Athabasca University recognizes architect Douglas Cardinal with honorary doctorate

Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal was recently recognized with an honorary degree by Athabasca University.

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Athabasca University (AU) recently recognized the contributions of Métis architect Douglas Cardinal with an honorary doctorate.

Cardinal is a fixture in the field of architecture and Indigenous human rights, and his life’s work has been to create personal buildings inspired by the natural world and Indigenous culture. He also drew early inspiration from natural features in the varied landscape of southern Alberta.

Cardinal, who grew up in Red Deer, was brought up in a convent. As a result, he witnessed the role that architecture played in the Church. His father was First Nations and his mother was German with a Métis mother, and was the one who pushed him to pursue architecture by stating he would one day be an architect. 

“As a child, I was taught to respect all life around me,” said Cardinal. “As a planner and architect, I strive to follow these teachings to create a better future for the next generations, so we learn to live in harmony and balance with this amazing blue planet, our Mother, the Earth.”

Cardinal went to the University of Texas, where he also decided to take cultural anthropology because he wanted to study people. This was because he didn’t feel that buildings were being designed around them and their needs.

The honorary Doctor of Laws degree recognizes exceptional public service and is among the highest honours that AU bestows.

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