What role does Indigenous architecture play in the process of reconciliation?

The recent work of two design firms in Ontario show it is not just about Indigenizing spaces but also designing places where everyone can benefit from Indigenous values and principles by integrating them into spaces across Canada.

One of those firms is Two Row Architect. 

Brian Porter is the principal architect of the company, based in Six Nations of the Grand River. Established in 1992, this year marks Two Row Architect’s thirtieth year. 

“We’re not necessarily interested in Indigenous representation, we’re more interested in incorporating Indigenous values … We try to have it ingrained in the design,” Porter says.

“That means things like the directions of the prevailing wind having a physical impact on the way the building’s laid out. The direction it’s facing. Its connection to the ground. Its connection to the sky. We think about sustainable mechanical systems and electrical systems and decreasing our carbon footprint.”

Porter says architecture that was part of Indigenous tradition is “still the best work that’s ever been designed.”

He asks how that can inform their work today: “How can we take some of these ideas and incorporate them in a meaningful and honest way?” 

The firm is aptly named after the Two Row Wampum belt, which signifies a centuries-old agreement between settlers and Indigenous peoples. 

Porter’s designs take inspiration from traditional Indigenous spaces, often defying the industrial, masculine, orthogonal conventional principles of architecture. 

The firm’s original focus was working for Indigenous clients, on-reserve. Porter says he’s had the privilege of working with 50 or 60 of the Indigenous communities in Ontario. They’ve been invited to do even more projects recently. 

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