A distinctly curved structure taking shape near the south end of Tindall Field will soon become an important place of ceremony, learning, and reflection for the Queen’s community. Once fully assembled, the site – which found its design inspiration in traditional Anishinaabe wigwams – will open as the university’s newest Indigenous gathering space. 

“The new outdoor gathering space is an important addition to the campus learning environment as it ties us back to our original teacher: the land,” says Kandice Baptiste, Associate Director of Queen’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives. “We hope that this space can be utilized by the campus community to create connections, feel grounded, and learn more about Indigenous ways of knowing and being.”

Scheduled for completion later this summer, the structure will create an area for ceremonial fires, as well as for teaching, learning, and engaging with Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Architecturally, the structure incorporates significant Indigenous symbology. Entryways were 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.

Keep reading on queensu.ca

• 
•