Tsilhqot'in Nation Designs Resilient Homes to Withstand Wildfires and Climate Change

In September 2025, the Tsilhqot'in Nation in British Columbia is making strides in building fire-resistant homes to protect their communities from the impacts of climate change. The impetus for this initiative came in 2017, when wildfires tore through the Yunesit'in community, causing severe damage.

Elected chief at the time, Russell Myers Ross, began envisioning a housing solution that could withstand the region's increasingly hot and dry conditions. Working with the University of British Columbia, the Yunesit'in community has designed a prototype home featuring a highly reflective metal roof, gravel lining, and sprinklers facing the walls - all using readily available technologies.

The design also incorporates elements of traditional Yunesit'in pit homes, aiming to create culturally-appropriate, sustainable, and climate-resilient housing. Beyond the walls, the home includes outdoor spaces for food preparation and community gathering, recognizing the importance of communal living.

To address concerns like high energy costs, mold, and overcrowding, the homes are designed to meet high energy efficiency standards, with features like heat pumps, solar panels, and advanced air filtration. The goal is to not only protect against wildfires, but to provide long-term, high-quality housing that aligns with the Tsilhqot'in Nation's values and vision for the future.