MUKQUA WAAKAA'IGAN DESIGN CONCEPT

We were asked to prepare the conceptual design for a landmark building for the University, conceived as a living reminder of the school’s past, as a residential school.

Mr. Ellis’ design proposes the spatial flow of the floor plan as a metaphor of a river, a continuum of thought bringing four themes of ‘Transformation Happens’ which is proposed to intersect through the display areas, as a transition from the existing ‘We are All Children of Shingwauk’ Gallery towards the Anishinaabek Discovery Centre.

The premise is:

“Activating Intergenerational Relationships

Reconnecting with the Land

Embracing Culture(s)

Knowing our History/ Creating a LIVING LEGACY”

“Activating Intergenerational Relationships is about PEOPLE. It features Elders and Survivors, who are our teachers, along with student stories. It explores families with roots at Shingwauk, and newcomers who are becoming part of our family.

Reconnecting with LAND is about our relationship to this place. It illustrates the ways that we are reconnecting to and decolonizing the land, and highlights land-based learning and other initiatives at SRSC, AU and SKG.

Embracing Our CULTURE(S) roots us in Anishinaabe ways of knowing but also embraces cultural learning and sharing, communicating to visitors that we all have a place in this story, and a responsibility to one another.

Knowing Our HISTORY/Creating a LIVING LEGACY.

This story is about working together for change and transformation. It is also a story of cultural resurgence and showcases contemporary future-making projects at SRSC, AU, and SKG.”

As part of the University’s mandate, all new buildings on campus are

proposed to be designed to have a zero carbon footprint.