The struggle to build Toronto’s first healing lodge highlights the need to include Indigenous perspectives in our urban planning – Toronto Star

Sept. 24, 2021

On Sept. 30, Canada will officially recognize the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Like many, I wonder how we can address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) 94 calls to action.

I’m an urban planner who understands how our cities — notably land-use and zoning regulations — are based upon a colonial process often inconsistent with Indigenous world views. I believe that even at a local level, I can broaden decision-making to include Indigenous perspectives and expertise around land stewardship and regeneration.

Over the past year, I have gained a deeper understanding of the tragic and multi-generational impacts of the residential school system and the broader exclusion of Indigenous society.

Read More: https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2021/09/24/the-struggle-to-build-torontos-first-healing-lodge-highlights-the-need-to-include-indigenous-perspectives-in-our-urban-planning.html