Native women, the built environment and community well-being: A comparative study of two James Bay Cree communities

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between the built environment and native women. The research is a comparative study of two Eastern James Bay Cree communities, Eastmain and Oujé Bougoumou, located in Northern Quebec. The emphasis is placed on the behaviour and lifestyles of native women as they are affected by the built environment and how in turn they adapt, modify and utilize the built environment. This research also attempts to provide insight to the relationship of the built environment and community well-being as perceived by native women. The study concludes with women's suggestions for improvements to the built environment that would aid in their own, as well as their community's well-being.