The Cabin Phenomenon in Canada's Arctic
Anthropological literature on Inuit cabins, as necessary temporary shelters during hunting seasons, finds unpredictable weather or climate change as a reason to prompt construction.
However, the hybrid character and inherent self-expression found in these ephemeral and mobile pieces of architecture tells a story about adapting to new technologies while retaining traditional building and hunting practices.
Environmental change has led to construction of cabins along common travel routes and near hunting and fishing areas. These buildings provide shelter from sudden bad weather. “[We] build cabins around hunting areas now because of unpredictable weather and machines that break down, leaving people stranded.” (Ivujivik, Nunavik).
Residents of Repulse Bay also report they have built boxes on their qamutik (durable wooden sleds designed for long distance travel) to protect children from the sun and high winds. In Arctic Bay, as with most communities