Alain Fournier, a champion of Canadian Indigenous architecture, is named the 2022 Ernest-Cormier Prize winner

Canadian architect Alain Fournier has been announced as the winner of the 2022 Ernest-Cormier Prize by the Government of Quebec. 

The EVOQ Architecture founder was honored for his advocacy work and educational contributions as well as his commitment to environmental justice and improving the quality of life for First Nations and Inuit communities across Canada.

The award’s announcement likewise mentioned his “profoundly human approach to architecture” pursued in lieu of a “signature style” in order to serve as a “vehicle for emancipation” through which members of the Indigenous communities can better assert their social objectives and culture.

Through his work with EVOQ, Fournier has delivered a host of valuable projects that enhanced the health, well-being, and political standing of marginalized groups in the country. Designs for the Ka-Minuenimunanut Centre and Isuarsivik Recovery Centre are as different and far varied as his multiple designs for small regional airports and community centers, the Shaputuan pavilion, and Salluit Swimming Pool. 

He joins Daoust-Lestage, Éric Gauthier, Manon Asselin, André Perrotte, and Jean-Claude Poitras on a list of previous winners for the awards program which began in 2014.

“To me, this award is one more step on the road toward the resurgence and recognition of Indigenous cultures,” Fournier said in a press statement. “I humbly thank all the Indigenous communities of Quebec and Canada that welcomed me into their midst over the years with open arms. I also wish to thank the members of my team; without them, none of this would have been possible.”