We’re excited to share the construction progress on the Aboriginal Land Trust (ALT) development! This project is an Indigenous-led mixed-use development - including a healing centre and family housing - serving the needs of Vancouver’s Urban Indigenous community in the Downtown Eastside. Designed utilizing Indigenous protocols and guidance from Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the project will offer a welcoming and supportive environment where the community can live, heal and thrive.
xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) culture is honoured through the concept of a Blanket wrapping a Longhouse. Blankets are used in ceremony to wrap people - showing respect, honouring life stages, and demonstrating care. Blankets tell stories, often describing place through abstract forms. The building’s ‘blanket’ facades are made using glazed coloured brick, woven in a Coast Salish design, created by renowned xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) weaver Debra Sparrow.
We are very excited to see these designs progressing so beautifully along East Hastings! More to come soon!