Indigenous Collaboration at RJC
Building bridges of understanding, partnership, and opportunity to foster a more inclusive and equitable future.
“The constitutional foundation stones of the country we know today as Canada was built upon sacred treaty relationships between European and Indigenous Nations in the spirit and practice of peace and friendship. These relationships were with one another, with Mother Nature, and with the Creator. Learning about the history of Indigenous peoples, including the history residential schools, helps build understanding so that together we can co-create a future for this land in-line with the original spirit of peace and friendship”
- Eli Enns, Co-founder and President of the IISAAK OLAM Foundation
At RJC, we have the desire to respectfully engage with Indigenous Peoples to co-create projects based on community-identified needs and to co-deliver projects with Indigenous leadership in a way that supports the development of embedded capacity and lasting livelihoods for Indigenous communities.
Working in partnership with Indigenous governments and thought leaders, and our in-house team dedicated to Indigenous Projects, we have engaged in a wide range of initiatives. We provide support for education funds, mentorship opportunities, and Indigenous-led conservation such as Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), in the spirit of reconciliation and decolonization.
Together, we will continue to deliver on our commitment to hounouring truth and reconciliation.
Truth and Reconciliation
Webinar Series
RJC hosts an annual webinar series that offers a platform for Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industry members and spokespeople within Indigenous communities to come together virtually, share experiences and learn from one another.
It aims to support the AEC industries in answering part of Call to Action 92 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 calls to action.
MiKai’sto Red Crow Community College
Located one of the largest reserves in Canada, MiKai’sto Red Crow Community College provides a new learning space for community members to share their knowledge, preserve Blackfoot culture and nurture the connection between young adults and community Elders.
Cowichan Secondary School Replacement
The new Cowichan Secondary School weaves collaboration, technology, and innovation into purpose-built spaces fostering learning and creativity, while honouring the unceded Quw’utsun lands on which it is situated.
Kwanlin Dün First Nation Education Hub
This new facility was designed to foster community and cultural connections. The project team consulted with the Nation to collaboratively deliver an education centre that will serve the community and provide future generations with a welcoming space that provides positive learning experiences.
The Lodge at Métis Crossing
The Lodge at Métis Crossing is a new award-winning boutique facility located on historical Métis river lots along the North Saskatchewan River. The project was designed and built to honour and reflect the legacy of the adventurous, entrepreneurial, and resilient spirit of the Métis culture.
Centennial College A Block Expansion
This new facility aims to elevate the future of education in a diverse and inclusive environment, while honouring a commitment to Truth and Reconciliation. Inspired by regional Anishinaabe architecture, the design incorporates Indigenous principles and weaves in nature and aesthtics from Indigenous peoples.
Camosun College - First Nations Gathering Place
The conical and open-sided design of this timber framed structure was inspired by traditional Coast Salish building style. The Gathering Place provides a welcoming location for Camosun’s Indigenous programs to host circle seminars and Elders’ teachings.
BC Cancer Agency Centre for the North
This world-class cancer care centre for residents of the North includes the first green roof in Northern BC and a pavilion to conduct traditional First Nations ceremonies. extensive use of wood throughout the centre incorporates First Nations design elements.
Tsawwassen Mills
Developed on the Tsawwassen First Nations land in Delta, BC, this project celebrates the local culture and history of the area by incorporating inspirations from the Pacific Northwest and the Coast Salish Indigenous peoples.
Fort Edmonton Park Indigenous Peoples Experience
The Indigenous Peoples Experience at Fort Edmonton Park is Canada’s largest most interactive cultural centre and naturally landscaped attraction showcasing the life and history of both First Nations and Métis people and their stories.
Seneca College Odeyto Indigenous Centre
The Odeyto Indigenous Centre provides a space for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students to learn and gather. The unique design is created with wood-decking roof supported on mass timber glulam arches to mimic a resting canoe.
Fort McKay Fire Hall
The design philosophy for Fort McKay Fire Hall was rooted in the design imagery of the local Métis and First Nations communities of Fort McKay. A prominent steel framed feature was designed to represent a teepee structure and provides a gathering space.
Legacy Centre
Legacy Centre was designed with a high degree of sustainability utilizing a visually stunning combination of steel and wood elements. It includes a First Nation cultural area, performing arts theatre, child daycare and office space.