Located on Treaty 4 territory in southern Saskatchewan, the Muscowpetung Powwow Arbour is a vibrant cultural gathering place rooted in Saulteaux tradition and community renewal. Designed as the centrepiece for summer powwow celebrations, the structure draws inspiration from Saulteaux material culture and the symbolic importance of the circle. Its clear-span circular form, informed through extensive Elder consultation, recalls traditional lodges while creating a lightweight roof that appears to float on the prairie horizon.
Built with regionally sourced round timber and local labour, the Arbour reflects traditional knowledge through climate-responsive, resource-efficient construction. Open at its centre, the conical roof admits light to sustain the grasses below, blending landscape and architecture.
Beyond its architectural significance, the Arbour serves as a cultural anchor supporting family wellness, education, and community gathering. Surrounded by restored native prairie, the project demonstrates regenerative design, with ecological restoration and carbon sequestration supporting carbon neutrality while strengthening cultural continuity for generations to come.
JURY COMMENT(S)
The jury appreciated the Muscowpetung Powwow Arbour by Oxbow Architecture with Richard Kroeker for the poetic blending of the traditional Saulteaux lodge forms—no centre pole—with an innovative high tech clear-span hybrid steel and timber structure. The floating circular roof, inspired by bow-string tension and drum-head detailing, honours Indigenous culture and tectonic ingenuity.
Image Gallery
Interior image of Arbour during powwow event
Oxbow Architecture
Interior image of Arbour with dancer
Chris Ross (Muscowpetung Photographer)
Exterior image of Arbour at daybreak looking directly north through structure’s secondary entry
Lindsay Reid
Exterior image of Arbour at daybreak showing announce booth and grand entry
Lindsay Reid
Interior image of Arbour at twilight with stars seen through the oculus
Lindsay Reid
Exterior image of Arbour with spectators
Oxbow Architecture