Ralph Wells Jr. Community Center

The Ralph Wells Jr. Community Center serves as a welcoming pillar of the community master plan adopted by the East Segment of MHA Nation. Its design is rich with cultural and storytelling elements that enhance the sense of community and foster transgenerational connections.

The entrance is an interpretation of a traditional portico, symbolizing an extended hand welcoming all who enter. The large timber columns that support the canopy draw parallels with the timbers used to frame the main entrance to the earth lodges. The entrance walk has three different colored, meandering streams painted on the concrete that lead you into the building, merging at the entrance. This design provides valuable “way-finding” within the facility, while also using the symbol of three rivers to represent the three MHA Nation tribes, all coming together to create a single more powerful and diverse river.  

Once inside, each stream splits off and leads you to different areas of the building - the water park, the gymnasium, and the administrative/movie theater area. Other amenities include a fitness room, golf simulators, and various flexible community spaces. Throughout all areas, finishing materials were chosen for their cultural significance. They help to integrate the building into the town’s master plan.