A Land Reflection on National Indigenous Peoples Day 2021

June 18, 2021 — Blog

NewCities is located on the unceded Indigenous lands of Tiohtià:ke, traditionally known as a gathering place for many First Nations. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which the city of Montréal was built, today home to many Indigenous and non-indigenous people. As an organization committed to shaping a better urban future, we recognize the invaluable contributions of Indigenous land stewardship and traditional knowledge to the design of sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communities.


 

As an organization committed to equity that works at the intersection of land use planning and many other aspects of city-building, we have a responsibility to reflect on Indigenous Peoples Day and beyond.

It is essential to acknowledge the role of settler colonialism and how it shapes our cities. We recognize the invaluable contributions that Indigenous communities make through participation in urban placemaking, sustainable development, local government, and much more.

We’ve compiled a list of resources on these topics to encourage the urban community to continue their learning journey and strive for inclusive practices that incorporate the perspectives, voices, and knowledge of Indigenous peoples.

 


INDIGENOUS-LED CITY ORGANIZATIONS TO FOLLOW

 

 

CREATING A LAND REFLECTION

 

WEBINARS

 

ARTICLES

 

REPORTS

 

PODCASTS

 

BOOKS

  • “Reclaiming Indigenous Planning” essays compiled by Ryan Walker and Ted Jojola
  • “Planning for Coexistence? Recognizing Indigenous rights through land-use planning in Canada and Australia” by Libby Porter and Janice Barry
  • “Indigenous in the City: Contemporary Identities and Cultural Innovation” essays and articles compiled by Evelyn Peters and Chris Anderson
  • “From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding my Way” by Jesse Thistle
  • “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer

 


Please reach out to us if you have any feedback/comments or if you have any additional resources to recommend!

 

Photo credit: Jeremy Gribbin