As part of her undergraduate studies she designed a Tli Cho assembly building she hopes will eventually be built in Rae.

Ouri Scott designed and built a model for a proposed Tli Cho assembly building. - Darren Stewart/NNSL photo

Scott, a 23-year-old university graduate, is originally from Yellowknife and has Tli Cho background. She said the building is consistent with one mentioned in the proposed Tli Cho land claim agreement.

"It's just an idea at this point," she said. "They still need to finalize the agreement, but when they do I hope they use this design."

The project was part of Scott's curriculum at the University of Calgary. She recently graduated with a degree in Northern planning and architecture studies.

Scott worked with two professors and consulted members of the Tli Cho community, even speaking to chief negotiator John B. Zoe about a potential site for the building. She said response from the community was positive.

"Self-government is just around the corner and people should start thinking about what they really want," she said.

The proposed building has a round room at one end for council meetings with a public gallery attached. It leaves room for murals and carvings to display Tli Cho culture.

"Infrastructure can reflect culture. I tried to follow that idea in the design."

Scott was in town for two weeks for meetings and to set up the model. She is currently completing an internship for the United Nations in Paris, and plans to go to architecture school. Then she said she hopes to move back to put her design skills to work.

Scott's plans and model of the building are on display at the Dogrib Treaty Council office in Scotia Place.