Osage Nation Waken Iron Chapel

The Wakon Iron Chapel began as a grassroots effort within the Osage Nation, sparked by citizens who wanted to honor cultural traditions and create a meaningful space for their community. Osage tradition calls for families to bring their loved ones home for wakes and funerals. To uphold this custom, Wakon Iron, an Osage citizen, called a meeting and helped form a board dedicated to building a chapel for future services.

Wallace Design Collective provided civil and structural engineering services for the new 4,800 square foot chapel. The new facility replaces a former schoolhouse that had long served as the community’s chapel. The space was designed to better serve families and the broader community, offering a setting that reflects both tradition and care.

photography: ©Yellow Dog Design Works