In Conversation with the Land: Two Indigenous Practices

Elisapeta Heta (Ngātiwai, Waikato Tainui, Sāmoa from Aotearoa New Zealand) and Chris Cornelius (citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, North America) will discuss their experiences as Indigenous designers, comparing and expanding upon their practice and the methods by which they’re seeking to change the built environment and embed a stronger relationship to place through their Indigenous worldviews. Heta and Cornelius will share case studies to present an overview of each studio’s philosophy and material propositions, and explain how their philosophies are translated across different tectonic terrains and environments.

Following their presentations, Heta and Cornelius will engage in a conversation moderated by emerging practitioner Zoë Toledo (Diné Navajo), that compares and expands on their experience and aspirations for the future. Following this initial moderated conversation, the event will be opened for Audience Q & A .

Speakers:
Chris T Cornelius (citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, North America), Professor and Chair of Architecture, University of New Mexico; Principal and Founder, studio:indigenous
Elisapeta Heta (Ngātiwai, Ngāpuhi, Waikato Tainui, Sāmoan, Tokelauan), Principal & Kaihautū Whaihanga (Māori Design Leader), Jasmax

Moderator:
Zoë Toledo (Citizen of Navajo Nation)

About the Speakers:
Chris Cornelius is a citizen of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. He is Professor and Chair of the Department of Architecture at the University of New Mexico and the founding principal of studio:indigenous. Cornelius creates architecture and artifacts that dismantle stereotypes surrounding Native design and offer a distinct vision of contemporary Indigenous culture. Cornelius’ awards include the inaugural Miller Prize from Exhibit Columbus and multiple Architect’s Newspaper Best of Design Awards. He has been exhibited widely, including at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale. Cornelius was the Spring 2021 Louis I. Kahn Visiting Assistant Professor at Yale University.

Elisapeta Heta is helping to guide Jasmax on an inter-generational journey towards becoming an authentically bicultural design practice. In 2015, Heta co-founded Waka Māia to provide a Māori design voice within Jasmax. Heta has contributed significantly to cultural design outcomes for major projects at Jasmax, and also serves as an advocate for change, speaking internationally to provide Māori and Pasifika perspectives on the importance of place to both design and cultural identity. Drawing on her lived experiences, Heta creates opportunities for future generations of indigenous designers and demonstrates to young Māori and Pasifika that it is possible to achieve equal commitments to career and community. A key member of design teams, and the facilitator of Mana Whenua consultation processes, her impressive project portfolio includes the New Zealand Pavilion at Expo 2020, Ngā Puna o Waiōrea Western Springs College, and City Rail Link.

Zoë Toledo is a Diné Asdzáán, a member of the Navajo Nation, and a Master of Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design. While attending GSD, Toledo engaged in a practice of narrative change, utilizing archival material and storytelling to re-center land and Indigenous frameworks within architecture and design. She co-founded the Harvard Indigenous Design Collective and received an BA in Architecture from Princeton University.

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