Our Vision

Under One Sky is a registered non-profit organization providing programs and services, educating, advocating for, and empowering a healthy and proud Indigenous community. As a vibrant and caring community hub, our vision is to revitalize, celebrate and embrace all Indigenous peoples and cultures in the spirit of trust, respect and friendship.

It is with this vision in mind that the Awitgati Longhouse and Cultural Centre project was created. Led by Under One Sky and informed by years of grass-roots community engagement, this centre will be a vibrant and transformative facility that promotes community-building and wellbeing through a range of programming in health, education, culture, gathering and events.

Grounded in Wolastoqey and Mi'kmaq values and perspectives, the centres design is inspired by traditional longhouses, the Seven Sacred Teachings, the Medicine Wheel, and form of a turtle shell.

It's really important that we can have a space where we can actually be who we are, stand in our identity and not ever have to apologize

-Patsy McKinney; Executive Director at Under One Sky

Why a Longhouse?

Longhouses are traditional structures that are found in Mi’kmaw and Wolastoqey cultures on the East Coast. These longhouses were places of gathering, nurturing, respect, and ceremony for extended families and communities. People would be welcome and could connect with friends and relations to seek and offer support, advice, companionship, and rest.

With Under One Sky’s vision for a contemporary longhouse and in collaboration with our Elders, this project was gifted the name A·wit·gati - meaning a place to gather and find wellness as a community. This project honours our vision and strives to address this sacred responsibility. The plans for the longhouse are an innovative response that addresses the priorities of our community. It will be a place for community building and passing on our culture and traditions from one generation to the next.

"This is exactly what we need as Indigenous peoples. A safe place to go to talk with our community when things like this happen. And to heal."

-Community Member

This centre will be a 21,000sqft community centre located on the 300 Block of Union Street, Fredericton. The budget for the centre is $18.6M and will be provided in full (100%) by Infrastructure Canada under the Green & Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program launched in 2021.