A Brief Review of the Traditional Indigenous Architecture of Canada

A Brief Review of the Traditional Indigenous Architecture of Canada

The identity of Canadian architecture is hard to define. Many waves of immigration of all contributed in sculpting the built environment in Canadian cities. Identity has much to do with origins, therefore tracing Canadian architecture should start by studying the architecture of our First Nations and indigenous people. This paper briefly explores the roots of Canadian architecture tracing back to the various indigenous tribes of Canada and outlines the main characteristics of the vernacular architecture built by these people. This paper review seven major typologies of indigenous architecture found in Canada: the Wigwam, the Longhouse, the Tipi, the Pit House, the Thule Winter House, the Plank House and the Igloo. Different indigenous tribes construct different styles of architecture as shelters that respond to their particular abodes and lifestyle. For instance, tribes living in colder climates construct narrow entrance tunnels for preventing cold wind drifts, whiles other tribes dig earth and construct their shelters protected by tree bark and soil. Further, living styles also influence the different types of shelters. Nomadic tribes carry thin long logs and animal hide with them and construct Pit Houses in places where they spend days chasing bison herds. Other tribes, engaged in agriculture therefore need a more permanent residence, such as the Iroquois who build Longhouses with wood bark and mats. Although this paper is brief, it lays the foundation for those who wish to understand and pursue further research into the different typologies of indigenous architecture of Canada.