The designs by Island Lake communities to be built by Mino Bimaadiziwin Homebuilders (MB Homebuilders) students, which I then drafted into blueprints, received its engineering stamp. After a handful of meetings and many revisions over 8 months, on the 17th of December 2019, these structural drawings received their engineer stamp of approval. The design included
the Island Lake’s peoples wishes for a wood stove, enclosed porches for both entrances to provide a transition sheltered area from outside to inside and a large living/kitchen area for holding events (funeral wakes, family gatherings, etc.). These blueprints are now in use by the 30 homebuilding students in their post-secondary education program in both Wasagamack and Garden Hill First Nations. A huge thank you to Gavin Clements, the structural engineer for KNH Sawatzky & Associates, who not only participated but mentored my learning as a Master of Interior Design student.
Indigenous design philosophy highlights the importance of embedding Indigenous culture, heritage and community vision into the design criteria and form. Unique cultural aspects of the community must be at the heart of the design process and impact the final product. Cultural aspects that I considered in my Northern home interior design were based on research and personal experiences in both Wasagamack First Nation and Opaskwayak Cree Nation. These cultural aspects include: the history, identity, relationships, ethics, spirit and morals of the land, community, family, as well as migration, resiliency and sustainability.