Kainai Board of Education Administration Building

The Kainai Board of Education Administration Building is envisioned as a place that honors Blackfoot culture while providing a professional and supportive home for KBE staff, students, and families. Developed in close collaboration with KBE leadership, administration, and Elders, the project reflects a shared commitment to blending Indigenous and Western teachings to sustain a rich and unique approach to education.

After undergoing initial studies and planning, it was determined that a new build was preferable to a renovation of the existing building. This decision supports the creation of critical adjacencies with nearby community resources and allows for a future campus-like expansion. From the outset, the design embraced the concepts of duality and diagonality, expressed through an early parti sketch that explored the interplay between site and program. This vision was advanced through preliminary massing studies that considered constructability, aesthetics, views, and integration with the natural environment.

The building is designed to be adaptable, allowing for future growth and flexibility while maintaining efficiency and practicality. Careful attention is given to creating a healthy, inspiring environment that supports KBE staff in delivering programs at the highest level. The facility will also serve as a point of outreach, strengthening relationships with the surrounding community through openness, trust, and transparency.

Grounded in guiding principles of inclusivity, functionality, sustainability, and cultural relevance, the design draws inspiration from the natural world and the enduring traditions of the Blackfoot people. The result will be a building that reflects the aspirations of the Kainai Nation and provides a lasting foundation for the continuation of knowledge, culture, and community.