Outdoor space at University of Waterloo designed as teaching tool on Indigenous culture
A new outdoor gathering space being constructed at the University of Waterloo is designed to serve as a teaching tool on Indigenous cultures, pedagogies and ideologies.
“This space is meant to make a statement,” said Jean Becker, the university’s associate vice-president of Indigenous relations, in a news release entitled “Breaking ground on the road to reconciliation.”
“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,” Becker stated.
The area is located on the green between the Student Life Centre and Math 3 building and will be used for gatherings, celebrations and lessons on Indigenous subject matter.
A consultative design process involved Indigenous members of the campus community who worked alongside the Indigenous Design Studio at Brook McIlroy, led by Ryan Gorrie, principal, a member of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation on Lake Nipigon).
The circular structure will stand about six metres tall and 15 metres in diameter and contain 33 posts, representing a forest. The roof will have four wing-like sections that overlap and is modelled after a trout species native to the Grand River. Wood chosen for the structure and seating area is Alaskan yellow cedar, and trees and plants with significance to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures will be incorporated, the university says.
“The design is unique to this space,” said Becker.
“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.”
Before construction began, members of the university’s office of Indigenous relations visited the area to smudge, lay tobacco and offer a song and prayers.
A name for the space will be determined when construction is complete.