Thompson Rivers University will construct two ‘Gathering Houses’ on its Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses.
Mirroring the traditional form of the pit house or Kikuli of the Interior Salish peoples, the two structures will provide space for displays and ceremonies celebrating First Nations and Aboriginal culture and history.

“These Gathering Houses will play a key part in the university’s efforts to recognize and honour the fact that the institution is located in the traditional territories of a number of First Nations,” said Nathan Matthew, TRU Executive Director Aboriginal Education. “We will all benefit by increasing the visibility of Aboriginal culture and society on both the Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses.”

Richard Hunter, a principal with Owen and Hunter, the Kamloops based architectural firm that has been awarded the design contract for the project said the firm welcomes the unique and challenging opportunity to design modern buildings incorporating traditional native forms and materials.

“The consideration of traditional native forms and materials leads us to the heart of sustainability and architecture, to means and methods which have been in use since long before we were ever concerned about greenhouse gasses,” Hunter said. “We hope the buildings will be a lesson in sustainability which will inform us in better building design, and which will create unique spaces, and a spiritual heart of the campus for native students and the university.”

The traditional Kikuli is an efficient conical structure, creating an intriguing space which is earth sheltered and protected, and yet opens to the sky. The architect’s design will capture the elements of the traditional dwelling which define it, and achieve modern functionality and longevity for the buildings space.

The structures will also house the university’s ‘Elders in Residence’ program, which provides counselling and support to Aboriginal students, and study and meeting space for students. Local bands will also be able to access the structures for formal and informal social events and ceremonies involving Elders.

The approximate cost the for two fully serviced, Gold LEED Certified buildings at the Kamloops and Williams Lake campuses is $1.1 million, or $550 thousand each. Earlier this year the Ministry of Advanced Education allocated $15 million over three years for post-secondary institutions to develop infrastructure that reflects the cultural characteristics of its Aboriginal students, community and traditions.

Construction is expected to begin by mid-October.

Contact:

• Dr. Nathan Matthew, Executive Director Aboriginal Education, 250.377.6050
• Gerry Desrochers, Director Williams Lake Campus, 250.828.8001