Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation – A New Space for Function and Community

Moving into a new office building is an exciting step for any organization, but it can come with some challenges. For the Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation in Saskatoon, finding the right office furniture was just one piece of the office relocation puzzle, and we wanted to make this step as stress-free as possible. With personalized on-site services and a wide range of office furniture products, we worked closely with Ahtahkakoop to bring their new office to life and get their team ready for a fresh start.

With a strong commitment to protecting their rights and heritage, The Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation works together to create a safe, healthy, and thriving future for generations to come. Guided by teachings of respect, humility, generosity, and kindness, Ahtahkakoop places great importance on passing down knowledge and values that strengthen both their people and their community.

To support their mission, they wanted an office that could balance function with community. The new space needed private offices, including one for the Chief, as well as a community room where people could come together. Their goal for the new office was to create a workplace that felt modern and welcoming while staying on budget, and we got to work making it happen.

Collaboration at Every Step

We started by taking the time to familiarize ourselves with their new office space. The building was newly constructed, so we didn’t have access to blueprints and floorplans yet. Normally, not having building plans would slow down an office furnishing project, but we took matters into our own hands to get the information we needed. As part of our process at Source, we conduct on-site visits where we carefully measure office spaces to make sure we have an accurate representation of each room, taking note of windows, door swings, electrical outlets, and more. Starting with the right measurements makes the whole process smoother, from planning the space to picking furniture and getting everything installed. With a clear understanding of the space, we collaborated with our CAD designers as part of our space planning service to create layout proposals that would optimize flow and functionality throughout the office.

products, we guided them through their options and collaborated throughout the process to make sure their ideas came to life, while keeping the project on budget and on time.

Adapting to the Unexpected

With a clear plan and time frame mapped out, we were excited for the next step in bringing Ahtahkakoop’s new office to life — delivery and installation. Their carefully selected office furniture pieces were ready to go, but that’s when we were hit with the unexpected. Construction delays pushed back our original installation timeline, and a chilly winter forecast added more complications to our plan.

Through it all, our team remained flexible and solution-oriented. We kept in close touch with the folks at Ahtahkakoop, adjusting the schedule as needed and making sure they always knew what to expect. Delays are stressful enough, so to make things easier on their end, we stored the furniture in our warehouse until the site was ready, making sure everything was safe, accounted for, and ready to go.

When the timing finally lined up, we were able to deliver right when they needed it. We installed their new furniture quickly and efficiently, avoiding additional disruptions to their day-to-day, while leaving the space fully move-in ready.

Bright and Inspiring Private Offices

One detail the folks at Ahtahkakoop were set on was using our Silver Birch laminate finish. As the newest laminate in our collection, Silver Birch has quickly become a favorite for creating bright, modern offices. Its neutral colour complements a wide range of spaces, creating a strong foundation for personalization and pops of color.

We installed U-shaped desks in every office to maximize workspace and make it easier for users to manage multiple projects at once. Our Encore collection adds a modern touch with high-contrast black beveled legs, keeping the offices open and contemporary while reducing visual bulk.

The black accents of the Encore series extend to the hutches, which make use of vertical space to provide both open and closed storage. Each private office also includes a heavy-duty bookshelf with adjustable shelves for books, binders, personal items, and more. Paired with a storage pedestal for office supplies and filing, these offices offer ample, organized storage while maintaining a clean, modern look.

For seating, we outfitted each office with a CoolMesh Pro ergonomic chair. CoolMesh is our go-to collection for personalized ergonomics, lasting quality, and great value. These chairs make moving around the workstation effortless while providing all-day support. To add a pop of color and make collaboration comfortable, we also included Propel guest chairs in each office.

A Versatile Space for Community

One of the key features of this office is the community space, designed to comfortably host up to 30 people. Because the space serves many purposes, we outfitted it with Nesting Flip Top tables that can be rolled, rearranged, and stored with ease. This flexibility allows the room to adapt to any type of gathering or occasion, making the tables a practical and versatile choice for dynamic workspaces. We chose Apex High Back chairs for seating, offering a comfortable and stylish experience that supports and empowers community members.

In the end, they were not only thrilled with the final product, but we’re also appreciative of the clear communication, flexibility, and problem-solving it took to get there. With every detail thoughtfully considered, their new office is now more than just a few workstations, it’s a reflection of their values, culture, and vision for the future. From bright, functional private offices to a flexible community space that fosters connection, every element was chosen to support collaboration, comfort, and growth. This office not only meets the practical needs of the team but also inspires creativity, pride, and a sense of community. By blending modern design with purpose-driven functionality, the space stands as a testament to what’s possible when careful planning, collaboration, and a shared vision come together.

Here's what they had to say about working with Source and our Office Furniture Specialist, Rosie:

“Rosie was great to work with. She listened to what we wanted and provided what we needed. I was very impressed with how she took time out of her schedule to come and measure our offices and to have a look at the layout of our space. All the staff at Source Office Furniture where a pleasure to work with and I would definitely go back there in the future!” - Sheila Ahenakew

If you’re ready to turn your office into a space that reflects your organization and the great work you do, call, email, or stop by today at any of our locations across Canada.