The Canadian city of Calgary, 3,300 kilometers from the capital Ottawa, is going to have a new youth centre. The project includes spaces designed especially for indigenous youth, as well as the incorporation of ecological techniques.

The project is from the non-profit organization Urban Society for Aboriginal Youth (USAY).

“With this new building, we will be able to expand our programming and reach even more young Aboriginal people in the community. We believe this project will have a significant and positive impact on the lives of Indigenous youth in Calgary, and we are thrilled,” said USAY Executive Director LeeAnne Ireland.

The structure will have approximately 464 m² with three main spaces spread over two floors. Additionally, the site will offer community meetings, meals, and a multipurpose creative space for STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) programming, with the opportunity for cultural exchange among Indigenous youth.

Sustainability

The youth center will also have a roof garden. The place will have traditional medicines and will be able to receive smoking rites, as well as teachings with indigenous elders and personal care.

The idea, however, is to create a place of belonging and personal development for the thousands of indigenous young people between the ages of 12 and 29 who receive assistance from USAY.

In addition, the area where the building will be constructed is part of the national territory of the Piikani, Siksika, Iyarhe Nakoda, Kainai and Tsuut’ina and Métis nations.

The cultural space for indigenous youth is designed to achieve a sustainable balance. To achieve this goal, he applies passive strategies such as biophilic elements and natural lighting. The use of natural materials, such as wood, is also part of the proposal, in addition to energy efficiency such as solar energy. The end of the works is however for March 2024.

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