The Neechi Sharing Pavilion is a space introduced to Allan Gardens Park for the visitors and frequent park users alike.
The Neechi Sharing Circle is an Indigenous Community group that meets each week, rain or shine, to join together in music and support for each other. The purpose of the group is to offer a safe place for Indigenous people to gather in community, especially those who are isolated and or marginalized. The group is a space where people can join together free of scrutiny or judgment , the group name Neechi coming directly from the word “my friend”
in Ojibway language.
The Pavilion has been designed to meet the specific needs of the Neechi Sharing Circle Group, giving them a defined place where they can gather submerged in nature while giving them shelter. The Pavilion provides a space for their weekly ceremonies, and is visibly open to the park for others to walk by and observe or join in. The Pavilion provides an opportunity for Allan Gardens park to grow socially and culturally as a key place in the city.
The Outer Shell of the Pavilion is a freeform copper shape. Copper is a material that pati- nas over time, giving it a natural aging quality. Copper is a material significant to Indigenous history as it was once used for tools and weapons, now it is often used by Indigenous artists in many creative pieces. The copper shell is formed with openings at each side, and meet lower in the middle to allow for passersby to look down into the pavilion, as well as look onto the moss roof of the exterior.
The ramp leads down into the Inner Shell of the pavilion is equipped to hold the sharing circle ceremony. The floor space of the interior is fully functional and accessible to all guests. The open floor space can be used for drumming and dancing, and the benches around the outside give participants a place to sit and talk or observe the activities taking place.
Inner Shell - Daytime
Inner Shell - Nighttime