Abstract

This thesis addresses the architecture of Circle of Life Thunderbird House, in relation to the current social and political struggles associated with this architectural and urban planning project. Métis-Blackfoot Elder and architect, Douglas Cardinal, was commissioned to design the building and the surrounding complexes by Neeginan (Cree for ‘Our Place’), an Indigenous community-organizing body that started in the 1970s to fight for the rights of the community and implement services to promote the social, educational and entrepreneurial growth of the Indigenous community of Winnipeg. The architecture of this building is important for it is an example of how Cardinal’s methodology promotes self-determination, and brings Indigenous approaches to building to communities who are trying to heal and re-learn traditional practices and knowledges according to their values. Circle of Life Thunderbird House was initially part of the larger Winnipeg Development Agreement project, which aimed at revitalizing the North End, Winnipeg’s poorest and most segregated neighbourhood. The early history of Circle of Life Thunderbird House is an important one in terms of Indigenous rights and community organizing. Today, Thunderbird House’s board of directors is fighting for funding for their programming and urgent repairs. In an era of so-called reconciliation in Canada, with two published Calls to Action/Justice (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015) and National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2019)) it is imperative that the federal government support Indigenous healing, which includes supporting infrastructures, spaces and cultural programs necessary to that healing.