Awacak Okiskinohamatowikamikowaw Elementary School
Awacak Okiskinohamatowikamikowaw Elementary School
2024
Educational
Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois
2025
National Awards
2025
The Awacak Okiskinohamatowikamikowaw Elementary School project embodies a bold vision, deeply rooted in the needs and values of the Attikamek community. From the outset, it was about much more than a school : the challenge was to design a multifunctional, sustainable, and culturally meaningful space capable of positively supporting both education and community life in Manawan.
Faced with the obsolescence of the old school, which no longer met capacity and service requirements, the expectations were clear: to design a modern and inclusive facility capable of welcoming 615 students while fostering pride and attachment to education. The new school needed not only to address educational needs but also to contribute to the community’s sense of belonging and cultural identity.
gbi coordinated the mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil disciplines to bring this project to life. Through an integrated approach, our team transformed the aspirations of this community of over 2,400 residents into a tangible, sustainable, and inspiring reality.
Adapting to Construction in a Remote Location
Carrying out a large-scale project in an isolated community, located 100 km north of Saint-Michel-des-Saints and accessible only via an 86 km forest road, required exceptional rigor and constant adaptability.
The supply of materials and equipment was one of the main challenges. The absence of local sources demanded meticulous planning from the design stage. For instance, to meet the concrete needs, a mobile concrete mixer was deployed on-site, a suitable but more demanding solution. Producing concrete in limited quantities and being available on-site only one day per week required a complete reorganization of schedules. A gbi site supervisor played a key role in coordination, ensuring rigorous monitoring and real-time adjustments to maintain construction progress.
square metres total area
building in Manawan fully powered by geothermal energy
hours of energy autonomy thanks to the new installations
Responding to Community Needs
The community’s infrastructure presented significant challenges. The initially limited water reserve and the unstable electrical network were critical constraints, both for the project and for daily life. The project accelerated the installation of an upgraded water reserve, now sufficient to supply the school’s sprinkler system while benefiting the entire community.
In addition to enhancing the electrical network during construction to meet the workers’ needs, the school has also become a refuge during frequent power outages. With 72 hours of energy autonomy, it provides a safe and functional space for the community, reinforcing its central role well beyond its educational purpose.
Integration of Geothermal Energy
Designing the geothermal system required anticipating unknown soil conditions, as this was Manawan’s first geothermal project. Despite unexpected discoveries in the soil, the geothermal projections proved accurate, thanks to analysis of similar projects, notably in Saint-Michel-des-Saints.
The geothermal system significantly reduces the carbon footprint while respecting local environmental practices and harmoniously integrating with the surrounding nature. It also sets a precedent in sustainable infrastructure, inspiring other Indigenous communities to adopt innovative and environmentally responsible solutions.
A Community Infrastructure
In addition to meeting academic needs, the school incorporates spaces and mixed-education programs dedicated to transmitting cultural and traditional knowledge. Activities such as teaching traditional crafts and ancestral skills were implemented.
These initiatives help preserve the Atikamekw culture while strengthening the community’s sense of identity and pride. They also transmit essential skills and reinforce social ties within the community, creating a bridge between generations and a strong cultural anchor.
Community Involvement
The project mobilized numerous community resources to support the construction team. Positions such as laborers, operators, drivers, cooks, and safety personnel contributed to assisting the professional teams building the school. The schedule accounted for the hunting season, during which the work pace was reduced due to the importance of this activity for the community.
Beyond the many site visits by gbi team members, a site supervisor stayed on location for two months to coordinate various aspects of the project and make rapid on-site decisions. This enriching experience in the Atikamek community was particularly formative for the team member, who had the opportunity to build connections with community members and learn more about their culture, traditions, and history.
A Structure Reflecting Traditions
Designed on 6,824 square metres over two floors, Awacak Okiskinohamatowikamikowaw School stands out for its unique aesthetics. The main entrance, inspired by a tipi, opens onto a bright atrium, a space for exchange and sharing dedicated to Atikamekw culture. The interior courtyard and outdoor spaces also reflect this identity, highlighting natural materials such as wood.
This school is much more than just a building; it is a symbol of our determination to give our children the best opportunities for success while preserving our culture, language, and identity. We know that this new school will be the fertile ground where our future leaders can thrive and develop the skills needed to proudly carry forward the aspirations of our beautiful community.
Sipi Flamand
Chief of Manawan
