SKIN TYEE NATION CLAN HOUSE
Location
Skin Tyee First Nation
Client
Carrier Sekani Family Services
Type
Feasibility Study
Status
Proposed
Size
10,539 sf
Two Row Architect was retained by Carrier Sekani Family Services to conduct a series of feasibility studies for an All Clan’s House in several First Nations communities in the Burns Lake, BC area, including Skin Tyee First Nation. This initiative aligns with Jordan’s Principle and Bill C-92, recognizing the inherent right of Indigenous communities to self-government and jurisdiction over their children.
The All Clan’s House will be a place of safety and cultural extension of the Bah’lats. In both the pre and post contact period, the Bah’lats or Clan Houses represented a place of protection and well-being for children. This project aims to mirror the traditional Clan House environment, ensuring children's safety and cultural integrity in the event of apprehension. The feasibility study marks the initial phase of the project, involving extensive community engagement, site analysis, conceptual design, and comprehensive cost estimation.
Located adjacent to the community Band Office on reserve, the proposal for the Skin Tyee Clan House spans 10,539 sq. ft (979 m2) and serves as a mixed-use facility. It encompasses residential, communal, and administrative spaces to facilitate the delivery of services by CSFS, while fostering a homelike atmosphere. Informed by feedback from the Skin Tyee advisory circle through multiple engagement sessions, the design concept emphasizes a central gathering area, communal kitchen and living spaces, as well as diverse residential units to cater to varying family needs. Throughout the feasibility study, design priorities focused on maximizing the flexibility of indoor space, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces while harmonizing with the site's surroundings, and highlighting connections to Uncha Lake located nearby.
Upon completion, the Clan House will serve as a nurturing environment within the Skin Tyee community, reflecting the unique culture. It will provide a welcoming space where children and families can receive support and heal, enabling children to remain in their community with connections to their cultural roots. The project aims to support intergenerational healing and well-being of children and families for years to come.