Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Administration Center

This new 18,000 square foot two story facility provides the Jena Choctaw Band of Indians a central building for their Tribal Council and administrators. This facility includes a full kitchen adjacent to a large meeting room, a large conference room for Tribal Council meetings, Chief’s office, and general offices. Chief Smith expressed her desire to include symbology into the design and to provide a modern Tribal aesthetic. YWA incorporated into the design multiple Tribal symbols and patterns: the diamond pattern of the exterior brickwork is symbolic of the diamonds used in Choctaw clothing, the large meeting room pattern was inspired by a JBCI member’s beadwork, and the sound panels in the large meeting room were abstractions of a JBCI member’s basketwork. The custom wallcovering is a print of the Trail of Tears painting used in the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians Seal. On the front of the building are medallions designed by a member of the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians.