White Earth Nation Archive Building - 7gen

White Earth Nation Archive Building

Sectors

Indigenous Research

Locations

Ogema, Minnesota

Services

Conceptual Study

For Conceptual Use Only

The White Earth Nation of Minnesota is planning to construct a cultural center and archive building to honor and celebrate their history. Seven Generations provided preliminary design options for White Earth, showing organizational models for programmatic areas including archival space, a museum, office space, a business incubator, an open lobby, and educational classroom space.

Especially in anticipation of designing museum spaces, Seven Generations performed extensive research into the Anishinaabe Migration path and became knowledgeable about the Seven Fires of the Ojibwe, a series of histories and future predictions which guided the people of White Earth. For archival spaces, we researched the necessary codes and regulations for safe preservation of historical and contemporary objects significant to the White Earth Nation.

We provided detailed analyses of how the different programming spatial areas could be connected, as well as the opportunities provided by one-story and two-story options for the building. At this preliminary design stage, we are working collaboratively with White Earth to arrive at a sustainable design solution which balances the needs of the Board, future building users, and available funds.

The crew on the project.

Steve VandenBussche, AIA, LEED AP

Executive Coordinator

Alex Hokkanen, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Assoc.

Project Coordinator | Design Lead

Shawn Lettow

Senior Designer

Maggie Cochrane

Architectural Intern

Providing a place of healing and restoration.

What Impact can We Make with you?