Aboriginal Housing: Traditional
At AHMA, we are mindful of the past but committed to finding innovative ways of providing supportive housing to Aboriginal people in Canada, today.
There were 3 common types of traditional Aboriginal dwellings in BC: Cedar Longhouse, Tipi and Pit House.
Longhouse of the Nimpkessh Chief (Nimpkish): Tlah-Go Glass
Alert Bay, BC; [190-]
Longhouse: winter dwellings of the Coastal Peoples; wood planks cover cedar log beams and posts. The mast is a flag of BC and a “Copper” plaque symbolizing wealth.
Courtesy of BC Museum Archives
Nlaka’pamux “The Thompson River People”
Nicola Valley, BC; ca. 1898
PitHouse: is the oldest form of dwelling in North America. A log frame with wooden rafters built over a circular dug out insulated with earth with an opening on top for a ladder and smoke vent.
Courtesy of BC Museum Archives
A Tipi of the Halfway River First Nation
Peace River Region; 1930
Tipi: hides, birch bark or canvas cover a sapling pole frame. Ease of assembly and durability was ideal for nomadic peoples. Well suited for all weather conditions and had a flap covered smoke hole for control of air circulation.
Courtesy of BC Museum Archives