Comprehensive and extensive engagement with the local Indigenous community and Lambton College identified several cultural associations essential for inclusion in the new standalone Gathering Space which will serve to host ceremonies, cultural teachings, and storytelling sessions. 

The exposed skin of the round, Wigwam-inspired wood structure is shaped by eight distinct petals, seven of which pay homage to seven Grandfather teachings: Bravery (Bear), Honesty (Sabe), Humility (Wolf), Love (Eagle), Respect (Buffalo), Truth (Turtle) and Wisdom (Beaver). The eighth petal marks the entrance located on the east side reflecting the significance of the rising sun. The petals, through their reference to nature, also serve to reinforce the space’s essential connection to its surroundings and Mother Nature.

Ten clan animals are represented as window inserts, reflecting the Indigenous Nations and communities of the surrounding region. These clans include the Bear (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe and Oneida), Crane (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe), Deer (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe), Eagle (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe), Loon (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe), Marten (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe), Turkey (Lenape), Turtle (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe, Lenape, and Oneida), and Wolf (Oneida and Lenape). The clan representations are further integrated into the structure of the Gathering Space through window designs. The overall layout is guided by the Four Directions, creating four quadrants marked by animal references incorporated into the ceiling. These “constellation teachings,” as proposed by TAW, are represented by the Bear, Buffalo, Eagle, and Thunderbird.

Built-in seating around the perimeter focuses attention on a central wood-burning fireplace, the heart of the Gathering Space. Above, a suspended chimney rises through a central skylight, creating a connection to Father Sky. Integrated ceiling lighting further strengthens this relationship, evoking the sky and stars beyond. Washrooms are located in a separate adjacent building equipped with roof-mounted photovoltaic panels. These panels generate renewable energy for both the washroom facility and the Gathering Space, supporting the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.

This project is in collaboration with TAWAW Architecture Collective Inc