As the City of Vancouver gears up for a yearlong celebration of indigenous culture, it's asking aboriginal artists for help.

According to a city announcement, they can submit proposals for murals "that celebrate the creativity of Indigenous artists and the rich cultural histories and continuing presence of Indigenous peoples in what is now known as Vancouver, as well as look toward the city and the country's future".

It's part of Canada 150+. It's a series of events in 2017 commemorating the history of the city dating back to before the arrival of European settlers.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Canada's existence as a country.

"As a city situated on the unceded and ancestral homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, and as a City of Reconciliation, a goal of Canada 150+ is for Vancouver to mark the national milestone with the theme of strengthening our relations among indigenous peoples and all Canadians and to forge a common future between all Vancouverites," the city states in its artist call guidelines.

The deadline is February 22 for filing applications to the mural program.

For more information, email David Lewis at david.lewis@vancouver.ca/ or the public art program at publicart@vancouver.ca/.

Canada 150+ will also include The Drum Is Calling Festival at Larwill Park from July 22 to 30, which is being curated by aboriginal storyteller, singer, dancer, and producer Margo Kane.

In addition, the three host nations will present The Gathering of Canoes at Jericho Beach from July 19 to 22. 

There will also be a Walk for Reconciliation on September 24, which will resemble a similar event held in 2013 when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada came to Vancouver.