The Faculty of Architecture’s Dean’s lecture series celebrates the work of local, national and international designers. In early November, the lectures will focus on human, civil and Indigenous rights as they relate to the history and the future of community planning and design.

“This compact series brings together three different perspectives on the fundamental importance of indigenous cultures from the southwest to the far north, from the late nineteenth century to the twenty-first, from sacred ground to social media,” Architecture Dean Ralph Stern says. “It is a fantastic opportunity for students, faculty and professionals to intersect the complexities of contemporary transnational indigeneity.”

All lectures will be held in Centre Space, John A. Russell Building, Faculty of Architecture on November 3, 5 and 6, at 6 p.m.

November 3
Jeffrey Ostler | The Lakotas and the Black Hills: The Struggle for Sacred Ground

Jeffrey Ostler is Beekman Professor of Northwest and Pacific History at the University of Oregon.  He is the author of several books on Native American History, the two most recent of which are: The Lakotas and the Black Hills: The Struggle for Sacred Ground (Penguin, 2010) and The Plains Sioux and U.S. Colonialism from Lewis and Clark to Wounded Knee (Cambridge University Press, 2004). He is currently writing a book about the question of genocide in U.S. history.

November 5
Vivian Manasc | Learning in 4 Directions

Vivian Manasc leads Manasc Isaac, a 55-person Alberta-based Architectural and Engineering Studio, is Past President of Architecture Canada | RAIC, and past VP of the CaGBC. Vivian leads the design of many of Manasc Isaac’s projects, and it is her vision and skill in facilitating the design process that enables successful projects such as the LEED Gold Water Centre in Calgary, Calgary’s EOC, the Academic Research Centre at Athabasca University, and the Memorial Composite High School for the Parkland School Division, as well as the post-fire reconstruction of the Slave Lake Government Centre and Library.

Vivian’s passion and commitment to outstanding sustainable Architecture has been recognized nationally [Green Building Champion], Integrated Design, facilitation, community engagement, integrating environmental, technical and cultural aspects of Architecture. She a member of the National Capital Commission Advisory Committee on Design, where she provides advice on Architectural, and sustainable design aspects of our Capital’s built environments.

Vivian launched Manasc Isaac’s reimagine initiative, focused on greening existing buildings, the Blue Sky award to assist non-profit organizations to realize their dream facilities, as well as the First Nations conference on Sustainable Buildings and Communities, to enhance the quality of life in First Nations Communities across Canada.

November 6
Laura Harjo | Title: Dancing on the Concrete, Dancing on the Earth: Reclaiming Indigenous Communities Through…

Laura Harjo is an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico, School of Architecture and Planning, she teaches community development, GIS, and Indigenous mapping and has special interests in social movements, social media, Indigenous planning, and human/civil/Indigenous rights.

Harjo researches critical ethnic studies, and community participatory methods for the engagement, empowerment, and emancipation of marginalized rural and urban communities.  Before arriving at UNM, she was a research fellow with the Advancement Project in Washington DC. As a fellow, she researched civil rights issues in Florida, Texas, and New Orleans related to voter protection, inclusive development, and the prison industrial complex.

Harjo was previously appointed Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Ambassador to the United Nations and currently serves on Indian Land Tenure Foundation’s Board of Directors.  She is active with the Southern California Native Feminist Reading Group and works with other scholars to imagine new forms of sovereignty and liberation.

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For more information contact Brandy O’Reilly, Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba, 204-474-7938.

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