Sponsored By
Art Cunningham
Art Cunningham was a man of the land, born into a legacy of his people, with deep roots in the rhythms of nature. His journey, like the winds that swept through his community, was one of constant movement—of bridging worlds, connecting generations, and finding balance.
In his early years, Art walked with the teachings of his elders, who shared stories passed down through the ages, stories of the earth, of the ancestors, and of a world that was once whole and connected. His people knew the land like the back of their hands, and every step they took was in harmony with its rhythm. They lived by principles of respect, reciprocity, and responsibility, where each decision was weighed with the understanding that it would impact the generations to come.
As he grew older, Art began to hear a call. It was not a voice, but a feeling—a pull towards something bigger than himself. He knew his people needed a bridge, someone to speak with the world beyond their own, to advocate for their rights, to make sure their stories were told, and their voices heard.
He walked into the offices of Nova Corporations, where the language of business was far different from the language of his ancestors. He sat with leaders who spoke of profit margins and pipelines, of growth and expansion. But in his heart, Art knew this was not just about business. It was about the people who lived on the land—their rights, their futures, their connection to the earth that had sustained them for millennia.
He became the first Native Liaison for Nova Corporations, a position no one had held before, and he carried the weight of both worlds. With respect for the land and his people, Art helped to weave the language of industry into the teachings of his ancestors. He worked tirelessly to ensure that the lands affected by projects were cared for, that the stories of his people were included in the plans, and that the sacred bond with the earth was honored in every decision made.
Later, as he moved into the role of Senior Indigenous Relations for TransCanada Pipeline, Art’s mission expanded. He became a bridge not just for his people, but for all the Indigenous nations whose lands intersected with the flow of pipelines. He carried their hopes and concerns with him to boardrooms, to meetings, and to the places where decisions were made, always speaking truth to power. And he never forgot the wisdom of his elders—that all things are connected, that every action has a ripple effect on the world around us.
Art’s story is a reminder of the power of relationships. Of the importance of listening. Of the sacred duty we have to care for the land and each other. He walked two worlds, but never let go of the teachings of his ancestors. In doing so, he made a way for others to follow, a way of respect, balance, and understanding—leaving behind a legacy that would continue to grow, like the trees that stand tall, firm, and rooted in the earth.
Click here to find out more about the
CCIB Excellence in Indigenous Relations Award.
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