In 2021, the community of Muscowpetung decided it was time to start one of the most anticipated projects the community has seen thus far: a permanent space for powwows, ceremonies and learning.

Myke Agecoutay, business development officer of Muscowpetung First Nation, works on community development and growth. After consultation with elders and the community, Agecoutay and Chief Melissa Tavita began working with a team from Oxbow Architecture to design plans for the Muscowpetung Powwow Arbour.

“Everyone is coming to the table to make this happen somehow, everyone wants to be a part of this,” Agecoutay said.

Building a structure of this size will be no small feat — the design itself is complex and beautiful. Furthermore, it is custom built to acknowledge and respect Saulteaux traditions. The structure’s entrance will face east, referencing the significance of the rising morning sun.

The building is expected to be completed by 2023 with plans to host the first powwow in summer 2024.

According to Agecoutay, both levels of government have been fully supportive of any future plans for the Muscowpetung Nation.

“We’re at looking at between $3.2-3.7 million to construct it,” Agecoutay said.

“We’re looking at own source revenue to assist, we’re looking at grants available through the provincial government and federal governments. There are multiple streams we’re going to look at to make this a reality.”

The purpose of the Arbour was purely for practical reasons, there was no praise in mind, they simply wanted a space for learning and for the celebration of culture. However, the design has quickly garnered praises.

“It appears we have a national award under the Canadian architect and an international award under the world architecture festival,” said Agecoutay. “I think it’s a testament of what a community can do…community planning is key, this all comes back to how successful a strategic community can be if done right. This project is proof of that.”

Chief Tavita is overjoyed with the positive progress her community and her people are working towards.

“I’m very proud to be a part of Muscowpetung and to see everything we’re coming into,” said Tavita.

“We never sought out accolades and recognition not only is this a powwow arbour, it’s a place to teach land-based knowledge and to learn under the Arbour.”