During this fast-paced session, we will discuss aspects of Indigenous storytelling, place-keeping, and creativity as they relate to architecture and the allied arts with members from these communities and non-Indigenous allies who have enriched their practices and craft by dedicating their time and talent to collaboration. 

To be better collaborators, it is important to discuss distinct cultural approaches to the design process to gain a better understanding. Through this series of talks, with question and answer segments, we will discuss broad overarching topics, review best practices, and showcase collaborative projects.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn best practices for collaboration in design with Indigenous communities
   
2. Gain insight into Indigenous Design approaches
   
3. Expand understand of place-keeping vs place-making
   
4. Learn to recognize opportunities in projects for greater inclusion of the Indigenous community as collaborators
   

Speakers:

Matthew Hickey
Senior Project Architect, Two Row Architect

Matthew Hickey is Mohawk from the Six Nations First Nation and is a licensed architect with 16 years of experience working in an on-reserve architecture firm. He received his Masters of Architecture from the University of Calgary and his Bachelor of Design from Ontario College of Art and Design, winning both the Alberta Association of Architects Presidents Medal and the Medal for Best Thesis, respectively. Mr. Hickey’s focus is on regenerative design – encompassing ecological, cultural, and economic principles. His research includes Indigenous history and the adaptation of traditional sustainable technologies to the modern North American climate. Matthew currently sits on the Board of Directors for Toronto Artscape Inc, and as a member of the Design Review Panel for Waterfront Toronto. He also currently instructs at OCAD U, and for the OAA.

Rebecca Baird MFA
Nehiyaw Cree/Métis Artist

As a senior Nehiyaw Cree/Métis artist, Baird appreciates the important occasions that art offers to connect and engage with the broader public. Her personal artistic approach has focused upon issues of authenticity, re-articulating, re-visioning and re-claiming Indigenous narratives through visual media processes that inspire contemplation and conversation. Baird was at the forefront of early recognition of Indigenous cultural contributions. Benchmark exhibitions included From Sea to Shining Sea, 1987, The Power Plant, Toronto, which presented her mixed-media piece, “In the Centre Lies the Sky”. Indigena, 1992, Museum of Civilization, Hull, Quebec, featured “Heartland” created in collaboration with artist Kenny Baird. The visual arts exhibitions she has presented over the course of her career have been well recognized with works collected by such preeminent institutions as the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), the former Museum of Civilization, Winnipeg Art Gallery and Thunder Bay Art Gallery. Additional presentations have been exhibited Canada-wide as well as abroad. An interest in Public Artwork began with The Great Mystery, commissioned by Queen West Community Health Centre, Toronto, 1996. Open Sky, 2001, Lester B. Pearson Airport, followed commissioned by Greater Toronto Airport Authority. Her most recent public artworks include, All My Relations, CAMH, Toronto, 2018 and Star Blanket, The King/Liberty Bridge Project, Toronto, 2019. True to Baird’s artistic oeuvre, these public art pieces serve as aesthetic landmarks while enhancing the public’s appreciation of Indigenous culture and promoting a shared sense of community continually in the making.

Danny Roy
Intern Architect, Brook McIlroy

Danny Roy is an Intern Architect and Planner at Brook McIlroy and is part of the Indigenous Design Studio. He is a member of English River Dene Nation in Treaty 10 territory and Cree-Métis from the northern community of Sakitawak (Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan). He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts Honoursdegree from the University of Saskatchewan in Regional and Urban Planning. Danny was formally a Senior Regional and Community Planner practicing in Saskatchewan and has had the opportunity to work with numerous municipalities and Indigenous communities to help develop sustainable planning frameworks. This included being co-author and facilitator to the award-winning City of Prince Albert Municipal Cultural Action Plan and project lead to the Black Lake First Nation Community Land-Use Plan. His high interest in community development, urban design and architecture led him to enroll in the Master of Architecture program at University of Calgary and graduated in June 2020. During his studies, he researched and explored urban Indigenous design approaches, educational and community-centre building typologies, and sustainable building practices. Danny joined the Indigenous Design Studio with Brook McIlroy and is leading and assisting in Indigenous placemaking projects within master planning and architectural projects.

Moderator:

Eladia Smoke
Smoke Architecture