In 2005, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada – Saskatchewan Region initiated a comprehensive community planning (CCP) pilot project with 11 different Saskatchewan First Nations (and their affiliated Tribal Councils) that ran until March 2011. It consisted of three phases (2006, 2008, and 2009) where 11 First Nations participated in the planning process with professional planners from the Cities and Environment Unit (CEU) from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Comprehensive community planning was chosen because it is a holistic planning model that involves community members participation and decision-making in determining the future direction within each community. It is becoming more prominent within First Nation communities across Canada so it was timely to reflect upon the planning process undertaken during the pilot project to determine promising factors or areas of improvement. This study utilizes interviews to gather the reflections of First Nations, Tribal Council representatives, planners, and government officials about the current state of comprehensive community planning in Saskatchewan and what, if any, changes need to be considered. This thesis research indicates strong attempts to perform Indigenous Planning within First Nation communities; however, improvements can be made in certain areas. In order to promote Indigenous Planning more prominently within First Nations, it is important to have strong leadership and community support, continuous experience and skill building opportunities, thorough incorporation of the First Nations culture into any future development by attempting to be comprehensive and holistic, and by reevaluating the role planners play when working with First Nations and their comprehensive community plans.

This paper analyzes a contentious road-building project by elucidating the different values involved and articulated in the decision-making process, delineating the various networks of institutions, individuals, organizations and materials formed around these values, and describing the outcome of the conflict as a function of the interactions between and among these networks. The project in question is the South Lawrence Trafficway, a section of Kansas Highway 10 (K-10) intended to route traffic south around the City of Lawrence, as opposed to its current alignment through the local streets of the city. This particular project has been contested for decades, primarily because of the historical, cultural and environmental values placed on the land through which the road is routed, known as the Wakarusa Wetlands, Baker Wetlands, or Haskell/Baker Wetlands. The analysis focuses on moments of value articulation- critical points during the conflict during which actors and networks of actors express their values with the intent of affecting the outcome of the decision. This paper’s analysis of the conflict draws on Henrik Ernstson’s framework for studying environmental justice and ecological complexity in urban landscapes, along with research on place meaning and desired outcomes for land-use decisions and natural resources planning efforts. The report will examine the decision-making process behind the proposal and approval of the South Lawrence Trafficway, taking into consideration the various institutional and individual actors (and networks of actors) involved, the positions, motivations and strategies of these actors, and the documents used in arguments for either side (maps, documents, court decisions, reports, etc.). The paper begins with an introduction, which includes a condensed summary and chronology of the South Lawrence Trafficway project. Literature review and research design sections follow. The next chapter discusses the actors, networks, values and materials involved in the conflict, as well as the legislative and institutional context within which the conflict occurs. The paper concludes with a summary of findings, and the proposal of future research questions. / text

Indigenous planning continues to emerge globally, with increasing emphasis being placed on Indigenous autonomy and planning practices. By discussing an urban example of Indigenous planning – specifically the values and characteristics of the Neeginan project or vision for the North Main area of Downtown Winnipeg – this thesis aims to shed some light on urban Indigenous planning, as well as how it may differ from, and overlap with, other forms of planning and other types of spaces and built environments within the city. In doing so, it offers not only an assessment of Indigenous planning as it has been undertaken in a particular urban context. It also offers an assessment of how planning in general can continue to decolonize its practices as it learns to better support and relate to Indigenous priorities and planning approaches.

Indigenous planning continues to emerge globally, with increasing emphasis being placed on Indigenous autonomy and planning practices. By discussing an urban example of Indigenous planning – specifically the values and characteristics of the Neeginan project or vision for the North Main area of Downtown Winnipeg – this thesis aims to shed some light on urban Indigenous planning, as well as how it may differ from, and overlap with, other forms of planning and other types of spaces and built environments within the city. In doing so, it offers not only an assessment of Indigenous planning as it has been undertaken in a particular urban context. It also offers an assessment of how planning in general can continue to decolonize its practices as it learns to better support and relate to Indigenous priorities and planning approaches.

abstract: This dissertation explores Brain Drain and Brain Circulation phenomena at Taos Pueblo, an Indigenous community located in northern New Mexico, USA. The study examines the push and pull factors that influence the migration of educated Taos Pueblo tribal members. The information contained in this dissertation was derived from a study that was completed from 2016-2017 in Taos Pueblo. It has become evident that Indigenous communities worldwide are currently experiencing massive migration away from reservations, rural, and communities of origin and towards urbanized centers. The research conducted in this dissertation was focused on both patterns and trends and possible distinct reasons for intellectual migration, especially in Indigenous communities. This dissertation is separated into three sections. The first part is a journal article that focused on Taos Pueblo intellectual migration patterns. The article draws from studies literature review, fieldwork methodology, methods, data and findings. The second part is a book chapter that centers on a literature review and theory development. The book chapter includes a discussion on the study findings and contains broad recommendations for addressing brain drain and promoting brain circulation in Taos Pueblo. The third and final section is a Policy Paper is aimed at two audiences, the first is Indigenous Leadership and secondly, college age students who are interested in working with Indigenous Communities. The policy brief provides solutions and recommendations that were gathered from secondary literature and from the data gathered during the various interviews that were conducted during the research period. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Social Justice and Human Rights 2018

This practicum examined Indigenous planning as the theoretical framework and foundation of this project. Literature reviews on First Nations on-reserve housing conditions were examined to understand the struggles Indigenous communities face when it comes to housing. Based on the literature reviews, it was determined that housing has been an issue in many First Nation communities, perpetuating a demand for planning to explore remedies to minimize or eradicate this social concern. From understanding Indigenous planning practices, the practicum explored the Indigenous community of Swan Lake First Nation (SLFN) and the housing challenges they experience. Through planning with SLFN community members to determine methods that would address the housing challenges, the development of a community housing plan was suggested. The process and development of SLFN community housing plan was documented in this practicum.

This practicum examined Indigenous planning as the theoretical framework and foundation of this project. Literature reviews on First Nations on-reserve housing conditions were examined to understand the struggles Indigenous communities face when it comes to housing. Based on the literature reviews, it was determined that housing has been an issue in many First Nation communities, perpetuating a demand for planning to explore remedies to minimize or eradicate this social concern. From understanding Indigenous planning practices, the practicum explored the Indigenous community of Swan Lake First Nation (SLFN) and the housing challenges they experience. Through planning with SLFN community members to determine methods that would address the housing challenges, the development of a community housing plan was suggested. The process and development of SLFN community housing plan was documented in this practicum.

abstract: The relationship between settler-colonial governments and Indigenous nations has been a contentious one, filled with disingenuity and fueled by the abuse of power dynamics. Specifically, colonial governments have repeatedly used power in mapping, cultural Othering, resource control, and research methodologies to assimilate, acculturate, or otherwise dominate every aspect of Indigenous lives. A relatively recent pushback from Indigenous peoples led to the slow reclamation of sovereignty, including in the United States. Revamped federal Indian programs allegedly promote tribal self-determination, yet they paradoxically serve a vast quantity of cultures through singular blanket programs that are blind to the cultural component of Indigenous identity - the centerfold of colonial aggression for centuries. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Public and Indian Housing is no exception, using a Western framework to provide generic services that neither serve cultural needs nor are tailored to the specific environment traditional homes were historically and epistemologically suited for. This research analyzes the successes of new programs as well as the failures of the federal government to conduct responsible research and promote the authentic self-determination of tribes in terms of housing and urban development. It also considers the successes and failures of tribes to effectively engage in program reformation negotiation, community planning, and accountability measures to ensure their communities are served with enough culturally-appropriate, sustainable housing without mistrusting their own housing entities. Solutions for revising this service gap are proposed, adhering to a framework that centers diverse cultural values, community input, and functional design to increase each tribe’s implementation of self-determination in HUD housing programs. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis American Indian Studies 2020