Imagining Sustainable
Communities Everywhere

No.9 has been hired by the Tsi Tyonnhéht Onkwawén:na (TTO) to help develop and establish a new centre designed to help preserve the Kanyen'kéha culture and language. To begin the process, No.9 educators and designers worked with local high school students to facilitate a 6'X6' scaled model of the vision for the project. Using what they learned about the 9 Pillars of Sustainability, students researched and explored a potential site for the project, spoke with and listened to local community leaders and other constituents, and deliberated on the design of the facility that would serve the community.

The model was presented to the Band Council and the local councillor by the TTO and through its detailed vision, the Band Council agreed to lease the proposed property to the TTO to establish the Kanyen'kéha Language and Culture Centre.

The students and teachers chose powerful symbols within their culture to inspire the plan, such as the turtle and the wampum belt that weaves through. These symbols are important as they help preserve the culture and language of the Kenyan'kéha people. The photos show more detailed structures such as the lacrosse field, an Indigenous Longhouse, cook house, language school, natural playground, administration, and exhibition spaces that create community.

Through this work with the students, No.9 was engaged to create a feasibility study that was presented to the federal government for funding.