Cultural Language and Learning Center

The building, called “Anishinaabetwaakamig,” or “The Traditions and Culture of the People and the Place Where it Will Be, is a shared-use facility that houses multiple divisions for the Fond du Lac Band

of Lake Superior Chippewa, including the language and cultural department and the cultural medicine

department. The mission of the project was to create more opportunities for integrating cultural practices

into everyday services.

The facility includes space for a large community room, a library, kitchen facilities, offices and a conference room. The floor plan is oriented around the large group room, which bumps out towards the north to allow for direct east and west access into the space for traditional ceremonies that center around the human journey. The roof over the space was also raised to allow for east-facing clerestory windows to flood the space with morning light.

The design of the Fond du Lac Language & Cultural Center incorporated the use of natural materials, large amounts of natural daylight, and an exposed wood structure that is emphasized throughout the interior. ARI commissioned a local Ojibwe artist to provide insight into the cultural influences of the design, and provided the exterior with an original art piece that is displayed at the front entrance.

ARI performed full design services for the project, including architectural, landscape design, interior design, and mechanical & electrical engineering. ARI's team also assisted in bidding the project and construction administration.