In the Fall of 2018, Edmonton opened its first Indigenous art park situated in Queen Elizabeth Park, complete with breath taking views of the river valley and downtown Edmonton. It is called înîw (EE-nu), which in Cree means “I am of the Earth”— Indigenous peoples are very connected to land, so this name is very fitting. înîw sits on the historic river lot which was originally owned by Joseph MacDonald, a Métis man.
The park was created in partnership with the City of Edmonton, Confederacy of Treaty No. 6 First Nations, Métis Nation of Alberta, the Edmonton Arts Council and Indigenous artists. Here you will find six art installations, created by Indigenous artists who were asked to create pieces “inspired by this land”.
When you first arrive, you see the Treaty Acknowledgement and înîw welcome rocks. The rocks tell the story of the Cree word înîw (EE-nu), an ode to the ancestral lands of the Indigenous groups who were here prior, primarily the Cree.
