University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus Indigenous House

The Indigenous House is located at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus, south of the Instructional Centre, and will be visible from Ellesmere Road. The 11,000 square foot space is placed on a gradually sloping piece of land, it offers a view of the surrounding Highland Creek ravine. The Indigenous House is an important element in creating inclusive spaces for all in the community, where Indigenous people, particularly Indigenous students, will be able to gather and feel that they belong.

The building provides spaces for Indigenous students, staff, and faculty, serves as communal space for suburban and beyond Indigenous community. With a focus on Indigenous scholarship and the revitalization of endangered Indigenous languages, the Indigenous House provides spaces for learning and Indigenous focused research together with spaces for social connection, reflection, and ceremony. The House is instructive in providing teaching and learning opportunities through its elements of design, orientation, use of symbolism, craft and materiality across all spaces.

The structure draws on a traditional winter wigwam with a curved glulam roof structure built over a concrete podium.