Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space

A distinctly curved structure near the south end of Tindall Field is an important place of ceremony, learning, and reflection for the Queen’s community. The site – which found its design inspiration in traditional Anishinaabe wigwams – opened as the university’s newest Indigenous gathering space in September 2023. 

“This is a teaching and learning space for the whole campus, with a focus on the teaching of Indigenous studies and giving Indigenous faculty a space where they can teach classes in the ways they have always taught, in the ways we have always come to know things,” said Kandice Baptiste, Senior Director, Student Inclusion, Equity, and Belonging, during remarks at the opening event. “I look forward to seeing many classes here that are taught in circle and flipped from the traditional lecture style so that folks have an understanding of the history of this territory and are exposed to different ways of knowing and being on this campus. The land is our first teacher, and this is purposefully made to be in the land so that we can as a campus better understand our roles and responsibilities as human beings.”

The architect of the space was Eladia Smoke of Smoke Architecture.

The structure provides an area for ceremonial fires, as well as for teaching, learning, and engaging with Indigenous ways of knowing and being. The design incorporates significant Indigenous symbology. Entryways are positioned facing east and west, denoting the rising and setting of the sun, and the overall design nods to the medicine wheel and is designed for sacred ceremonial activities like smudging. The building has the capacity to hold up to 30 people and is wheelchair accessible.

Part of the Queen’s ongoing commitment to truth and reconciliation, the structure’s location was selected to work in harmony with other notable Indigenized areas of campus, including the Kanonhweratónhtshera G’di-mikwanim (The Welcoming Room) in nearby Mackintosh-Corry Hall and new Indigenous spaces in the neighbouring Agnes Etherington Art Centre. The new space joined a wider array of Indigenous spaces across campus as well, like the recently opened Endaayaan-Tkanónsote student residence and its outdoor courtyard Indigenous gathering space.

“Having various spaces on campus that reflect and value Indigenous histories and perspectives is an essential part of sustained institutional change,” said Patrick Deane, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “These culturally relevant spaces are part of our ongoing commitment to advancing decolonization and reconciliation, and to building an inclusive campus where all Queen’s community members feel seen, safe, and welcome.”

The project’s construction was being funded by a donation from Bader Philanthropies, Inc., long-time supporters and donors to Queen’s. Additional funding came from the Office f the Principal and the Office of the Provost, as well as from the Faculty of Arts and Science.