Michael T. Martin

culture & the contemporary city

Indigenous Planning advocates community development based on land-tenure principles and is informed by the distinctive worldviews of indigenous peoples. Practitioners are committed to social, economic, and political change and welcome all those interested in sustaining traditional indigenous approaches to planning.

After driving through the Cherokee reservation in the Nantahala National Forest on the North Carolina/Georgia/Tennessee border, I was depressed about the way that the United States treats Native Americans (not a surprise to me but it’s still jarring to witness it firsthand again and again). Ultimately, we can’t undo history but we can certainly pay attention so that the future is better than the past and present. Indigenous planning seems to be one way to make that happen.

(via APA)

8 months ago × socialjustice planning

  1. urbnist said: it is a wonderful concept, and one i wish i had pursued more in undergrad. almost went on a semester study abroad to mexico that worked with local community members via indigenous planning methods. should have done it.
  2. michaeltmartin posted this