Today, we pause to honour the children who never came home, the Survivors, and their families. National Truth and Reconciliation Day is an opportunity for us to reflect on the legacy of residential schools and engage with Indigenous history and culture as part of the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

As architects, we recognize the need to decolonize our practice. Architecture has historically been used as a tool of colonial power, from residential schools to institutional buildings that marginalized Indigenous peoples. Today, we have the opportunity to transform our work into a tool for healing and empowerment.

Our partnership with Smoke Architecture Inc. on the Makwa Waakaa’igan Indigenous Centre of Cultural Excellence at Algoma University is an example of this. Once a residential school, Shingwauk Hall is now being reimagined as a place for healing, dialogue, and cultural preservation, led by the vision of the Children of Shingwauk Alumni Association.

Decolonizing design starts with listening. It means working alongside Indigenous communities to ensure that their knowledge, culture, and values shape the spaces we create. This is not just about addressing the past but building a future where architecture supports cultural identity and well-being.

We encourage reflection today, and every day, as we strive toward a more just and inclusive future.