CAFÉ Lecture 2026: Indigenous Knowledge and Design

The Canadian Architecture Forums on Education returns in March with CAFÉ 2026: Indigenous Knowledge and Design

Join us, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 6:30 p.m, at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Architecture, Centre Space, for thought-provoking presentations and a talk with Reanna Merasty and Co-Presidents of the Indigenous Design and Planning Student Association, Jory Thomas and Maisie Berens.

The Canadian Architecture Students Association (CASA-ACEA), is honoured to present CAFÉ 2026: Indigenous Knowledge and Design is part of the Canadian Architecture Forums on Education (CAFÉ), a national outreach initiative launched in 2019 by Dr. Lisa Landrum to examine the role of architectural education and research in shaping Canada’s future. Previous forums have addressed themes including Architecture Policy for Canada (2019–2020), Equity in Architecture (2022), and CAFÉ Housing (2025).

Building on this legacy, CAFÉ 2026 centres Indigenous knowledge and design in response to the need for stronger representation of Indigenous perspectives within architectural education. Canada’s built environment continues to be shaped by colonial systems that have historically marginalized Indigenous ways of knowing, land stewardship, and place-based design. Through a national series of forums and events bringing together Indigenous architects, educators, knowledge keepers, and students, CAFÉ 2026 creates space for reflection, dialogue, and learning, supporting meaningful conversations on Indigenous-led design, leadership, and practice within the Canadian context.