Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Date: 2021-2022 (Completed)
Client: Métis Nation - Saskatchewan
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Collaborators: Oxbow Architecture
Role: Intern Architect
David T Fortin Architect // Oxbow Architecture and Métis Nation-Saskatchewan (MN-S) worked together to design and construct a Métis child and family support facility in the Riversdale commercial district of Saskatoon. The renovated 2 storey interconnected units will be the headquarters of the project, providing services to Métis citizens and families of the Western Region 2A. Ma Faamii will utilize a wraparound service delivery approach with integrated social support. Ma Faamii will assess client needs and work towards developing a support team, identify a support plan, implement the plan, and monitor outcomes. This new strategy will have the greatest impact on the Nation’s most vulnerable citizens and families. The core team strives to improve social and economic conditions for Métis people, to work towards self-determination and self-reliance, and improve the quality of standards of life for all Métis People.
Cultural references from traditional Métis design sensibilities are used throughout the building. A key design consideration was to create a range of comforting spaces that would allow gatherings, play spaces for children, and individual private meetings with social workers, counselors, and Elders, especially for those in crisis. The front desk was inspired by traditional log cabin building tectonics found throughout Métis communities. The elevator core and Elders's door are constructed in a Hudson Bay/Red River Frame fashion. Jmancarpentry, built an exceptional feature door for the Elders' office. The drywall ceiling clouds are inspired by traditional floral beadwork colours.
Photographs are © Amy Thorp, 2023.
This project was a collaboration between Sunbeam Valley Log & Timber, City of Lloydminster and Situated on Land Office. The team worked together to restore this important historical structure that was opened August 12, 1904.
The project was in need of structural stabilization and full restoration, which Sunbeam Valley Log & Timber completed on site during the summer of 2024.
For more projects and information on Sunbeam Valley Log & Timber: https://www.sunbeamvalley.com/
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Date: 2021
Collaborators: Maria Campbell, Rita Bouvier, Muskwa Lerat, Oxbow Architecture, and CYNC
Role: Designer, Fabricator and Collaborator
A structure informed by traditional Métis ways of making served as a quiet setting to listen to “Stories from the River” during Nuit Blanche YXE 2021. This project was done in collaboration with Oxbow Architecture of Saskatoon.
Creating an eddy of calm from the flow of pedestrian traffic, allowing passers to rest and reflect on the river, its importance to our community, its history and its future. Audio recording by Muskwa Lerat features Maria Campbell and Rita Bouvier as the Voice of the River. Fabrication in Collaboration With Core Neighbourhood Youth Co-Op. The project was generously supported by SK Arts.
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Date: 2020-2021 (Completed)
Client: CUMFI // Central Urban Métis Federation Inc.
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Collaborators: Big Block Construction, Oxbow Architecture
Role: Intern Architect
Jason was honoured to work alongside CUMFI (Central Urban Métis Federation Incorporated) Métis Local on the construction of a Métis Elders’ residence in the Pleasant Hill neighbourhood in Saskatoon, SK. This affordable three-story apartment residence with accompanying amenities wing provides a unique living opportunity for Métis Elders by improving their mental, physical, and spiritual health through the design of this lodge. This was accomplished through thoughtful design that addresses accessibility, energy efficiency, safety and security, cultural activities, social inclusion, and overall health and wellbeing for Métis Elders. This project has achieved three major goals: improving social and economic conditions for Métis Elders in Saskatoon, increasing the quality and standards of life for all Métis people, and work towards self-determination and self-reliance. This project was designed to be Net Zero Ready with the addition of solar panels on the roof. Many Métis cultural components are designed into the details of this building. This project was completed in 2021 and is fully occupied.
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Date: 2018-2019
Area: 9000 sq ft.
Client: Gabriel Dumont Institute
Architect of Record: Edwards Edwards McEwen Architects (EEMA), Saskatoon, SK
Role: Designer at DTFA
The Gabriel Dumont Institute (GDI) in Saskatoon were planning an addition to their existing office building on 22nd Ave in Saskatoon when they learned of David and Jason’s research into Métis architectural history and contemporary design. Following a few presentations about Métis architecture and potential for the new addition, GDI requested that David and Jason work with the team to develop a culturally appropriate approach to the addition and support EEMA as collaborators on the project.
This building combines a contemporary office facility, storefront and art gallery. Many contemporary/traditional tectonic and visual references were included in the project including: detailing elements such as adding Accoya wood siding around both new and existing buildings with a chevron pattern to reference the Métis sash, a celebrated entry canopy expressing the Red River frame, timber stair treads referencing the dovetail notches of the Métis folk home, and various interior details to celebrate the spirit of contemporary Métis architecture. The building has a gallery that is home to the largest collection of Christi Belcourt’s paintings, a store front selling Métis literature and art and the Fisher Gallery.
Photos by King Rose Visuals and Jason Surkan.
Location: Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB
Date: 2020-2023
Area: 550 sq. ft.
Collaborators: Opaskwayak Cree Nation Housing Department, Idle No More (Dr. Alex Wilson), David T Fortin Architect, Vereco Smart Green Homes, Voce Developments
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Role: Intern Architect and Design Lead
The Opaskwayak Cree Nation Utility Core Project aims to develop a housing prototype that allows for the testing of the Universal Utility Core (UUC) design. These cores will be fastened to two housing shells in OCN in order to evaluate the potential of the cores and the suitability for use off-reserve, in rural, urban, and remote areas. The Universal Utility Cores are intended to allow remote and Northern First Nations to install the utilities in an isolated enclosed space separate from their main living areas. This improves access to systems that must be serviced by tradespeople and their ability to maintain these systems without relying on tenants for entry. The cores will contain all of the heating, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical utilities needed to support a dwelling unit up to 1000 sq. ft. These cores can be installed in detached, duplex, and multifamily housing projects. A comparative analysis of the cores and the units will be possible through two designs; the first reflects a Standard Home with economical mechanical equipment and construction assemblies. The second will be an energy-efficient High-Performance design that is highly insulated to reduce energy and operating costs for the First Nation. Both homes are constructed using Passive Design Strategies such as passive solar heat gain, daylighting and cross ventilation.
Our team collaborated with Vereco Smart Green homes, a Métis owned company that is a pioneer of energy efficient housing in Saskatchewan. They specialize in passive house, net zero and smart green homes. VOCE developments constructed the homes in Saskatoon, SK as RTM units and shipped them and installed the homes and cores on site in OCN. This project was truly a collaborative effort by all and a great success for the community. The project was funded through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative (IHII).
Photographs were generously provided by VOCE Developments.
Location: Pelican Narrows First Nation, SK
Date: 2021-2022
Area: 5500 sq. ft.
Collaborators: Lakeland Log Homes + Timber Products
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Role: Intern Architect
A new cultural and educational centre for community of Pelican Narrows near the elementary and high schools. This space will act as a catalyst for continued cultural practices and intergenerational knowledge transmission between Elders and youth. A large open hall will allow for community gatherings and events.
Location: Batoche, SK
Date: 2023
Client: Métis Nation - Saskatchewan
Builder: J-Man Carpentry
Collaborators: David T Fortin Architect
Métis Nation - Saskatchewan approached SOLO/DTFA in the winter of 2022-2023 with a vision to create a space for our Métis Children to play and socialize at the Back to Batoche Festival. This festival is the largest Métis Gathering which annually attracts 45,000+ visitors from all over North America during July.
The vision was inspired by Métis Culture and designed and built by a Métis team. The playground plan is a scaled-down version of the regional geography: a “sand river” divides the playground from a natural landscape to the East and River Lots on the West. A zipline represents Gabriel’s Ferry that carries you across the river. A Métis skiff, a traditional form of boat, is found in the river.
On the west side of the playground, several structures are present: a Gable Structure with Sensory Items, a Log Pile, a Timber Tower, Trapeze Rings and a Swingset. The benches were custom-designed to incorporate the Métis Infinity symbol and Michif Language. A fruit orchard has been planted in a river lot pattern
Location: Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB
Date: 2020-2023
Area: 550 sq. ft.
Collaborators: Opaskwayak Cree Nation Housing Department, Idle No More (Dr. Alex Wilson), David T Fortin Architect, Vereco Smart Green Homes, Voce Developments
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Role: Intern Architect and Design Lead
The Opaskwayak Cree Nation Utility Core Project aims to develop a housing prototype that allows for the testing of the Universal Utility Core (UUC) design. These cores will be fastened to two housing shells in OCN in order to evaluate the potential of the cores and the suitability for use off-reserve, in rural, urban, and remote areas. The Universal Utility Cores are intended to allow remote and Northern First Nations to install the utilities in an isolated enclosed space separate from their main living areas. This improves access to systems that must be serviced by tradespeople and their ability to maintain these systems without relying on tenants for entry. The cores will contain all of the heating, ventilation, plumbing, and electrical utilities needed to support a dwelling unit up to 1000 sq. ft. These cores can be installed in detached, duplex, and multifamily housing projects. A comparative analysis of the cores and the units will be possible through two designs; the first reflects a Standard Home with economical mechanical equipment and construction assemblies. The second will be an energy-efficient High-Performance design that is highly insulated to reduce energy and operating costs for the First Nation. Both homes are constructed using Passive Design Strategies such as passive solar heat gain, daylighting and cross ventilation.
Our team collaborated with Vereco Smart Green homes, a Métis owned company that is a pioneer of energy efficient housing in Saskatchewan. They specialize in passive house, net zero and smart green homes. VOCE developments constructed the homes in Saskatoon, SK as RTM units and shipped them and installed the homes and cores on site in OCN. This project was truly a collaborative effort by all and a great success for the community. The project was funded through the Indigenous Homes Innovation Initiative (IHII).
Photographs were generously provided by VOCE Developments.
Location: Batoche, Saskatchewan
Design Builder: 3twenty Modular
Client: Métis Nation-Saskatchewan
Type: Cultural and Land Based Learning Facility
Collaborators: Oxbow Architecture
Area: 1579 m2 (17,000 ft2)
This important vision was brought to light by Métis Elders. A space to teach our youth the ways of the old, for we must not forget our land-based skills as a Métis people. Connection to land defines our culture, values and traditions. This program will prepare today's youth for tomorrow's challenges by grounding them in core Métis values, culture and language. This will promote personal growth and overall well-being.
This building is a space for youth aged 5-18 to learn these skills from Elders and cultural leaders. The 18,000 sq.ft. building is divided into three main parts: a Gathering Space, Lodging for Scouts, and the Elders’ lodging wing. There will be room for 64 Dumont Scouts to camp overnight plus rooms to house Elders, guests, and staff. The landscaping will include trails through the woods that are home to plants and berries traditionally harvested by Métis.
Situated On Land Office with support from Oxbow Architecture ensured Métis culture and design excellence was present throughout the program. As the design-builder, 3twenty Modular has taken this vision into built form through a hybrid site-built and modular construction approach. Thomas Smith, of Sunbeam Valley Log & Timber crafted many of the cultural elements into reality, as seen here by this incredible display of craftsmanship. The half-dovetail log wall is an important tectonic assemblage used by Métis craftsmen for generations.
The lodge is set to open in 2024.
Sunbeam Valley Log & Timber: www.sunbeamvalley.com
Location: Northwestern Ontario, CA
Date: 2019
Area: 900 sq ft.
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Role: Lead Designer
This private residence is nestled on the shores of Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. The A-Symmetrical Gable Roof (Saltbox) style cabin sits atop helical screw piles. It is well orientated to take advantage of passive solar strategies and shields from prevailing winds. A living box sits in the centre of the space that contains the Kitchen, W/C and master bedroom. On top of the living box sits a sleeping and play loft accessed by stairs on the east side of the cabin. A large social space is at the heart of the cabin. The cabin is all tied together by a central hearth that creates a space to visit, feast and laugh.
Location: Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, Alberta
Date: 2021-
Area: 4500 sq ft.
Client: Fishing Lake Métis Settlement
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Role: Intern Architect and Design Lead
The project aims to incorporate intergenerational living through the provision of two family units and an Elder suite all sharing one roof. The two-family units bookend a central Elders unit. The families can help take care of the Elder(s) yard work, maintenance among other tasks, while in return, the Elders can help take care of the children living in the other two units and share their experience and knowledge with the families. This home has the opportunity to set a new standard for healthy housing in Métis Communities within the Boreal Forest Ecozone. This project will meet and exceed Net-Zero Ready Requirements. Construction documentation has been completed and the project is pursuing additional funding to begin construction. Intern Architect Jason Surkan spent time in the community listening and learning to the needs of community members prior to any design work commencing. This project showcases a true mutual collaboration between community members and the design team resulting in culturally relevant, healthy housing.
Location: Whitefish Lake #128, AB
Date: 2020-2022
Area: 1000-1250 sq ft
Collaborators: David T Fortin Architect, MASS Design Studio
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Role: Intern Architect and Design Lead
David T Fortin Architect is developing in collaboration, with MASS Studio, a 36 home subdivision in the community that includes two super-insulated housing prototypes. These homes are highly energy-efficient and employ local labor that will help build trades capacity and reduce economic leakage within the community. Community members will be mentored and trained during the construction of the first two housing prototypes and will be left with capacity in trades to develop the rest of the subdivision independently and future housing projects. These two housing prototypes are slated to be built during the 2021 construction season. The first home is a one-story single pitch shed roof house with an open living floorplan to facilitate a very social space. The second version is a two-story salt box-style home with a large shared common area. Both homes stack all the private programs on the north side and have expansive windows to the south to take advantage of passive solar heat gain and create a large open space for feasting, storytelling and family time. These houses are highly energy-efficient while remaining relatively low cost as compared to other high-performance single-family homes.
Location: Southend First Nation, SK
Date: 2021-2022
Area: 2700 sq ft
Collaborators: Lakeland Log Homes + Timber Products
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Role: Intern Architect
A new cultural and educational centre for community of Southend on the shores of Reindeer Lake. This space will act as a catalyst for continued cultural practices and intergenerational knowledge transmission between Elders and youth. A large open hall will allow for community gatherings and events.
Client: Town of Battleford + City of North Battleford
Location: Battleford’s River Valley
Date: 2020-2022
Architect of Record: Fathom Studio
Role: Collaborator, Designer and Community Engagement
Jason Surkan collaborated with Fathom Studio on a River Valley Masterplan for the Battleford River Valley. As Fathom and Jason developed wayfinding and signage designs for the Battlefords, it was pivotal to gather with local Elders, to be able to find out what to focus interpretive efforts on.
This project was done in collaboration with Ray Gosselin Architect and Sunbeam Valley Log and Timber. This trail project was part of a revitalization plan for an existing trail at Batoche National Historic Site. The trail connects the historic cemetery to the Caron House.
Location: Treaty Four Territory, Regina, SK
Date: 2020-2022
Area: 550 sq ft
Collaborators: Big Block Construction, Silver Sage, RT/SIS
Architect of Record: David T Fortin Architect
Role: Intern Architect
This 29 unit transitional housing space will help get folks who are in need of immediate housing. The model has built in support networks which will aid in the participants transition towards independence. Silver Sage Housing Corporation is working together with Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services to compete this Rapid Housing Initiative Project. The need for spaces like this is immediate and in high demand in Regina. Both RT/SIS and Silver Sage are entities under the File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council (FHQTC).
Location: Treaty Six Territory, Emma Lake, SK
Date: 2022
Area: 2400 sq ft
Collaborators: Lakeland Log Homes + Timber Products
Role: Architect of Record
A new multipurpose space for the Camp Okema Community that is currently in the Schematic Design Phase.
