Red Lake Nation Government Center

Red Lake, Minnesota

2015

27,400 sf

Erik Wedge, John Erickson, Kelly Mortensen, Katherine Gerzina, Chris Kroeger

Project Status: Completed Project

Indigenous

Scope:

Master Planning Architecture Interior Design Programming

Two buildings in the shape of Bald Eagles (Migiziwag) sit on top of a bluff overlooking Red Lake making up the Red Lake Nation Capitol.

One building is the Red Lake Nation Tribal College and the other is Red Lake Nation Government Center. The Tribe centralized its government functions into the 27,400 sf government center.

DSGW led multiple listening session with Red Lake Tribal Leaders and community members to develop a program and design that met the needs of the Tribe. The incorporation of the Anishinaabe heritage and culture was important to the community and is a key component of the facility design. In addition to the buildings, the grounds include a Veterans Memorial for all Red Lake Tribal Members who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces and a pow wow arbor.

The receptionist at the front desk is able to monitor the comings and goings on the open staircase.

In the council room, it is the public that gets the view of the lake.

The medicine wheel skylight brings in daylight from above the council seating.

The building itself below the fiberglass eagle, has structural components that also mimic the shape and color of an eagle.

The Veterans Memorial honors all Red Lake Band Members that served in the armed forces.

The ceremonial fire ring is lit when a Veteran Tribal member passes away, and remains lit for 3 days in their honor..

Consolidated multiple Tribal offices into one building.