It is thought of as “a coming home place.” A place for people to go to celebrate who we are, have been and will be…
A dynamic and meaningful centre for the Mi’kmaw people and for visitors from across Nova Scotia, Canada, and the world. Visitor experiences will encompass archaeological sites, outdoor trails, immersion in Mi’kmaw worldviews, perspectives of the near and distant past.
The shape of the building is inspired by the double-curve motif with its gently curved eastern facade and bermed western facade with angled stone walls and curved wood canopy structure welcoming visitors like traditional fishing weirs and eeling baskets. At the heart of the building is the gathering space, inspired by the traditional design of the Wikuom, with sloping wood columns bearing a unique 8-pointed star roof structure sitting above a clerestory for natural lighting.The colour palette is evocative of the coloured soil from the site and in combination with the wood interior and will have a warm glow at nighttime similar to the translucent quality of the Wikuom.