November14, 2025
You may recall JL Richards (JLR), an architectural, engineering, and planning company (Sudbury office), was the company responsible for designing and constructing the ‘new’ Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik. Stephanie Campbell, Architect and Manager, Sudbury Architectural & Structural Department, was a Lead Architect on the project, but as Stephanie humbly commented, their whole team was involved in the loving creation and vision of the Biidaaban that we see and enjoy today. The project was a success due to vested input from community members, cultural advisors, and Sagamok leadership, all of whom were proactively engaged in consultation ahead of the project starting.
On November14, Stephanie, along with videographers Jenni and Stephania, and Brendan and Kevin from Brendan Burden Photography attended Biidaaban for a unique reason. According to Stephanie, every year she sees the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada call for nominations of architectural projects for a variety of awards. The top, most coveted award, is the Governor General’s Award. “So it is for this award that we are submitting our Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik project,” Stephanie relayed excitedly. “It had a really big impact on our team at the office and we learned a lot throughout it. We had a great experience working with the community and admittedly (there are a few bumps with the build) but, you know, we’re really happy with everything. I’m proud of it,” Stephanie beamed. “It is nothing like I have ever seen before, anywhere.”
Stephanie went on to explain some of the details such as the construction phases, unique building materials, preparation of the site through ceremony, placement of the structure based on the four directions, cultural practices respected throughout, extensive site clearing efforts, plumbing, foundation concrete; hoppers were here continuously for months and months….and she rattled off a whole host of ‘shop-talk’ that added to the one-of-a-kind nature of Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik. The impressiveness of the structure is evident upon a walk-through, and the professional filming and photography teams captured this for the purpose of entering the prestigious award nominations.
The only criteria to enter the award contest, was that you were a Canadian Architect. “Submissions would be entered from around the world’, Stephanie said. Stiff competition!” Their submission would include the aesthetic beauty of the Biidaaban school, the natural aspects like wood walls, stone, the look and feel of the material used on the round section (gym) and the brick, resembling the LaCloche Foothills, the Cultural Space, and more. Stephanie shared the application would then shift to the importance of sustainability, community involvement and impact, and the environmentally conscious considerations that were employed. Stephanie also emphasized the uniqueness of working with a First Nation community to construct a project of this magnitude, including the groundbreaking ceremony at sunrise (2022) where four pouches of medicine were placed in the four directions (corners of the building) and indicated these cultural aspects were the things that she and her team found especially sacred and meaningful and would highlight in their application. Receiving this knowledge and first-hand engagement with the Sagamok community has helped them carry it forward in a special way to subsequent projects. “Everyone on the team gets credit!” Stephanie said, “JLR is a multi-disciplinary company – all trades are all done in house. This is the most prestigious award,” she went on to say, and “the first time JLR is submitting for it. We are all excited to see how it (the nomination application) unfolds.”
The film and photo crews received permission to capture footage of Biidaaban’s exterior, interior, materials utilized, placement and effectiveness for practical application, specific classrooms, students utilizing the space (no facial images were used unless explicit consent was confirmed), the playground, and the scenic area along the North Shore where it proudly stands serving the future of this community. Early Learning teacher, Ms. Teresa (Terri) Abitong, along with select staff, were interviewed and recorded on film, giving their feedback regarding the new Biidaaban. Terri’s interview was unique, in that she had worked many years at the former Biidaaban school and was also a student there! Her perspective on the ‘new’ Biidaaban was meaningful; incorporating historical and generational aspects and reflect on the unique opportunities and inclusivity that this new school offers students. Chi miigwech to staff and students for their support, cooperation, and respectful input during the filming day.
Check out the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) website: https://raic.org for previous contest winners and applicants. We wish JL Richards luck in their submission for the Governor General’s award and are excited to hear about their experiences and placement on behalf of Biidaaban Kinoomaagegamik.