Leader in Indigenous education plans net-zero campus building
Over the past 35 years since FNTI began offering educational programming at its main campus in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, more than 4,000 students have graduated.
Their alumni can be found in all sectors of the Canadian economy, including social and health sciences, leadership and governance, restorative justice, business, aviation, media, and academia. Many FNTI graduates are social and economic change makers, some of whom are elected officials.
The Indigenous institute has outgrown its space and the present facility is not equipped to serve the next generations of students and Indigenous postsecondary programming, research and development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Our current facility is a series of modular buildings which lack ventilation and can’t be retrofitted to meet the health and safety requirements associated with COVID,” said Suzanne Brant, president of FNTI. “This is the perfect opportunity and it’s our time for a new campus building.”
As FNTI prepares to launch new standalone bachelor’s degree programs this year, it is also gearing up for a fundraising campaign to support a planned 50,000-square-foot, net-zero facility near the historic Tyendinaga Aerodrome.
Drawing on the principles of traditional longhouse construction, the geometry of the atrium creates a solar chimney. This natural flue design, coupled with operable windows, and passive heating and ventilation will result in a healthy ecosystem with a generous supply of light and fresh air.
In order to achieve netzero emissions and a small carbon footprint, the building will be mass timber construction, powered by solar panels which could potentially provide autonomy from the grid. The building will also integrate other elements of longterm sustainability, adaptability and reciprocity with the natural world.
“Besides being a beautiful space, it’s going to be highly flexible and functional,” said board of directors chair Ralph Brant. “The whole building is designed as a teaching tool.”
FNTI is using an integrated project delivery (IPD) approach, which aligns closely with Indigenous values and focuses on shared responsibility. This socially responsible construction model collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, reduce waste and maximize efficiency.
“FNTI’S climate-conscious infrastructure project will help build community capacity by using Indigenous procurement throughout the supply chain, construction companies, and upskilling skilled trades trainees, facilitating social change,” said Ralph Brant. “IPD is a unique, communityminded and collaborative process.”
FNTI estimates construction costs for the new building at $30.4 million and hopes to cover that cost through agreements for post-secondary infrastructure with the federal and provincial governments. A comprehensive fundraising campaign is being launched to equip the facility’s Indigenous food systems lab and incubator and the entire suite of new standalone degree programs with materials, equipment, technology and furnishings.
“We are reaching out to all sectors and across the country, including philanthropists, corporate donors, Indigenous stakeholders, alumni and employees, to join us in building a state-of-the-art learning facility rooted in Indigenous knowledge for the benefit of everyone,” said director of government relations and communication Cathie Stewart Findlay.
Students from more than 110 First Nations across Ontario, and 162 across Canada, choose FNTI for its renowned academic rigour and experiential learning opportunities.
“We are shovel ready,” said Findlay. “We need your support to make this happen.”
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