2nd floor direct from entrance, A2-16
"The domed shape is the od-e (heart) of the building," says Eladia Smoke, Lead Architect of Smoke Architecture. "It's wrapped in a wood finish that reflects the geometric scale-like pattern on the outside of the building. It recalls local architecture such as the wiigiwaam, and follows the principals of the nimii-idiwigamig (Anishinaabe Roundhouse)."
There are further architectural references to the four directions, connections with the earth and sky worlds and a fireplace installed for holding ceremonial fires, which is extremely rare in institutional settings. The art featured is by Cree/Métis artist Rebecca Baird and features the moon with the four sacred medicines, semaa (tobacco), giizhik (cedar), bashkodejiibik (sage) and wiingashk (sweetgrass).