The Yukon River Quest (YRQ) is deeply rooted in the cultural, historical, and environmental essence of the Yukon. We acknowledge and accept that the Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association (YRMPA) has hosted the race on indigenous land and waters for many years. In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, we are seeking Indigenous artists, whose roots are in this territory, to help us honour the connection between the Yukon River, the race and Indigenous communities with a design that reflects indigenous culture, heritage and artistic techniques.
Theme
A paddle. The paddle embodies both the physical journey through life’s waters and the spiritual path of growth, connection, and resilience. It is a symbol of navigation—not just across rivers and lakes, but also through the currents of experience and history. It also embodies respect for nature and the sacred relationship between humans and water. It honors the rivers and lakes as sources of sustenance, transportation, and life.
Artwork will be used on 2025 YRQ t-shirts given to racers and volunteers and on other apparel/items sold during the race (ie, hats, buffs, pants, water bottles).
Artist Expression of Interest: Aim and Scope
We are currently seeking submissions from interested practicing First Nations artists, preferably artists that live or have lived in the Yukon. Artists are asked to submit an artwork for consideration for use on our YRQ branded t-shirts during the Yukon River Quest 25th Anniversary Race. The artwork may also be used in other promotional material and apparel for YRQ specific events during the race.
The successful artist will be paid $1200 for the use of their artwork and will be acknowledged and promoted as the creator of the artwork used.
Procurement Process
Any Indigenous artist interested in submitting artwork for consideration is requested to submit their artwork and application form by 11:59 pm Monday March 24, 2025.
Complete the Application FormYour artwork can be submitted digitally via email to yrqcoordinator@gmail.com, or mailed/dropped off at:
Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association c/o Sport Yukon,
4061 4th Avenue,
Whitehorse.
(Please note the office is open Monday to Friday, 10am-4pm).
By submitting artwork for consideration, each participating artist agrees to be bound by the following terms and conditions of entry:
1. All participating artists must be an individual aged 15 years or older at the time the expression of interest is submitted.
2. All participating artists must be of Indigenous descent.
3. All entries will be reviewed and the selected entry chosen by the YRMPA Board selection Committee composed of a YRQ paddler, YRQ Media Chair, the Merchandise Coordinator, a member of a Yukon First Nation and the Race Coordinator.
4. The artist must accept these terms and conditions.
5. Where an artist submitting an artwork for consideration is under the age of 18, the artist’s adult parent/guardian must also provide their name and contact details to indicate their agreement with these terms and conditions on behalf of the artist.
6. The successful artist will be paid $1200 for their artwork.
7. Information related to the decision of the selected artwork will not be released.
8. Property rights for the final commissioned artwork will remain with the artist except as provided by these conditions.
9. By submitting an expression of interest, if selected as the chosen artist for the commission, the winning artist:
a) grants to the Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association a permanent, royalty free, worldwide, irrevocable, ongoing, non-exclusive licence (including a right of sub-licence) to use, reproduce, communicate, broadcast, publish, distribute, adapt, modify the commissioned artwork in all media of expression now known or later developed and in all languages, for any purpose specified in these terms and conditions. This licence only extends to non-commercial use of the commissioned artwork.
b) Consents to the Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association’s use of all or part of the artwork in accordance with the licence granted above, with or without attribution of authorship to the artist (YRMPA will not falsely attribute authorship of the entry);
c) May be requested to physically sign a licence and consent form relating to the artwork;
d) Agrees that Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association may publish personal information provided by the artist in connection with their artwork submission including, but not limited to, the artist’s name, age, community and Province/Territory of residence; and
e) Warrants that at the time of accepting the award offer there is no cultural or religious reason or any other impediment that prevents the artwork from being exhibited, published or reproduced.
10. The purpose in using, or sub-licensing the use of, the successful artwork is limited to the following purposes, and anything incidental to such purposes:
a) Being printed on YRQ branded 2025 t-shirts, which may be given away or sold;
b) being used as part of images in YRQ social media (eg Facebook, instagram) as part of 2025 Yukon River Quest promotions;
c) being used in YRQ team photos and race time photography; and
d) being used in YRQ digital assets, including publishing on websites.
11. Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association will reasonably endeavour to notify the artist before altering the artwork for any purpose listed in these terms and conditions. Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association will reasonably endeavour to obtain the consent of the artist before altering the artwork, where such alteration is for a purpose outside of the scope of these terms and conditions, and such consent is not to be unreasonably withheld. Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association will identify the artist on the 2025 YRQ branding.
12. Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association will reasonably endeavour to acknowledge the winning artist as the author of the winning artwork where the artwork is used for purposes other than 2025 YRQ Race.
13. All entries (application form and art work) must be received by 11:59pm Yukon Time Monday March 24, 2025.
15. Final selection may be subject to the provision of additional information. Yukon River Marathon Paddling Association reserves the right, at any time, to verify the validity of the participating artist including participating artist’s identity, age and place of residence and to disqualify any participating artist who submits an artwork for consideration that is not in accordance with these competition terms and conditions