Event Recap: Making Space – Business, Indigenous Art, and Reconciliation - London Chamber of Commerce Ontario, Canada

Earlier today, the London Chamber of Commerce hosted a landmark event, bringing together community leaders, creators, and business professionals. We left the room reminded of one vital truth: Indigenous reconciliation is not just a programme agenda. It is an active, ongoing commitment to fundamentally reshaping how we share space, conduct business, and support one another in our community.

In partnership with Indigenous London Arts and the London Arts Council, the Chamber is proud to officially launch our new Indigenous-led gallery programme.

Transforming Our Space

Through the Making Space initiative, the London Chamber of Commerce’s public-facing areas will now serve as professional exhibition spaces for rotating displays of work by Indigenous artists from London and neighbouring First Nations communities.

This is about more than just hanging beautiful art on walls. This initiative ensures that Indigenous creators are visible, valued, and professionally supported. The programme guarantees:

Professional curation
Public promotion
Artist remuneration in strict accordance with CARFAC standards
A seamless sales process administered by the London Arts Council

Voices That Led the Conversation

The morning’s discussion explored the practical role the business community must play in moving the City of London’s ReconciliAction Plan from a written policy into a lived reality. We extend our deepest gratitude to the leaders and creators who guided this vital conversation:

Emily Schuyler (Keynote): The new Specialist of Indigenous London Arts at the London Arts Council and a multi-media artist from Oneida Nation of the Thames, Emily grounded the room with an intimate narrative of cultural heritage and what it means to be a contemporary Indigenous artist.
Katie Wilhelm (Facilitator): An award-winning Indigenous designer, consultant, and Chamber board member from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, Katie expertly steered the panel to challenge how we think about space and civic leadership.
Bridget George, Mike Cywink, and Nancy Deleary (Panelists): These incredibly talented visual artists and storytellers shared their lived experiences, exploring themes of cultural continuity, identity, and the translation of ancestral knowledge into community art.
Ariel Williams (Featured Artist): Hailing from Walpole Island First Nation, Ariel’s dynamic and thought-provoking acrylic paintings break traditional stereotypes, offering a bold vision of contemporary Indigenous identity and futurism.

The Work Ahead

If reconciliation is to be more than just an agenda item, it requires visible action from local businesses. By purchasing, exhibiting, and valuing Indigenous art, corporate London can create meaningful economic opportunities and foster true cultural appreciation.

Thank you to everyone who attended today’s launch, and a special thank you to our generous event sponsors, Sisco & Associates Consulting Services Inc. and LBMX Inc., for making this gathering possible.