David Fortin
Intervieweur·euse: Marcela Torres Molano
Langue de l'entretien: Anglais
Pays de pratique: Canada
Profession des participant·e·s: Architecte et professeur

David Fortin is a Metis architect and professor at the school of architecture in the University of Waterloo, Canada. His main work includes housing projects and participatory architectural design with Indigenous communities. He first became interested in architecture for reconciliation after realising the consequences of colonialism for Indigenous communities in Kenya and Canada. Accordion to Fortin, humility is the most important factor when working on design with any community, since it allows conscious listening, avoidance of preconceptions and stereotypes, and making assumptions of what people need or want.

During our conversation, Fortin talks about some common issues of design when working in collaboration with Indigenous communities. He explains one of the main problems is how the oppression of Indigenous people is reflected on spatial practices, as a result of the lack of agency over the creation of their own spaces. He describes how the built environment has been a reminder of the disposition of land and oppression of culture for Indigenous people, and calls for advocating for more Indigenous architects to work with their communities. However, he clarifies the great social and economic difficulties that Indigenous people face when aiming to join the architectural professional world.

Further, Fortin talks about several case studies of community work in different territories in Canada. Among others, an Indigenous housing handbook created for remote northern communities and the design of the Indigenous People Space in Ottawa. He explains how involvement can look different in every case, and clarifies the importance of real commitment with an inclusive  design process that give people opportunities to modify and improve the spaces. To finalise, he explains about the process of learning how to negotiate with institutions, and how currently the Canadian movement has shown a real interest and commitment to include participation of Indigenous people in their projects.