Chippewas of the Thames First Nation Heritage Hub

SpruceLab partnered with Tawaw Architecture Collective for the Heritage Hub project, providing a landscape concept plan and report with recommendations for the schematic design phase. The Tawaw design focused on strategies to preserve and protect Chippewas of the Thames First Nation’s Ways of Knowing, providing improvements for the community’s access to cultural lifeways, and increasing economic development. The Heritage Hub offers four different and complementary functions: a cultural centre, a governance building, guest accommodations, and cultural grounds with three fires representing community, council, and demonstration. The architectural design was inspired by information generated through community engagement, to honour the tradition of mound building, and connection to the natural landscape. The design also celebrates Traditional Woodland Patterning, the First Nation’s Clan System, and Constellation Teachings such as the Thirteen Moons.

SpruceLab’s conceptual landscape design is currently under review by the First Nation, and is intended to support the outdoor spaces included in the Tawaw site plan. This includes a large-scale entry public art feature, with suggested locations for interpretive storytelling features and other art across the site. The planting design is comprised of hyper-local native species that suit the anticipated use for their location, and include Traditional Medicines and other culturally important species for harvesting and to support Teachings by Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Services

• Indigenous Design

• Schematic Design