Facilitating an Indigenous-led Design Process through Collaboration - INTERN

Facilitating an Indigenous-led Design Process through Collaboration

This webinar is part of the RAIC 2022 Virtual Conference on Architecture, now available to stream!

Topics: Indigenous Architecture

Length: 1 hour | What's Included: Video, Quiz, and Certificate of Completion 

There has been increasing recognition for the importance of Indigenous-led design both nationally and internationally. Indigenous communities are demanding active participation in the design process. In Canada, the architecture industry has suggested that Call to Action #92 in “Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Report” – which asks the corporate sector to commit to meaningful consultation and building respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples before initiating economic development projects – can be applied to the field of architecture (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015, p. 10; Wahpasiw, “Learning from Indigenous Consultants,” 2020, para. 5 - 7). Best practice guidelines from the International Indigenous Design Charter outline the importance of ensuring projects are Indigenous-led and community-specific. It advocates for “deep listening” – engaging in respectful and inclusive communication as well as encouraging collaboration and co-creation that promotes the sharing of Indigenous knowledge (Kennedy et al., International Indigenous Design Charter. 2018, pp. 10 - 28).

Acknowledging Canada’s call to action regarding economic development projects, the presenters will discuss how project teams can effectively facilitate Indigenous-led design projects that reflect cultural values. Four case studies will be presented. The first two completed projects to be discussed: the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute in Oujé-Bougoumou, in the Eeyou Istchee territory of Northern Quebec, constructed in 2011 and co-designed with Douglas Cardinal Architect, and award-winning Eeyou Eenou Police Force Detachment in Waskaganish, Quebec. The following two case study projects to be presented will be new concept designs for the Mani-Utenam Cultural Centre and Mani-Utenam Recreation Complex and Pool, located in Mani-Utenam, Quebec. The design team, made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous professionals, takes an inclusive approach to each project presented. Engaging in “deep listening,” they use imagery and storytelling to engage the community and offer a canvas through which they can lead the design process.

Learning Objectives:

By the completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Differentiate between the recently published reports and guidelines on Indigenous-led design processes.
• Identify opportunities for facilitating an Indigenous-led design process.
• Create opportunities for meaningful collaboration within the design process.
• Describe the importance of Indigenous-led design.

Subject Matter Expert:

Bruno Morin is a partner and creative director with Figurr Architects Collective with over twenty years of experience. His work is heavily influenced by his international experience, having worked extensively across Europe and North America. In recent years, Bruno has been responsible for the introduction and development of the BIM (Building Information Modelling) system in the office. His approach to design integrates advanced technology and innovative construction solutions with close collaboration between the client and the project team. Bruno has worked on various residential, institutional and commercial projects, including numerous projects for First Nations communities. He was Figurr’s acting partner in a team submission for the C40 – Reinventing Montreal international competition – a carbon-neutral residential neighbourhood. His recent projects include the Cree Nation Government Office Building and the award-winning Eeyou Eenou Police Force Detachment in Waskaganish, Quebec, for the Cree Nation Government Department of Capital Works. He is currently leading the design and construction of the Whapmagoostui Community Pool and Youth Centre located in the territory of   Eeyou Istchee in northern Quebec. Bruno has been an invited critic at the University of Montreal School of Architecture for the past ten years.

Marie St-Gelais
Civil engineering degree, wood construction graduate program, indigenous management graduate program, Professional Engineer, Ashini Consultants

Marie St-Gelais is an Innu civil engineer from Pessamit and has 15 years of experience as a manager, project manager and design engineer. Through her career path, she has worked in mining, engineering consulting services, construction and with many First Nations communities. Her previous work experiences led her to develop a strong expertise in engineering management, project management, tender preparation and management, contract administration as well as structure and civil technical design.Ms. St-Gelais has knowledge in bridges design, steel and wood structures, civil engineering works and environmental aspects of a project.   Since 2016, she has been managing Ashini Consultants, coordinating the engineering and construction projects while ensuring the company's development. She also recently graduates from a 2nd cycle program in Wood Material Use in Construction and another in Indigenous Management from ENAP. The mission of his company is to support First Nations communities in their development. It also pursues the objective of developing and maintaining an indigenous production capacity and professional technical expertise. She actively works to ensure that native professional firms shine and be involved in major infrastructures, natural resources and industrial projects so that First Nations have a technical voice in the preparation and planning of these projects. Marie is a member of the Board of Directors for the Saguenay Native Friendship Centerwhich offers support to indigenous in urban areas. She participated in the Council for the  Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando) 2019 Women in Business Panel as well as the 2021 Indigenous Economic Development Forum hosted by Aishkat.

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