A grand piece of public art with a Native American theme will soon grace the bank of the Spokane River within the Higher Education Campus.

Officials with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe met with Coeur d’Alene city leaders earlier this week to discuss ways to maximize partnership efforts to benefit both entities. The joint meeting on the Coeur d’Alene Reservation included tours of the impressive Tribal Wellness Center and Benewah Medical Center.

During the joint meeting, plans were outlined for public art on the Higher Education Campus. Recreation Director Steve Anthony, liaison to the Arts Commission, said $45,000 has been budgeted for the art. The money comes from art funds established by the city and the Lake City Development Corporation.

The selection process for the artwork will be a cooperative effort involving the tribe, city, and North Idaho College. A call for regional artists to submit proposals will occur in October. Anthony expects the public art to be installed next summer.

In addition to the artwork, the tribe may finance an informational kiosk to be situated nearby that will provide details on the tribe’s rich history. The site is on the tribe’s ancestral grounds.

Mayor Steve Widmyer and Tribal Chairman Chief Allan, as well as other officials representing both entities, emphasized the importance of the tribe and city working cooperatively together.

“This is more than just a partnership opportunity,” Mayor Widmyer said. “It is an opportunity to build friendships as we collaborate on worthwhile projects for the citizens of Coeur d’Alene and members of the tribe.”