Understanding Indigenous Planning Networks: Analyzing the Relationship Between Indigenous Planning and the Formalized Planning Profession in Canada

Abstract

Indigenous planning has recently been receiving an increasing amount of attention within the formal planning profession in Canada. Professional bodies like the Canadian Institute of Planners have undertaken efforts to better define the profession’s role and responsibilities as they relate to reconciliation; however, there has not been any analysis of the successes and failures of these efforts. Simultaneously, these formal bodies have committed to more fully engage with Indigenous approaches to planning, but there remains a lack of understanding within the wider profession as to what these approaches entail. The purpose of this study was to develop wider understanding of Indigenous-led planning processes while also critically analyzing reconciliation policies to address how formal planning bodies might improve their support of Indigenous planners and planning. Through analysis of Indigenous planning documents and key informant interviews, this study sought to clarify the ‘Indigenous planning landscape’ in Canada, which was defined as encompassing the history of Indigenous planning, the policy contexts that shape it, as well as the people engaged in Indigenous planning and how they relate and share knowledge with one another. The interviews, along with analysis of Canadian planning’s reconciliation policies, also demonstrate the need to address a number of concerns if the planning profession is serious about reconciliation and decolonization, particularly as they involve tokenism and education. Interviewees also identified potential pathways to creating an improved relationship between the formal planning profession and Indigenous peoples, including capacity development, better representation, and modifications to the education and accreditation processes. This study concludes with a number of recommendations for planning practice and presents possible future research directions, including conceptualizing a modified planning education model.