A new award at the University of Calgary is dedicated to empowering Indigenous voices in city building.
The WalterFedy Award from the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) aims to support Indigenous students on their educational journeys, enabling them to shape the future of urban landscapes with their unique perspectives.
"The WalterFedy Award represents a significant step forward in our commitment to inclusivity and diversity in urban design," says SAPL Associate Dean (Undergraduate) Alberto de Salvatierra.
"By supporting Indigenous students, we are not only empowering their voices, but also enriching the future of city building with vital cultural perspectives."
The grant will support two Indigenous students each year for the next five years. Each student will receive an award of $5,000 with WalterFedy's total commitment being $50,000 over the life of the grant.
At SAPL, fostering an inclusive environment that reflects diverse cultural backgrounds is a core commitment. The new award is designed to increase Indigenous representation, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and valued in our community.
Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are vital to creating sustainable and culturally relevant built environments.
Thanks to design firm WalterFedy, which has offices in Calgary, Edmonton and Ontario, the award will support students who bring these essential insights into the field, enriching the collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities in city design.
An investment in the future
Investing in Indigenous students is an investment in the future of buildings, cities and landscapes.
SAPL recognizes the barriers that some Indigenous students face in pursuing higher education. This award provides vital financial support to bridge gaps and make city-building education more accessible.
Diversity in design leads to innovation. The new award encourages Indigenous students to contribute their unique perspectives and enriching approaches to city-focused solutions.
Design has the power to transform communities, and SAPL is excited to support Indigenous students passionate about creating spaces that honour culture and enhance community well-being.
"We encourage all Indigenous students to connect with their heritage and incorporate it into their design practices, expressing their cultural identity through their work," says de Salvatierra.
Indigenous ways of knowing and creating are valuable not only for Indigenous-centred projects, but also for the broader field, and non-Indigenous professionals are invited to embrace these insights.
"This award is our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders who will bring invaluable insights and perspectives to the design of our urban landscapes," says Mike Brady, WalterFedy's vice-president of operations for Western Canada.
"Together, we can foster a more inclusive and vibrant future for all."
The award is available to students in the Bachelor of Design in City Innovation program and can be applied for through the student portal.
For more information, visit the award's web page.
