International travelers arriving at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport will now be greeted by works of Mi’kmaq art and culture.
The renovation of the International Connections Facility (ICF), which had its grand opening on Jan. 16, features the work of local Mi’kmaq artists.
“As a key opportunity to demonstrate the culture and heritage of Nova Scotia to travelers arriving here, we knew it was important to create a strong sense of place that pays tribute to the very first peoples of these lands,” Dean Bouchard, Vice President, Airport Planning and Development at the Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA), said in press release.
The renovations were part of a plan to situate Halifax as a significant location for international travel. But the airport authority wanted to introduce those travelers to all Nova Scotian culture, including that of its first peoples.
“As of January 2026, the International Connections Facility at Halifax Stanfield International Airport will serve as a major gateway to Mi’kma’ki,” Alan Syliboy, artist and owner of Red Crane Media, said in a press release. “It features prominent Mi’kmaq art installations designed to welcome international travelers and share the culture of the land. As a Mi’kmaw artist, I am honoured to have contributed artwork to this facility.”
Syliboy created vibrantly coloured artwork to stand alongside a living wall of plants adorning six pillars in the redesigned space. His work is inspired by ancient petroglyphs that explore themes of family, unity, spirituality, connection and strength. Fourteen drums from his Daily Drum collection are also featured along the upper walls.
Stephen Francis, a woodworking artist and math specialist from Eskasoni, designed an eight-point star that is showcased in the 26-foot flooring centrepiece. Francis said his symbol traditionally represents the sun and the districts of Mi’kma’ki, but he also put diamonds in his creation to honour the people who influenced who he is today.
I am so honoured that my Mi’kmaq 8-point star was chosen to be displayed at Halifax Stanfield International Airport,” he said in a press release. “When people first arrive from locations around the world, they will see my 26-foot star, which represents 48 of my ancestors who have made me who I am today. It will be like my ancestors telling them ‘Welcome to the land of the Mi’kmaq’.”
The ICF project was made possible through contributions from Transport Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia, which provided $8.3 million and $3 million, respectively. HIAA contributed over $6.5 million.