Tawaw Architecture Collective to Bring Survivors Vision to Life
The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) in partnership with the University of Manitoba is thrilled to announce the selection of Tawaw Architecture Collective Inc. as the Design Architect for our new permanent home to be built on the Southwood Circle lands adjacent to the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry Campus.
The new facility will serve as an international learning lodge where Survivors, their families, and people from across Canada and around the world can come together to learn about the history and legacy of Indian residential schools. The world class facility will be a sacred place of education, research and dialogue where the truths of Survivors’ experiences are honoured, taught and safeguarded for future generations.
This project represents more than the construction of a building. It is the creation of a permanent home for Survivors guided by their vision to be a gathering place for learning, celebration, remembrance and truth on a global scale.
Tawaw Architecture Collective Inc., led by Wanda Dalla Costa, a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation was chosen in ceremony with the selection committee, following a process that prioritized Indigenous led-leadership in design, and a relational approach to partnering with Survivors, Elders, the Design Circle, and other cultural authorities.
As the design process moves forward, Tawaw Architecture Collective Inc. will work closely with Survivors, Elders, Traditional Knowledge Keepers, and the NCTR to ensure the building and ceremonial lands reflect First Nations, Métis and Inuit teachings, culturally informed design principles, and land-based approaches to gathering and learning.
The NCTR is grateful to the support and generosity of our funding partners as we continue this journey. We’ve had many allies who have contributed including the federal government, the Province of Manitoba, the Winnipeg Foundation, Canada Life and Power Corporation of Canada, and numerous other donors who are making this possible.
Quotes
“This project is about creating a place that reflects and acknowledges the truth of our shared history and the responsibility we all have to understand and carry that knowledge forward. Through this space, Survivors’ voices and teachings though Indigenous language will continue to guide the path toward truth and reconciliation.”
- Keith Chiefmoon, Governing Circle member with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
“This is an exciting time for the Centre as we are one step closer to our dream. Not only will our new building be a home for Survivors, but it will also be a place where everyone can come together to learn and to listen.”
- Andrew Carrier, Governing Circle member with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
“Without truth, there can be no reconciliation. This new home for the National Centre will ensure Survivors’ histories are protected and shared so future generations understand our history and continue learning from it. My lived experience of residential schools will be protected at the NCTR for generations to come.”
- Laurie McDonald, Survivor Circle member with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
“Residential schools tried to take away our languages and identities, but we are still here. This building will be a sacred place where Survivors can share our truths and oral histories so the generations that follow understand what happened and why it matters.”
- Edna Elias, Survivor Circle member with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
“This was a thoughtful and careful search to find the right design leadership for a project of this magnitude. From the beginning, we knew this building must reflect the voices of Survivors and the teachings of Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The vision of building the new home will continue to be grounded in respect, partnership, and Indigenous leadership. We are grateful to all the helpers and partners who contributed their knowledge and expertise to walk this journey with us.”
- Stephanie Scott, Executive Director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
To learn more:
NCTR’s New Home: https://nctr.ca/about/our-new-home/
The University of Manitoba: https://umanitoba.ca/indigenous/
Tawaw Architecture Collective Inc.: https://www.tawarc.com/
For more information: nctr-communications@umanitoba.ca
