Decolonizing Community Planning
Qwuy'um'aat (Eyvette) Elliott
Senior Strategic Advisor @ BC Housing | Owner @ Ever Plan Consulting | Strategic Planning, First Nation Housing, Community Planning, Human Resources
Decolonizing community planning involves reshaping, re-thinking and weaving in new, existing, and traditional narratives that honor and integrate Indigenous knowledges, values and practices.
In this article, let's explore the foundational concepts to begin the conversation of decolonizing community planning.
Reclaiming Space
This involves recognizing and respecting Indigenous lands right, title and histories. One of the primary challenges for urban planners and communities, is the deep rooted impacts of colonialism. Land dispossession and cultural erasure have lasting and ongoing impacts on Indigenous communities. Planners must navigate these historical injustices with cultural sensitivity and ongoing commitment to principles of reconciliation. Changing these systems to incorporate Indigenous perspectives can face internal resistance within these institutions. Overcoming this resistance requires persistent advocacy and systemic change.
Indigenous-led Planning
Indigenous planners and communities take the lead in planning processes, this ensures that development projects align with indigenous values and priorities. Effective decolonization efforts require substantial resources, including funding, time, and expertise. Limited resources can limit the ability to implement meaningful change. Planners must seek innovative solutions and partnerships to overcome these constraints.
Cultural Integration
Incorporating Indigenous art, language, and cultural practices in urban spaces helps revitalize and celebrate Indigenous cultures. Approaching decolonization with cultural sensitivity and humility is essential. Planners must understand and respect Indigenous cultures, traditions, and worldviews. This cultural competence is key to building trust and fostering collaboration.
Policy and Systemic Change
Decolonizing planning involves revisising policies and institutional practices and making an active effort to dismantle colonial structures. This includes creating policies that support self-determination and Indigenous sovereignty. Existing policies and legal frameworks may not support decolonizing efforts. Planners often need to advocate for policy changes and navigate legal complexities to advance decolonization. This requires a deep understanding of both Indigenous rights and planning regulations.
Community Engagement
Meaningful, early, respectful and reciprocal engagement with Indigenous communities is crucial. This means not merely completing an event, exercise or meeting, but rather involving Indigenous people in the decision-making process. Planners must commit to long-term relationships with Indigenous communities.
Decolonizing community planning is a complex and ongoing process, and it is essential for creating an inclusive and equitable communities that respect and honour Indigenous peoples and their rights. By prioritizing Indigenous voices and perspectives, planners can create more inclusive and equitable cities.
Let me know what has resonated with you!
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We help planning departments streamline development approval processes, prepare comprehensive housing needs assessments, and shape innovative zoning bylaws with the goal to reduce barriers to develop more housing.
6 个月Thanks Eyvette. I’m just starting on my journey to learn how to decolonize my planning practise. I realize that doing this unlearning requires that I must critically examine not just my professional practice but also how I live and connect with my community which includes my Indigenous neighbours. It is a journey and I hope to continue learning from you and other Indigenous planners, leaders, and knowledge keepers.
Senior Researcher, Research Centre at BC Housing
6 个月Great article Qwuy'um'aat!
Anthropologist
6 个月Thanks for posting Eyvette.
Principal | Chief of Staff at Reos Partners
6 个月John Chapman RPP, MCIP Virginia Cullen (she/her) Lisa Westerhoff
City Councillor for Williams Lake. President for Canadian Mental Health Association - Cariboo Chilcotin. Bringing Action to Advocacy. Check out my webpage for more!
6 个月Love this! ?? It's crucial to not only include Indigenous voices but also prioritize them. Have you seen any projects where this has been done successfully? Awesome Qwuy'um'aat (Eyvette) Elliott, MCP, CPHR, FNHP