Integrating Atikamekw culture into the architectural design of the new federal building in Shawinigan

Public Services and Procurement Canada is delivering on the Government of Canada’s commitment to Indigenous reconciliation. An Indigenous work of art and signage inspired by symbols of significance in Atikamekw culture were incorporated into the new federal building in Shawinigan.

Paddle to the heart of Atikamekw culture

The work of art was created in partnership with the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw. Artists Eruoma Awashish, Jacques Newashish, Raymond Weizineau and Meky Ottawa designed it. The work of art consists of 3 parts: a canoe, a river and oars.

The canoe is an important symbol of the Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok culture. It evokes the Atikamekw people’s connection to nature, the mastery of traditional ancestral skills and the richness of their culture.

A river was painted in the centre of the main outdoor walkway. It winds its way organically, gradually narrowing toward the entrance and inviting visitors to follow its flow. Partially submerged at the edge of the symbolic river, the canoe creates the illusion of being docked. Visitors can sit in the rabaska, at the centre of the work of art.

Stars, orbs and sparkles create light reflections on the water’s surface. Three types of fish symbolize the 3 Atikamekw communities swimming together: Manawan, Opitciwan and Wemotaci. Flowers represent medicine, life, women and the 4 directions. The words “Miro mickakw!”, meaning “Safe paddling!” in Atikamekw, will be engraved at the start of the path.

To complete the scene, 8 wooden oars are hung in the building’s lobby, encouraging visitors to explore the work of art in all its splendour.

Signage highlighting the 6 seasons of the Atikamekw

The interior design of each of the building’s 6 sections highlights the Atikamekw seasons:

• pre-spring (Sikon)
• spring (Miroskimin)
• summer (Nipin)
• fall (Takwakin)
• pre-winter (Pitcipipon)
• winter (Pipon)

Wooden panel highlighting spring season

In the main access hallway of each wing, the following are found:

• a wood panel with cut-outs
• textured engravings
• text identifying the season that corresponds to the wing
• the meaning of the season for the Atikamekw

Wallpaper highlighting the spring season

Wallpaper inspired by the colour palette and natural elements of the season adorns the walls.

Meeting rooms with blueberry design

Inside each wing, monochrome vinyl cut-outs create a tone-on-tone “wallpaper” effect on painted surfaces. A visual filter is also used on glass surfaces.

Meeting rooms with bird design

The rooms are named after symbols of nature associated with each season. These include blueberries, birds, snowflakes, trees and animal footprints.