A beneficial and sustainable relationship between land and community rests on the expression of an Inuit “sense of place” that extends to include cultural activities. The camp is one such essential place to support and maintain Inuit identity and well-being.

However, despite its proximity, the land is not always accessible to all. This design project facilitates access to the land. It benefits many by creating spaces for the transmission of traditional and contemporary knowledge and providing a restorative space. A main building offers a workshop, as well as oral teaching/interaction rooms. The “low tech” kitchen requires few furnishings, like in a vernacular cabin. Separate cabins allow for introspection and are linked to the land.

Overall, narrow volumes have a limited footprint. The rooms are smaller to reduce the need for heating. The “breathing” envelope is well insulated (sacks of goose feathers) without vapor barriers for air circulation, in accordance with cabin construction; this technique leaves the wood structure exposed inside. Foundations (gabion, piles) are “light footed” to preserve the land. Other construction materials (adobe, rammed earth, charred wood cladding) and assembly techniques are locally sourced.