Peering—Digitally—Into a Better Future on the Rez

One key to successful self-governance at the Kitigan Zibi First Nation near Maniwaki, Quebec, is developing an economic engine inside the reserve itself. In the face of numerous challenges—dealing with radon gas, financial lending restrictions—a Carleton architecture student is creating a master plan for the area with the help of digital modelling.

Across from the Cultural Centre is a flat, open field. At least, that’s what most people see. Steph Bolduc, a Carleton University architecture student from Timmins, Ont., sees something else—a recreation centre containing a hockey arena, a soccer field on a flat part of the roof and, on one side, a glassed-in area shaped like a giant overturned canoe. It’s meant to house retail shops, a market for local produce and crafts, artists’ studios, offices and other tenants whose rent would help pay for maintenance of the sports facilities.

Bolduc is not alone in envisaging a recreation centre here, and his project—for his master’s degree in architecture—is an offshoot of a partnership between Carleton and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation.

Read the full story in Carleton University Magazine.