Cultural approaches to native Canadian housing : an evaluation of existing housing projects in Cree communities in Northern Quebec

• Main Author: Afshari-Mirak, Ghader
• Other Authors: Covo, David (advisor)
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: McGill University 1994
• Subjects: Cree Indians > Housing > Québec (Province) > Case studies; Indians of North America > Housing > Canada; Housing > Canada; Housing > Québec (Province) > Case studies; Canada; Chisasibi; Cree indians
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=22540

This thesis examines social and cultural influences on housing and community planning in the native reserves of Canada. Architects and planners have tended to ignore the socio-cultural legacy of native people for a variety of unjustified reasons: insufficient local research and study, lack of understanding or appreciation, and the iniability to successfully accommodate ancient experience in the problem-solving process; approaches and techniques which may well be adapted to the contemporary context are typically overlooked. Where reference is made in housing and planning reports to socio-cultural issues, no recommendations are given as to how to interpret or apply them. The study bases its analysis on three key terms: culture, community, and living patterns. These concepts are examined in a case study of Cree natives living on four Quebec reserves: Chisasibi, Mistissini, Nemaska, and Waswanipi. The thesis describes indigenous Cree housing; evaluates the existing housing projects built recently by the government and Cree Housing Corporation; details housing and planning problems; and presents conclusions and recommendations.