Smoke Architecture:

Honoring Indigenous
Wisdom in Design

Introduction
• Anishinaabeg owned and operated since 2014.
• Specializing in First Nation and Indigenous
projects.
Our Commitment:
• Guided by Elders and community leaders.
• Millennia of expertise in building within
traditional territories.
• Client-centric approach.
• Rediscovering Indigenous knowledge in
contemporary contexts.
• Land-based learning applied to each project.
 Smoke Architecture:ELADIA SMOKE | PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

•Anishinaabekwe from Obishikokaang | Lac Seul First Nation

•Family roots in Alderville First Nation, Winnipeg, and Toronto

•In Architecture since 2002

•Founded Smoke Architecture in 2014 as Principal Architect

•Focused on community center, office, and multi-family

residential projects

•Collaborating with First Nation clients

 Eladia Smoke - Teaching Portfolio

Gratitude to Elders
•Expresses chi-miigwetch to Elders and knowledge carriers for sharing land-
based teachings
Inclusive Teaching Philosophy
Values generational learning, honoring Indigenous, and diverse Canadian
backgrounds.
Groundbreaking Approach
Undertakes architectural learning from an Indigenous standpoint, pioneering a
unique educational perspective
Passionate Advocacy
Brings Indigenous principles, especially Anishinaabeg teachings, into
architectural curriculum and design thinking.
Hands-On Collaboration
Students engage directly with the land and First Nation communities, fostering
collaborative and respectful learning.
 Smoke Architecture-Projects

• CENTENNIAL COLLEGE A BLOCK

• ALGOMA UNIVERSITY MUKQUA WAAKAA’IGAN

• THUNDER WOMAN HEALING LODGE

• QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY INDIGENOUS GATHERING SPACE

• CENTENNIAL COLLEGE A BLOCK

•Type: Six-storey mass timber, zero-carbon building

•Design Features: Outdoor learning spaces, Wisdom Hall atrium,

interior courtyard with outdoor classroom and viewing garden

•Balance Centrestone: Features Haudenosaunee wampum and

Anishinaabe Mishomis | Grandfather teachings

•Indigenous Commons: Inspired by Nimii-Idiwigamig | Anishinaabe

Roundhouse, connecting main arteries

•Demonstrates successful integration of Indigenous values and

principles

•Inspires powerful narratives welcoming diverse cultures

 Smoke Architecture-Thunder Wood Women Healing Lodge

Design Inspiration:
Exterior Form: Thunderbird - Symbol of Healing and Service
Interior Circular and Domelike Spaces: Reflecting
Anishinaabe Architecture (Wigwam and Roundhouse)

Community Impact:
Addressing a Critical Need in Toronto
Supporting Healing, Rehabilitation, and Re-integration
Breaking the Cycle of Recidivism

Program Highlights:

Trauma Counselling
Cultural Teaching
Healing Circles
 Smoke Architecture-QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY INDIGENOUS
GATHERING SPACE

• Inspired by wakaaigan | Teaching Lodge

• Outdoor Classroom for Year-round Use

• Designed collaboratively with Indigenous faculty and advisors

• Collaboration with Landscape Architects Vertechs and Indigenous-

led Spruce Labs

• Engineers Arup: Reinterpreting the Bentwood Precedent of the

wakaaiigan
•Designed collaboratively with Indigenous faculty and advisors
 Smoke Architecture-Algoma University(Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario )

Vision: Building Harmony Between Nature and Humanity

Focus on East: Entry, Gathering, Connectivity with Nature
South: Connection to Water
West: Reconciliation and Healing
North: Transformative Pathway for Youth

Main Gathering Space: The Beating Heart of Algoma

University
•Intersection of Cardinal Axes
•Underpinned by Anishinaabe Traditions and Values
•Cross-Cultural Learning and Teaching
•Welcoming Perspectives for Understanding and Respect
 Smoke Architecture-Algoma University(Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario )

Wihkask | The Sweetgrass Path: Past, Present, Future

•Past: Memory and Honoring
•Present: Where We Are, Where We're Going
•Future: Living Edge of Cultural Learning Spaces

Axes of the Campus:

• Academic Journey
• Spiritual Journey

•Integration of Spirit, Mind, and Body

•Interwoven Essence of Creation