The Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island have lived on this land for thousands of years, adapting their dwellings to a variety of environments—from the coastal regions to the open prairies and the northern territories. These structures, built from locally sourced materials, reflect a deep understanding of their ecosystems, showcasing ingenuity, sustainability, and cultural significance. In this post, we’ll explore some of the traditional dwellings of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, highlighting the diversity of design and construction techniques used in different regions.
1. Plank Houses: Shelter Built from the Land (BC Coast)
Similar to the longhouse, plank houses were a common dwelling found in coastal British Columbia. The Tlingit, Haida, and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, among others, constructed these homes using large cedar planks. While they were often smaller than longhouses, plank houses were similarly functional, designed to support the social and cultural needs of extended families.
Design Features:
- Materials and Construction: Plank houses were made from cedar planks, carefully harvested from the surrounding forests. The planks were fastened together using rope, and the structure was supported by wooden posts.
- Size and Layout: These houses were typically smaller than longhouses and often built as standalone homes for a single family or a small group of families. The interior usually featured a central hearth and sleeping areas arranged along the sides.
- Durability and Adaptability: Like longhouses, plank houses were built to withstand the harsh coastal weather of BC. Their sturdy cedar construction provided insulation during cold, rainy winters while allowing adequate ventilation during warmer months.
2. Longhouses: The Center of Community Life (BC Coast)
One of the most iconic and important dwellings found in coastal British Columbia is the longhouse. Used primarily by the coastal Indigenous peoples, such as the Haida, Nuu-chah-nulth, and Coast Salish, longhouses were more than just places of shelter—they were the heart of communal living. These structures served as homes for extended families and were also central to social gatherings and ceremonies.
Design Features:
- Materials: Longhouses were predominantly built from cedar, which was abundant along the BC coastline. The strong, durable cedar wood was used for the walls, roofing, and structural beams. Cedar was also highly valued for its spiritual significance.
- Structure and Size: Longhouses were typically large, rectangular structures, ranging from 40 to over 100 feet in length. These homes were designed to house multiple families, and the interiors were often divided into family sections, each with a hearth and sleeping area.
- Functionality: The longhouse was designed to keep its occupants comfortable year-round. Its steeply pitched roof helped shed rainwater, while the design provided effective ventilation during warmer months and retained warmth during colder seasons.
For the Indigenous peoples of BC’s coastal regions, the longhouse was not just a dwelling—it was a symbol of their communal lifestyle, resilience, and connection to the natural world.
3. Sweat Lodges: Spiritual and Healing Spaces (Interior BC and Yukon)
For many Indigenous groups in the interior of BC and the Yukon, sweat lodges (or “sweat houses”) were essential for spiritual and physical purification. While these were not dwellings in the traditional sense, they were integral to the social and ceremonial life of the communities.
Design Features:
- Structure and Materials: Sweat lodges were small, dome-shaped structures made from flexible wooden branches or willow saplings. These were bent into a circular or oval shape and covered with animal hides, tarps, or thick blankets. The interior of the sweat lodge was a small, enclosed space, and the structure itself was designed to trap heat inside.
- Purpose: The sweat lodge was used for spiritual ceremonies, healing, and purification rituals. Heated rocks were placed in a central pit, and water was poured over them to create steam, creating an intense, cleansing heat. The practice was intended to purify the mind, body, and spirit.
- Cultural Significance: Sweat lodges were deeply spiritual spaces where people could gather to restore their health, renew their spiritual connection, and engage in community-building. They were sacred spaces that transcended the physical realm and symbolized the interconnectedness of all life.
4. Pit Houses: Early Adaptation to the Harsh Climate (Interior BC and Yukon)
In the interior regions of BC and the Yukon, particularly among Indigenous groups such as the Interior Salish, pit houses were once the primary form of shelter. These early dwellings, often built partially or fully underground, provided protection from the harsh winter cold and summer heat.
Design Features:
- Excavation and Structure: Pit houses were built by digging a hole into the ground, often 3 to 4 feet deep. The walls were constructed using logs, branches, or rocks, and the roof was typically made from wood, bark, and earth.
- Thermal Insulation: The earth’s natural insulation kept the interior of the pit house warm during the winter months and cool in the summer. The entrance was often small and would be sealed with a covering made from animal hides or wooden planks during the colder months to help retain heat.
- Size and Layout: Pit houses were relatively small, often designed to accommodate a single family or a small group. A central hearth served as the primary source of heat and cooking, making the space a cozy, intimate environment during the colder months.
Pit houses were practical and efficient shelters that enabled Indigenous peoples to thrive in some of the most challenging climates on Turtle Island.
5. Tipis: The Nomadic Homes of the Prairies (Prairies)
The tipi (also spelled teepee) is one of the most iconic structures of the Indigenous peoples of the Canadian Prairies, including the Cree, Blackfoot, Assiniboine, and Saulteaux. These portable, conical tents were ideal for nomadic lifestyles, allowing communities to move with the seasons as they followed the bison herds.
Design Features:
- Materials: Tipis were traditionally made from large animal hides, typically bison, which were stretched over a frame of wooden poles. The number of poles used varied depending on the size of the structure.
- Structure and Shape: The tipi’s cone shape was specifically designed to shed wind and rain, making it an ideal shelter for the open prairies. The structure was tall, with a smoke hole at the top to allow for ventilation and smoke from the fire inside.
- Portability: The lightness of the materials and the ability to dismantle and reassemble the tipi made it an excellent choice for nomadic peoples. The tipis were easy to transport and quick to set up, a necessity for the ever-moving groups that followed the bison herds.
Tipis not only provided shelter but also served as important spaces for ceremonial practices and family life. Their ability to adapt to the nomadic lifestyle exemplified the ingenuity of the Indigenous peoples of the Prairies.
6. Wigwams: Domed Shelters of the Forests (Eastern Turtle Island and the Great Lakes)
Wigwams (or wickiups) were traditional dwellings used by Indigenous groups in the forests and woodlands of Eastern Turtle Island and the Great Lakes region, including the Algonquin, Anishinaabe, and Iroquois peoples. These semi-permanent, domed structures provided shelter year-round and were well-suited for the climate and materials available in these regions.
Design Features:
- Materials: Wigwams were constructed using a framework of flexible wooden saplings, which were bent into a dome shape and lashed together. The frame was covered with a layer of bark, woven mats, or animal hides.
- Size and Shape: The wigwam was typically around 10 to 20 feet in diameter and had a circular or oval shape. The central hearth was often located in the middle, with a hole in the roof to allow for smoke to escape.
- Warmth and Durability: The dense materials used to cover the frame helped to insulate the interior from the cold winter winds, making the wigwam a functional shelter year-round. The compact design also minimized heat loss, ensuring that families remained warm during the winter months.
Wigwams were often used by semi-nomadic groups and were both practical and culturally significant. They could be adapted for a variety of purposes, including living quarters, ceremonial spaces, and community gatherings.
7. Cache Pits and Storage Platforms: Preserving Resources (Across Turtle Island)
While not dwellings, cache pits and storage platforms were vital for the survival of Indigenous communities, especially in the harsher climates of BC’s interior and the Yukon. These structures were used to store food, tools, and other essential items in a way that kept them safe from the elements and pests.
Design Features:
- Underground Storage: Cache pits were often dug into the ground to store dried fish, berries, roots, and other food items. These pits were lined with bark or animal hides to prevent spoilage.
- Elevated Platforms: In areas prone to flooding or where animals like bears might scavenge, Indigenous peoples built elevated platforms to store food and tools. These structures helped preserve resources and ensured the community’s survival during the winter months.
Learning from Indigenous Architecture
The dwellings of Indigenous peoples across Turtle Island—from the communal longhouses and cedar plank homes along the coast to the nomadic tipis of the prairies and the insulated pit houses of the interior—demonstrate a deep understanding of the land, resources, and social structures. Each structure was designed with purpose, sustainability, and cultural significance in mind. For modern construction, these traditional dwellings offer invaluable lessons in environmentally conscious design, resource efficiency, and community-focused architecture. By drawing inspiration from the ingenuity and resilience of Indigenous peoples, we can create buildings that respect both the natural environment and the diverse cultural heritage of Turtle Island.
