top of page

INDIGENOUS & NATIVE AMERICAN TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE & MEDICINE CONTEST

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge contest youth winner in the news

To celebrate the rich culture and heritage of Canada's Indigenous peoples and those in the Pacific Northwest (United States) subject to funding), FORED sponsors an annual art, photography & video contest. Theme is Indigenous Traditional Knowledge & Medicine with $150 cash prizes for winners, all self-declared Indigenous or Native American youth. 

Visit our GoFundMe page to support our new Native American category or the Canadian youth entrants.

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge Art Contest for Youth

Scroll down for annual contest details. Please share widely!
Subscribe to our email newsletter at bottom for next 2025 contest.

Some previous award winners also featured below.

Traditional Knowledge Art Contest: Text

Mailed entries are accepted if any technological challenges exist. 
#213-4481 W 10th Ave.
Vancouver, BC V6R 4R8.

Four $150 Cash Prizes for Indigenous Youth

Next 2025 Contest TBA

Eligibility: Canadian youths aged 5-18 with Indigenous, Inuit, Métis, or self-declared ancestry.

We are also hoping to include Native American youths with donor support.

  • Participants must include:

    • Brief description of how their original artwork, photography or video relates to traditional knowledge and medicine

    • Their name

    • Band affiliation or ancestry

    • Home mailing address (for prize cheque)

    • Phone & email address (or parent contact)

    • Grade, teacher and school name

DETAILS

Interview a local elder or show off your homemade salal tea on video? Creativity of all kinds is welcomed.

​

Prize: 4 x $150 prizes. Group work is shared prize.

​

  • Artwork can be any size or artistic medium.

  • Videos must be less than 3 min.

  • Mailed artwork cannot be returned. If submitting art, please have someone take a photo of you with your artwork if possible.

  • Winners' names and entries can be published in local media, on FORED social media channels & website, and showcased for National Indigenous People's Day, June 21 (Canada) and the second Monday in October in the United States.

  • Hear how this award inspired one of our winners to pursue her art dreams.

  • No commercial use of entries permitted.

Entry Form

Traditional Knowledge Art Contest: Membership

2024 Winners

Click for high-resolution images and descriptions.

CONTEST INFORMATION

Theme: Indigenous Traditional Knowledge & Medicine

Please complete form so we can reach parents/teachers and winners.

Grade Level K-12

Indigenous Band affiliation or ancestry (self-declared acceptable).

Please provide the best address to reach any winners for cheque. Care of the school/teacher is fine too. Can also e-mail transfer prize funds.

Province / Territory (alphabetical drop down)
How did you hear about this contest? (select from dropdown).

Contest Feedback from a Teacher (Okanagan)

Teacher testimonial on Indigenous Traditional Youth Art Contest
Traditional Knowledge Art Contest: Pro Gallery

ARCHIVAL WINNERS