Douglas Cardinal design unveiled for U of S student centre

The design of a new student centre for the University of Saskatchewan was unveiled Wednesday, featuring the work of celebrated architect Douglas Cardinal.

The building, to be known as the Gordon Oakes-Red Bear Student Centre, has been in the works for years.

Peter MacKinnon, the president of the university, described Cardinal's design as "a stunning piece of Aboriginal architecture."

The building will be 1,884 square metres and will be home to the Indigenous Students' Council and the Aboriginal Students' Centre.

Cardinal, who is of Métis and Blackfoot heritage, is known for his flowing curves in buildings and was the architect of the building that is home to the First Nations University of Canada, in Regina.

He also designed the Canadian Museum of Civilization, in Gatineau, Quebec, across the river from Ottawa.

The centre is name for the late Gordon Oakes, a leading spiritual and political leader among First Nations.

Construction is expected to begin in the fall.