As Queen's works towards its goals for truth and reconciliation, it has been creating special spaces to honour Indigenous cultures and traditions. The newly revitalized John Deutsch University Centre (JDUC) continues that work. It incorporates aspects of Indigenous design that members of the Queen's community can use to reflect on Indigeneity and the legacy of colonialism, on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this month and throughout the year.
Treated timber left in its natural hue, a feature inspired by Indigenous design, is used throughout the Agora and elsewhere in the newly revitalized JDUC. (Graham Construction)
The JDUC reopened to the community earlier this year after an extensive renovation of its historic spaces and the construction of a new wing. The project has been primarily funded by student levies and championed by the Alma Mater Society (AMS) and the Society of Graduate and Professional Students (SGPS). As with all new campus construction and renovation projects, Indigeneity was a key consideration for the JDUC revitalization, and Indigenous members of the Queen's community were consulted during the design process.
"We're really happy to see Indigenous elements incorporated into the new JDUC," says AMS President Jana Amer. "It's an important step in creating spaces that reflect and honour Indigenous communities, and it's been heartwarming to see people naturally gather and connect in them. At the same time, this is just the beginning. There's still more work to do to ensure our campus is making meaningful progress towards truth and reconciliation, and we're committed to continuing that journey."
Visitors to the newly reopened student centre will naturally be drawn to the Agora, a large community space with high ceilings, tiered seating, and glass walls that let natural light pour in. As they make their way up to the top section of the Agora, they will notice an area known as The Seven Grandfather Teaching Stairs. It features words in Anishinaabemowin - a language spoken by the Anishinaabek, on whose traditional lands, along with those of the Haudenosaunee, Queen's is situated - written on the front of the steps. Next to the word, they will see the English translation. The words on the steps include "gwekwaadziwin" (honesty), "nbwaakaawin" (wisdom), and "debwewin" (truth).
The Seven Grandfather Teaching Stairs.
"The reflection of Indigenous culture and languages on this campus and inside this building is welcomed," says Lisa Maracle, Associate Vice-Principal (Indigenous Initiatives). "Countless Indigenous peoples and communities have been separated from the land, the culture, and the language, so to have this reflected within the architecture at Queen's is a positive step toward reconciliation. My hope is that students, staff, and faculty take the time to visit the JDUC and use this as a moment to reflect and educate themselves on the history of this land and its people."
The Agora and other areas of the JDUC use treated timber left in its natural hue, a choice inspired by Indigenous aesthetics. Visitors will also see timber partially enclosing a circular seating area representing the Indigenous medicine wheel, an important symbol in many Indigenous cultures. Seating circles are a significant part of Indigenous design practices, as they allow all members of a group to face one another.
The seating circle representing the medicine wheel. (Graham Construction)
Above the medicine wheel, a circular skylight lets in natural light, another design element inspired by Indigenous gathering spaces.
The skylight above the seating circle. (Graham Construction)
This indoor seating circle is accompanied by a smaller circle outdoors made with stones. It sits in the landscaping near the University Avenue entrance to the JDUC.
The new seating circle just outside an entrance to the JDUC.
Other recently opened spaces on campus that incorporate Indigenous design elements include the Outdoor Indigenous Gathering Space, the courtyard of the Endaayaan-Tkanónsote student residence, and The Welcoming Room, a communal gathering space and Indigenous classroom in Mackintosh-Corry Hall. A list of Indigenous spaces on campus can be found on the Office of Indigenous Initiatives' website, and they can be located on the interactive online campus map.
