Arctic Architecture

Transitioning from Traditional Buildings to Contemporary Structures and Some of the Resulting Problems Unique to Arctic Architecture

Harriet Burdett-Moulton
NWTAA, FRAIC, Ph. D. (hc)
Senior Architect (Dartmouth, NS)

Métis architect Harriet Burdett-Moulton, Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), was the first architect to practice in what is now known as Nunavut. One of the most iconic and important projects to Harriet as a Métis person is the Piqqusilrvvik Inuit Learning Facility in Clyde River, Nunavut. Piqqusilrvvik—which roughly translates as “a place to keep the things we’ve learned”—is a cultural learning facility specifically designed for the Inuit culture. Harriet is from Labrador, with Inuit, British and Montagnais roots. She spent her early life in a traditional nomadic lifestyle. In 1976 Harriet graduated from TUNS, now Dalhousie School of Architecture, and became the fist Indigenous female Architect in Canada in 1979. She is a member of the RAIC Indigenous task force and is well-respected and honored architect. In May 2016, Harriet was made a fellow of the RAIC, in June 2017, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Design from Ontario College of Art and Design (OCAD) University in Toronto, and in November 2017, she was awarded a Labradorian of Distinction metal. In June 2021, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Carleton University in Ottawa. Harriet has been responsible for numerous design projects across northern Canada building her expertise in collaborating with culturally diverse groups designing an assortment of building types. She has been involved in the design of educational facilities, recreational facilities, health care facilities, places of worship and feasibility studies. Her work encompasses major additions, and renovations as well as new construction. In addition to her passion for well-designed culturally significant buildings, she is an award winning jeweler and has experience and education in community international development.