Indigenous Planning

The Indigenous Planning Division advocates community development based on land-tenure principles and informed by the distinctive worldviews of indigenous peoples. Members are committed to social, economic, and political change and welcome all those interested in sustaining traditional indigenous approaches to planning. The division provides it members with a forum for exchanging ideas and solutions and making connections with peers. The long-term goals include developing a resource manual, a certification program in indigenous planning, and an internship network for students interested in working with indigenous communities.

Our bid to create the Indigenous Planning Division was approved by the APA Board of Directors during the 2004 APA National Planning Conference. This effort has been long forthcoming and is the result of many years of discussions among tribal planners and indigenous practitioners throughout the country. It has been established to fill a critical void that exists among professionals and will serve to bring visibility and give credibility to the unique and necessary planning approaches that have evolved on indigenous lands and among their communities.

Because we are the new kid on the block, our site is presently under development. As we gain momentum, we will be adding a number of interesting and important features that will lend to the collaborative and collective mission of our IP Division.

Your membership will help build diversity to the myriad voices represented among indigenous communities. And although, on first-blink, it may appear that this division is limited to native people only, the purpose is far more inclusive. We consider this a place for anyone who is interested and involved with communities that sustain traditions that are tied to land-tenure and cultural identity.