This cultural centre in Mani-Utenam, Quebec, represents a significant milestone for the First Nations community on the path toward healing and reconciliation. The building’s name, Tshissenitamun Mitshuap — which means “knowledge house” in Innu—reflects the building’s purpose: a space for disseminating and promoting Innu art and culture.
The centre is located next to a highly symbolic and emotional site for Mani-Utenam residents. The Innu Nikamu Festival—North America’s largest Indigenous music exhibition—happens next door every summer, set on the site of a former residential school.
Careful consideration has been given to the exterior views for each program offered at the centre. The chosen site is near a belvedere overlooking the St. Lawrence River, with sweeping views from sunrise to sunset. The design frames the landscape as soon as you enter the building, creating a view that is part of a permanent exhibition. The building’s shape calls back to the Shaputuan, a conical tent with two doors on a slender plan; for the centre, the plan was intentionally cut in a diagonal to conceptually reveal its substance for both the village and neighbouring festival site.
The project includes a large auditorium and event space in the centre of the building for concerts, dance, lectures, and temporary exhibitions that support the passing of Innu knowledge. A library, music rooms, and artists’ studios surround the central event space and are visually connected to the auditorium. When events are not in session, users can see into the studios.
The music room, handicraft and beading workshop, painting room, library, and programming for Innu medicine have been situated on the West side of the building, where they can take advantage of the calm forest views and evening sunlight. The medicine room also has direct access to an outdoor garden. A canoe and sculpture workshop is located on the East side, positioned away from the other functions to reduce the amplification of sounds.
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