Mi'Kmaw Native Friendship Centre featured in Landscapes | Paysages

The new MNFC building as seen from above.

The fall issue of Landscapes | Paysages focusses on the theme of reconciliation and how it is becoming a significant topic of discussion and inspiration as designers across the country apply the concept of reconciliation to their projects and practices. Three Fathom staff members discuss their experience working with the Mi’kmaw community to create a new home for the Mi’Kmaw Native Friendship Centre (MNFC)

This project took shape through collaboration and consultation with the Friendship Centre leadership, staff, advisors and community members. We had the honour of being invited to the Membertou First Nation in Cape Breton to conduct research, take part in a sweat, and engage in extensive conversation with elders from the Membertou and Eskasoni nations. Ultimately, this project is the product of extensive listening, learning and doing our best to understand and interpret stories and cultural nuances.

The MNFC has served as a gathering place for Halifax’s urban Indigenous community for more than 45 years, providing space for social services and programs and space to celebrate Indigenous culture. The new building, proposed for the corner of Gottingen and Rainnie Drive, will provide much needed space for additional programming and social services to Halifax’s Indigenous community. The next stage of the Mi’Kmaw Native Friendship Centre project is presently subject to funding approval.

To read the article click here.