BSA Staff Picks: Native American Heritage Month

Image courtesy ziggymaj, Getty Images

Located in downtown Boston, the BSA occupies the traditional indigenous territory of the Massachusett people. Design professionals and representatives of the architectural community alike must acknowledge that the process of building requires making thoughtful and intentional decisions that respect everyone, including those who were forcibly displaced from the spaces we occupy and who we share our land with today. In recognition of Native American Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Day on November 26, BSA staff are sharing our picks for articles, interviews, resources and more that celebrate Indigenous people.

To submit a resource or share an experience related to Indigenous history, culture, and/or architecture, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Books, Articles & Interviews

Sand Talk: How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World

Tyson Yunkaporta looks at global systems from a unique perspective, one tied to the natural and spiritual world. In considering how contemporary life diverges from the pattern of creation, he raises important questions—and provides answers.

Mayor Janey establishes Indigenous Peoples Day in Boston

On November 1, 2021, Mayor Janey signed an executive order declaring the second Monday of October to be Indigenous Peoples Day in the City of Boston.

A Conversation with Tamara Eagle Bull FAIA

Wanda Lau interviews Tammy Eagle Bull FAIA, the first Native American woman in the United States to become a licensed architect and the 2018 recipient of the AIA’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, to get her perspective on the need for cultural diversity and gender equality in architecture.

Decolonizing architecture with Indigenous storytelling

Architect and designer Chris Cornelius blends Indigenous storytelling with design as seen in his various projects across Wisconsin. WPR talks with him about his work as an architect and educator and how to decolonize architecture.

On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Revisiting the Meaning of “Native Architecture”

Chris Cornelius of studio:indigenous speaks with Metropolis about (de)colonization in the practice, education, and experience of architecture.

Multi-Media

Blood quantum is a highly controversial measurement of the amount of "Indian blood" one has. Reporter Kat Chow spoke to two Native families grappling with where to live and how to identify.

A non-descript beige building in Washington, D.C. houses thousands of Native human remains. The controversy over who should decide the fate of these remains has raised questions about identity, history, and the nature of archaeology.

People, Resources, & More

Artists for World Peace

Founded by Wendy Black-Nasta, Artists for World Peace is made up of artists who provide food, housing, educating and healthcare to those in need. One program provides free eye care to Native American communities on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.

U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit: Tribal Nations

Climate change threatens indigenous peoples’ livelihoods and economies. Its impacts are projected to be especially severe for many of the 567 federally recognized tribes in the United States. Documenting the impacts on traditional lifestyles may strengthen adaptive strategies.

Where Are My People? Native American, First Nations & Indigenous in Architecture

Where Are My People? is a research series that investigates how architecture interacts with race and how the nation’s often ignored systems and histories perpetuate the problem of racial inequity. This installment highlights the experiences of Indigenous designers, architects, and educators.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Network

A BSA knowledge community, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Network is a place for individuals in the design industry to engage in meaningful conversations; support, promote, and build awareness; and to share best practices related to issues of EDI within the profession.