Harmonizing Heritage and Sustainability

Photo: Garrett Kendel, King Rose Visuals

Indigenous Input and Cedar’s Legacy Shape Wanuskewin’s Interpretive & Cultural Centre

Architect: aodbt architecture + interior design

Structural Engineer: Robb Kullman Engineering LLP

General Contractor: Quorex Construction

Wanuskewin Heritage Park is a National Historic Site. So, when taking on a renewal project to restore and expand its Interpretive & Cultural Centre, respect must be paid. That’s something the creative team at aodbt architecture + interior design understood from the get-go.

Community engagement on the project was extensive, continuous, and crucial to the success of the project, according to aodbt. At the outset, approximately 80 stakeholders were brought into a series of project visioning sessions. These sessions, which were all kicked off by a ceremony led by Elders, aligned the project goals and began to prioritize the requirements in the building.

Wanuskewin is a Cree word that means “living in harmony” or “peaceful gathering place.” For aodbt, this meant transcending the line between the natural and built environment with a structure that reflects the rich culture and history of the Indigenous Peoples of the Northern Plains.

“A prominent component of Wanuskewin is the roof, characterized by sweeping slopes and angular forms that suggest tipis and bison among the rolling prairies,” explains aodbt architect Ted C. Engel. “The importance of the circle and the four cardinal directions are expressed in many aspects of the built environment.”

The roofing material is hand-split cedar shakes. The process of splitting shakes by hand renders the wood impervious to moisture, and sheds water remarkably well.

“Western Red Cedar, while a Canadian species, is not native to Saskatchewan,” remarks Engel. “However, like tobacco, it is an important component of Indigenous culture.”

In addition to honoring the traditions of the local community, using sustainable Real Cedar throughout the exterior and interior of the facility also met the Elders’ mandate to make this project as eco-friendly as possible.

And as Engel points out, the spiritually significant cedar “exhibits an interesting dual interplay of being remarkably durable, yet weathering to a beautiful grey patina – a perfect combination when creating a lasting prairie aesthetic.”

WRC Specifications

Grade: KD Select Knotty siding & soffit

Size: 1×4 T&G siding & soffit, 2×10 fascia 

Fastening: Stainless steel

Applied Finish: None