Improving Aboriginal Housing: Culture and Design Strategies

Abstract

Aboriginal housing in Canada is in a state of crisis. The status quo is characterized by substandard and culturally inappropriate buildings, and insufficient access to essential services. This reality undermines individual and community health, wellbeing and socioeconomic development. Emerging green building methods and clean technologies have the potential to address key issues and problematic conditions in this context, where occupant health and safety, durability, and reduced operating and maintenance costs are primary concerns. Considerations for Aboriginal cultures are also essential to improved housing design, where their absence has perpetuated a legacy of cultural oppression. Adopting cultural considerations into Aboriginal housing design may increase sense of identity, belonging, ownership and responsibility. This research examines the integration of green building methods, clean technologies, and Aboriginal cultural design considerations as bases for improving Aboriginal housing. Recommendations are based on qualitative case studies within the Seabird Island, Saugeen, and Treaty 7 First Nations.