A sustainable, culturally-rich K-8 school
Sagamok Anishnawbek is an Ontario-based community with a population of approximately 3,295 people. The First Nation broke ground on a new K-8 school in April 2022, marking a meaningful investment in both education and culture.
Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik elementary is an important project for the growing community, as the new school encompasses several services and supports for children and their families. The school also offers traditional teachings, enabling the community to embed its rich culture and history within the curriculum.
The design of the 30,000 sq. ft. single-story facility includes wood, cross-laminated timber and other natural, sustainable materials. It also incorporates colours from the medicine wheel, including a cultural space with sliding glass wall panels that open to provide direct access to the outdoors for smudging and other ceremonial traditions.
The school’s traditional teaching spaces include a teaching kitchen, native language room, a multipurpose cafeteria/theatre, and classrooms with dedicated breakout areas for sensory teaching. The facility also includes several outdoor amenities, as well as a large gym complete with an electronic scoreboard, community logos embedded in the floor, dividers to accommodate multiple classes, and a stage for performances and assemblies.
Quick Facts
Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik is a 30,000 sq. ft. K-8 school that embedded local culture into its design and curriculum.
The school is built with natural materials, such as cross-laminated timber, and showcases the colours of the medicine wheel.
Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik is an important addition to the community, offering services and supports for children and their families under one roof.