Their presentation, “Facilitating an Indigenous-led Design Process Through Collaboration,” examines the resources available to the architecture, engineering, and construction industry that support the Indigenous design and Indigenous-led design processes. Acknowledging Canada’s call to action regarding economic development projects, the presenters discuss how project teams can effectively facilitate Indigenous-led design projects that reflect cultural values. 

Bruno and Marie look at a collaborative approach to an Indigenous-led design process through four case studies. The first two completed projects to be discussed:  

• The LEED Certified, Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute in Oujé-Bougoumou, in the Eeyou Istchee territory of Northern Quebec, was constructed in 2011 and is co-designed with Douglas Cardinal Architect,  
• The award-winning Eeyou Eenou Police Force Detachment in Waskaganish, Quebec.  
• New concept designs for the Mani-Utenam Cultural Centre, and  
• The Mani-Utenam Recreation Complex and Pool, located in Mani-Utenam, Quebec.  

The design team for the two projects in Mani-Utenam 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 to lead the design process. 

“The RAIC Conference has been a wonderful opportunity to share the project team’s collaborative approach to Indigenous-led design processes with our colleagues in the architecture industry across Canada. Figurr is honoured to have built strong relationships with many Indigenous communities across Quebec.” - Bruno Morin, Architect and Partner 

The presentation is recorded and has been made available online and on-demand through the RAIC’s virtual conference and learning management system.  

To view the full program and schedule of events, please visit the RAIC’s website.