origins | career | technology | philosophy

"Aboriginal cultures evolved into a way of being in touch with the earth, and experiencing reality as being part of the earth. Our culture also lives in the dream state of vision. When I designed the Museum of Civilization, I went to the ceremonial lodge and I was given the vision of taking technology and creating something positive with it." - Douglas Cardinal

Douglas Cardinal, a Blackfoot born in Calgary, Alberta, follows and practises the Plains Indian traditions and rituals. On a professional level, he does not consider himself specifically as an Aboriginal architect or artist. Arguably, his personal and cultural beliefs have shaped his work.

"Through the ceremonies, I found harmony with myself and nature. Native rituals teach that death is part of nature. Death is a transition from one life to another life. In that way, lives given to you are precious. To create something in life is to make a contribution to the world. My contribution is my work. The physical contours of my buildings and its aesthetic sensibilities are achieved through a blending of old and new ideas, man-made materials and natural source materials, through the use of new technology and Native spiritual visioning. It is a magical metaphor of what can be." - Douglas Cardinal

- In conversation with Douglas Cardinal conducted by Denise Kupferschmid, Queen's University

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