The Downtown Lethbridge BRZ is proud to unveil a vibrant new public art installation "the OKI Sign" celebrating Blackfoot culture and welcoming residents and visitors to the heart of the city. "Oki," the Blackfoot word for "hello," symbolizes respect, inclusion, and connection, values that reflect the spirit of our downtown and the broader community.

The installation, designed by Wayne Provost, stands in Festivals Square and was made possible through the generous support of Opportunity Lethbridge and Community Futures Lethbridge Region. Their partnership and commitment to cultural celebration and economic development made this project a reality.

Sarah Amies, Executive Director of Downtown Lethbridge BRZ, says "placing the OKI sign in the heart of downtown is a powerful gesture of inclusion and acknowledgment. It stands as a visible commitment to reconciliation and to honouring the Blackfoot people on whose land we live and work. This installation is more than just a greeting "it's a welcome to all, a reminder of the deep history of this place, and a step forward in building a more respectful, inclusive, and united community."

The design honors the community of Lethbridge and symbolizes reconciliation through a design featuring smudge smoke, feathers, and local landmarks, incorporating Blackfoot cultural elements like coal and the Lethbridge Viaduct. The OKI sign, painted in white, black, and brown, represents the offering of smoke and connection between past and present.

This initiative is part of a broader vision to highlight Indigenous heritage and strengthen community identity through art and placemaking. The OKI Sign invites residents and visitors to stop, engage, and reflect on the land's original languages and people.