A new building dedicated to gathering, ceremony and Indigenous-centred learning has opened at the University of Toronto Scarborough, creating a visible expression of the university's ongoing commitment to reconciliation.
The 10,700-square-foot Indigenous House brings together academic and social spaces for Indigenous students, offices for Elders and Indigenous staff, areas for Indigenous-centred research and flexible spaces for exhibitions, gatherings and ceremonies.
"Indigenous House is a sacred space and a place Indigenous students can call home, where they can receive wholistic supports that will enhance their well-being, success and achievement," said Tanya Senk, director of Indigenous Initiatives and Indigenous House at U of T Scarborough.
The building's official opening this week began with a sunrise ceremony and sacred fire led by Elder Josh Eshkawkogan in the Gathering Circle , a ceremonial space next to the building. The ceremony brought together Elders, Knowledge Keepers, students, faculty, staff, government officials, community members and university leaders. Following the ceremony, guests were invited to a reception and self-guided tour of the building.
"This is placemaking in action - not simply creating a building, but shaping a space grounded in connection to land, community and shared understanding," said U of T President Melanie Woodin, who spoke at the ceremony.
"Indigenous House is an important milestone in strengthening relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities. At the same time, it reflects ongoing work and continued responsibility - work that will continue to evolve through learning, listening and partnership."
Designed with Indigenous knowledge
Indigenous House was designed by Alfred Waugh of Formline Architecture + Urbanism in association with LGA Architectural Partners. Waugh, a member of the Fond du Lac Denesuline Nation of Saskatchewan, said the building's curved form draws inspiration from a wigwam and longhouse.
The building uses a range of energy-saving features, including a leak-tight and well-insulated envelope, natural ventilation and underground air systems to help regulate temperature, along with heat pumps to reduce energy use.
The building's design also flows naturally into the surrounding landscape, which incorporates gardens, natural materials and pathways intended to connect with the environment.
A visible commitment to reconciliation
The creation of Indigenous House is tied closely to the university's broader commitment to truth and reconciliation, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action and the third action in U of T's 34 Calls to Action , which calls for dedicated Indigenous spaces at U of T Scarborough and U of T Mississauga.
For Senk, the building is more than a physical space.
"This is a gathering space to engage in the work of reconciliation," she said. "It will also help us to start moving beyond symbolic or performative gestures of reconciliation towards substantive, meaningful change."
Linda Johnston, U of T vice-president and principal of U of T Scarborough, said Indigenous House reflects years of collaboration and community guidance.
"Indigenous House reflects years of vision, partnership and care," she said. "It represents an ongoing commitment to supporting Indigenous students, staff, faculty, librarians and community members while creating opportunities for learning and cultural connection."
Johnston also noted the significance of opening the building during spring because it's a time associated with renewal, growth and new beginnings.
Art, gathering and cultural expression
Senk said Indigenous House will centre Indigenous research and scholarship. There is also potential to collaborate across departments in areas such as Indigenous health and to develop co-op and hands-on learning experiences for students.
"It will also celebrate Indigenous brilliance and create opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to engage in meaningful ways," she said.
Artwork by Indigenous artists is featured throughout the building and reflects a range of Inuit, Anishinaabe, Mi'gmaw, Cree/Saulteaux/Métis, and Dene perspectives and traditions. The art collection and construction of the building were supported by gifts from BMO and Charles W. Brown, along with individual donors who are honoured on a donor wall on the second floor of the building designed by Ojibwe artist Donald Chrétien.
The building also includes exhibition and gathering spaces designed to host cultural programming, community events and ceremonies, while the circular Gathering Circle was created to encourage connection and dialogue.
Senk said Indigenous House is ultimately intended to be a place where Indigenous students and communities are supported.
"It's a place that will celebrate the joy and brilliance of Indigenous people and knowledge systems."
