University of Waterloo breaks ground on Indigenous outdoor gathering space
The University of Waterloo has broken ground on construction of a new outdoor space for teaching, celebrating and bringing awareness about Indigenous peoples and cultural practices.
The space will also be used for First Nations, Métis and Inuit-led events, celebrations and gatherings, and as an outdoor classroom to anyone educating on First Nations, Métis and Inuit content.
“This space is meant to make a statement,” said Jean Becker, associate vice-president, Indigenous Relations at Waterloo. “It’s meant to be a physical presence to say to our campus colleagues that there is Indigenous presence on campus, including histories tied to the area as well as contemporary Indigenous diversity and uses of the land. We’re proud of that.”
The structure will stand about six metres tall and 15 metres in diameter. It will be circular and contain 33 posts, representing a forest. The roof will have four wing-like sections that overlap. This design will serve as a teaching tool on Indigenous cultures, pedagogies and ideologies.
The university’s Office of Indigenous Relations is working with the Indigenous Design Studio at Brook McIlroy. The design work is being led by Ryan Gorrie, principal, who is Anishinaabeg and a member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation on Lake Nipigon).
“The design is unique to this space,” Becker said. “The colours of the roof model those of a trout species native to the Grand River, and the building materials will reflect the natural environment locally. We did a lot of consultation with our communities to ensure that this space is what we need here and that it reflects our teaching and learning community.”
Members of the Office of Indigenous Relations visited the space before the construction team broke ground to smudge, lay tobacco and offer a song and prayers to the space, the earth, the animals, and the trees as a way to acknowledge the change and disturbance, and to give thanks for the positive effect that the space will have in terms of sharing, teaching and building community and relationships.
The project is scheduled for completion in the fall.