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City welcomes two new public art installations at tourism centre

Red River cart and baby bison sculptures now on display.
Tourism MJ office summer 2022
The Tourism Moose Jaw visitors' centre on Thatcher Drive East. Photo by Jason G. Antonio

MOOSE JAW — The City of Moose Jaw has announced the addition of two striking public art pieces at the Tourism Moose Jaw Centre: a metal baby bison sculpture and a full-sized Red River cart.

Both installations were completed in early August and are now welcoming visitors as part of Moose Jaw’s growing collection of outdoor public art.

The Red River cart was proposed in 2023 by the New Southern Plains Métis Local No.160 and approved by the City’s Public Art Committee and City Council. Constructed from unpainted steel for durability, the cart honours the history and culture of the Métis people, whose carts played a vital role in transportation and trade across the Northern Plains before the advent of railways and highways.

The baby bison sculpture, created by local metal artist Bill Keen and his wife Laurette, was approved by the Public Art Committee and city council in 2025. Designed as a companion piece to the Keens’ existing life-sized steel bison installed at the site in 2023, the calf sculpture was generously donated to the city, with all fabrication and installation costs covered by the artists. The piece continues the theme of celebrating the strength, resilience, and cultural significance of the bison to the region’s heritage.

The City of Moose Jaw, along with the Public Art Committee, extend their gratitude to New Southern Plains Métis Local No. 160, Bill and Laurette Keen, and all partners who contributed their time, resources, and creativity to bring these projects to life. Both pieces reflect Moose Jaw’s commitment to honouring local history, embracing cultural diversity, and enhancing public spaces through art.

Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Tourism Moose Jaw Centre to view these unique works and learn more about the stories and traditions they represent.

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