Sanjida Amir

Advisor: Mimi Locher

The image features an abstract organic pattern with green and blue hues, including layered brush strokes and a central, cell-like structure. Fine lines and dark spots add contrast and movement across the composition.
An abstract art piece with warm hues of orange and red features a watercolor-textured background. Intricate vein-like patterns add flow, while a circular diagram with concentric circles, a red canoe, a human figure, and a feather motif stands out. Spiral text radiates outward from the circle's center.
Canoe's Deep Connection to Land and Water, Bridging Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Communities in Canada
The image splits into two sections: on the left, an infographic on Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) features overlapping yellow, green, and pink circles for "Intangible," "Cultural," and "Heritage," with a red hand pointing to "Intangible." A diverse group walks across the circles, symbolizing cultural transmission. The right section shows a triangular diagram linking "Past," "Present," and "Future" to ICH, emphasizing "Living Heritage."
Definition of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)
The image shows a tree diagram representing UNESCO's ICH domains with interconnected terms. Branches include "Performing Arts," "Knowledge & Practices," and others. A map of Canada links these cultural elements geographically.
Domains of ICH Proposed by UNESCO
The image contrasts Indigenous heritage elements in Canada with a world map showing endangered ICH. The left illustrates cultural symbols like storytelling, dance, and ecological wisdom, while the right shows a red dashed line symbolizing growing disconnection. The line ends with "CONTINUITY," emphasizing the need for preservation.
Significance and Current Scenario of ICH in Canada
The image contrasts Indigenous heritage elements in Canada with a world map showing endangered ICH. The left illustrates cultural symbols like storytelling, dance, and ecological wisdom, while the right shows a red dashed line symbolizing growing disconnection. The line ends with "CONTINUITY," emphasizing the need for preservation.
Canoe as a Connector for Indigenous & non- Indigenous People with the Essence of Five ICH Domains
The image shows a diagram of trees used in canoe crafting: Birch for outer shell, Cedar for ribs, Spruce for lashing, and Ash for thwarts and paddles. Each section features images of the trees and corresponding canoe parts. The background softly illustrates the tree types.
The Role of Trees in Canoe Crafting
The image depicts a canoe at the center of concentric circles representing cultural themes. These themes include Oral Traditions, Performing Arts, Traditional Crafts, and Social Practices. Two figures represent Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people, with additional text outlining aspects of canoe making and cultural knowledge.
Program Development Focused on the Intangible Aspects of Traditional Canoe Crafting

Paddling Through Heritage: A Vessel for Preserving Intangible Cultural Heritage  

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) represents a significant part of any nation’s identity. It includes everything from oral traditions, performing arts, social practices, rituals, and festive events to traditional craftsmanship and Indigenous knowledge systems passed down from generation to generation. Unlike tangible heritage, such as historic sites, monuments, or artifacts, ICH is referred to as “Living Heritage” that passes orally or through practice from one generation to the next. Basically, ICH reflects a nation’s cultural values, legacy, and identity. Canada’s ICH is rich and exceptional and encompasses more than 70 Ingenious languages, a unique tradition of storytelling, dynamic forms of dance and music, vibrant rituals and festivals, powerful traditional healing practices, valuable ecological wisdom, and outstanding skills in traditional craft, from beading to canoe making. Despite its significance, Canada has not actively preserved or promoted its ICH.   

Many forms of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Canada are endangered or at risk of becoming endangered. Moreover, the disconnection between the new generation and Canada’s intangible heritage has been increasing in recent years. In Canada, the ICH is complex because it embodies the diversity of its indigenous populations and settler history, reflecting on its cultural expressions. Many Canadians, including the youth, are unaware of these significant cultural expressions that shaped the country, and this lack of awareness risks the gradual disappearance of these traditions. As a result, both Canada and the world are losing touch with the unique aspects of the country’s cultural identity. It is not just a question of Canada's cultural identity crisis; it is also about losing global recognition of its unique contributions to the world's intangible heritage. 

This thesis aims to recognize, promote and preserve Canada’s ICH by reviving the craft of traditional canoe-making for present and future generations through architectural intervention. The goal is to reflect on the past and carry it forward to validate the significance of ICH as a Living Heritage.