Reclaiming Culture in an Urban Context June 1, 2006

Toronto Architecture for Humanity
Reclaiming Culture in an Urban Context
A proposal for a Native Cultural Education Facility in Toronto will be presented by Jake Chakasimat, a Ryerson Graduate and First Nation Member.

June 1, 2006
7:00pm ? 9:00pm
Metro Hall, Room 313
Toronto, ON

We hope you'll be able to come out to hear and see more and support this exciting proposal!

Contrary to existing native facilities in Toronto which generally focus on social assistance --

The new Cultural Centre would provide a sense of community and other resources to the many Native Canadians who have emigrated to the city from the reservation.

It would also be a valuable resource for the general public to learn more about their heritage and the cultures that shaped Canada.

Jake will speak about his shared vision for the Native community and its bigger ambitions. He would like for more individuals from the aboriginal and greater community to share
in the development of this significant cultural facility in the City of Toronto.

In his words:

The name Spadina originates from the Ojibway word Ishapadenah, which translates into hill or ?sudden rise in the land?.

The Ishapadenah Learning Center is the third installment in a series of architectural works grounded in the oral tradition, knowledge, philosophy, and principles of community that
represent the First Nations people and their adaptive lifestyle.

Conducted over a two-year period, the Ishapadenah Learning Center is envisioned to be an additional centerpiece of community and cultural activity for the City of Toronto. Aimed to assist the First Nations peoples of this city the center will serve as a new anchor for community revival - with a focus on education ? and will be ?the middle ground? for:

-Students involved in theatre performance training and visual arts,
-Potential secondary and post-secondary partnerships,
-Indigenous speaker events and seminars,
-Community recreation for youth initiatives,
-Indigenous research initiatives,
-Ceremonial practice, and most importantly
-A place for Aboriginal Achievement to take place in the City of Toronto.

Not only will the Ishapadenah Learning Center foster the creation of an accessible quality learning environment but also, it will come to represent a much needed cultural facility that speaks about the historical representation of Toronto?'s most ancient residents. It will signify a step towards ?reclaiming culture in an urban context?.

In doing so, a variety of native educational services, programs with aboriginal content and potential stakeholders will be in prime position to develop newly formulated partnerships - under a common roof; on middle ground - to better facilitate the educational needs and aspirations of Toronto?s rising population of First Nations residents.

?Culture gives rise to creativity; where possible creativity must be used in its broadest sense to problem solve education inequalities and to aid with social and community
development.?