Our proposal aims to provide visitors with a route or journey which draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of structures, woven over the centuries by different tribes and cultures who have resided on this land. We seek to forge a profound link between the different structures and landscapes which connect and unite an early period of American history. The project is intended as a beacon of integrated support and coexistence of all communities living today, side by side, in harmony with each other and the landscape.
Our scheme firstly draws inspiration from ‘the travois’ structure, created by the people and cultures who have occupied this land for hundreds of years. The travois consisted of two long, wooden poles, each lashed to the sides of the dog or horse, often with a leather harness. Secured with sinew, a basket or platform was suspended between the two poles that dragged behind the animal carrying goods or people. The remains of the deep tracks, made by the structure can still be seen in places like knife river, indian village. Travois styles somewhat differed among first nations. The Assiniboine, for example, used a circular and webbed platform to carry their goods, whereas the platforms constructed by the Siksika (Blackfoot) were both circular and rectangular.
We have also referenced and drawn inspiration from the canvas wagons used by the pioneers to cross the landscape.