Indigenous Perspectives: Architecture and Place

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion exploring the invaluable contributions of Indigenous perspectives to the field of architecture, highlighting how traditional knowledge and cultural heritage can shape contemporary design practices. Learn how traditional knowledge can inform sustainable and inclusive design, and network with professionals who are passionate about cultural diversity in architecture.

Our distinguished speakers, including Indigenous architects, designers, and cultural leaders, will share their insights on how architecture can honor the land, respect culture, and foster sustainable communities. Through engaging discussions and case studies, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how Indigenous wisdom is being integrated into modern architectural practices, offering innovative solutions for the future of the built environment.

Whether you're an architect, designer, student, or simply passionate about inclusive and sustainable design, this event will provide you with a unique perspective on the intersection of culture, history, and architecture that is reshaping the foundations of design for future generations.

When: Friday, September 20th, 5 pm - 8 pm

Where: ZGF Architects, #350, 355 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G8

Admission: $10

AIBC: Approved for 2 Indigenous Core LUs

Speakers:

Sierra Tasi Baker (K̓esugwilakw), Lead Indigenous Urban Design Consultant, MSc, B.EnvD — Sky Spirit Studio
K̓esugwilakw is from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and is also, Kwakwaka’wakw/Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw, Tɫingit and Magyar (Hungarian). K̓esugwilakw is an Indigiqueer urban design consultant. Sierra completed their Bachelor's of Environmental Design at the School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture (SALA) at the University of British Columbia. Graduating with an award in Design Leadership and receiving a Youth Leadership Award for their work in the community from the City of North Vancouver. K̓esugwilakw then flew to London, England and graduated with their Masters of Science in Sustainable Urbanism at the Bartlett School of City Planning at University College London which is one of the top ten universities in the world for the built environment. K̓esugwilakw focuses on decolonization through design. They combine Indigenous design and research methodologies, Oral History, primary archival research, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Story of Place, Trauma Informed Design Practices, Two-Eyed Seeing and Coast Salish design techniques to develop unique architectural and urban planning languages that reflect Indigenous sovereignty.

Krystel Clark, Intern Architect AIBC, MRAIC — Patrick Stewart Architect

Born in 1993 in the Greater Sudbury area in Ontario, which is traditionally known as the territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, she is a Woodland Cree and a member of Montreal Lake Cree Nation, Treaty No. 6. She studied locally and graduated from Laurentian University McEwen School of Architecture and received a M.Arch in the Indigenous Design Stream in 2017. Her thesis kitche migawap âcimowin Tipi Tectonics: Building as Medicine was published in Emerging Voices in Architecture (2022) and Our Voices II (2021); and has been interviewed by CBC Unreserved (2021). Her key focus is exploring indigenous methodologies in architecture, primarily through the analysis of pre-colonial dwellings like the kitche migawap. In 2019, she moved from Ontario to British Columbia to work with Patrick Stewart at Patrick R Stewart Architect, a First Nation’s architecture firm. She manages and coordinates housing and cultural projects.

Kara Crabb, Communications Strategist and UBC SALA final year student — Living With Water

Born 1990 in Windsor, Ontario, Kara is a Canadian writer, designer, and consultant. Active since the 2010s, her style combines "high" and "low" subject matter and symbolism, often executed in a playful tone. Her work has appeared internationally in magazines, festivals, and galleries; most recently at the Venice Biennale of Architecture, as part of the Architects Against Housing Alienation! exhibition at the Canada Pavilion. She is non-status of mixed ancestry, and a product of Xytex gamete #2433. In September 2021, she relocated to Vancouver to pursue a Master of Architecture degree at the University of British Columbia. She worked closely with Tijana Vujošević and Matthew Soules for the launch of Architects Against Housing Alienation!, in preparing a digital campaign. Through this she met Patrick R. Stewart, and became a communications lead for First Nations-based projects. Her studies also inspired an undertaking of mosaic sculpture, and she debuted her memorial installation at Massy Arts Society in autumn 2023. In July 2024, she worked with Cory Douglas and Ginger Gosnell-Myers as a cultural consultant for the City of Vancouver on the Broadway Corridor project.

Schedule:

• 5:00 pm - Arrive; grab some refreshments and connect with our design community
• 5:30 pm - Presentations
• 6.30 pm - Intermission
• 6:40 pm - Presentations
• 7:30 pm - Happy hour; mingle with new and familiar faces over a drink and nibbles

Accessibility:

The main entrance has revolving doors. There is an accessible entrance located on Hastings St with automatic doors and a slight sloped wide ramp up to the elevators. The event will take place on Level 3, a short distance from the elevators along a wide corridor. Accessible washrooms are located on the ground floor.

We strive to accommodate any specific needs or requests to ensure the comfort and accessibility of all attendees. Please get in touch at events@wiavancouver.org, or during the event our WIA volunteers will be wearing yellow buttons.

Getting to the Marine Building:

• Transit – Burrard Station 4 min walk, Waterfront Station 5 min walk
• Biking – there is one bike rack at the main entrance. There is also a large under cover bike rack area next to YMCA Health + Fitness (535 Hornby St), 6min walk
• Parking – there is limited paid street parking along Hastings St. There is a 24hr parkade (1040 West Pender) near the Bentall Centre, 5min walk

Special thanks to ZGF Architects for supporting this event and opening up their space to us.

WIA is a completely volunteer run organization and we strive to keep our event ticket costs low. Our events are open to everyone, regardless of your ability to pay. If you require financial assistance to attend an event, please do not hesitate to reach out to us: events@wiavancouver.org

​If you have any questions, please email events@wiavancouver.org

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