’a Youth Saak/Oolichan Art & Story Contest

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 13, 2026

Contest Description

Saak | The Oolichan Project

Calling all Nisg̱a’a youth! We are looking for artwork and stories showcasing the importance of saak/oolichan to the Nisg̱a’a people.

There are three categories for submissions: Elementary; High School; and Young Adult (Ages 18-35). At the Elementary level, we want to know what saak mean to you and what you love about saak. At the High School and Young Adult levels, share with us how you see saak being connected to the health of the Nisg̱a’a people and the future you envision for saak and the Nisg̱a’a.

Each category will have its own 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prize winners. There will also be random draws for all entrants.

Prizes

Elementary

1st Place: $100

2nd Place: $50

3rd Place: $25

High School

1st Place: $200

2nd Place: $100

3rd Place: $50

Young Adult

1st Place: $300

2nd Place: $150

3rd Place: $75

Submitting an Entry

How to Enter

  1. Create your art (in any medium – digital, painted, drawn, carved, woven, etc.) or story (in any format – essay, video, audio etc.)

  2. Complete the submission form, available here

  3. Submit your piece and form to your school teacher OR submit directly by email to theoolichanproject@gmail.com

Eligibility Rules

  • A complete submission includes both the art or story and filled submission form, submitted on or before Feb. 13, 2026.

  • All submissions must be original work created by the submitting youth.

  • By submitting your entry, you consent to giving full rights to use the art and/or story in publications and communications, with credit given to the artist and/or author.

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

Still Have Questions?

Please direct them to theoolichanproject@gmail.com.