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Decolonizing Urban and Regional Planning: Haudenosaunee Knowledge, Stewardship, and Climate Adaptation

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As an Indigenous geography scholar and researcher, I increasingly focus on the realities of climate change and its profound impact on ecology. In a recent class I co-instructed at the Queen’s University School of Urban and Regional Planning, I introduced students to ancestral Indigenous planning, centring on a 12th-century Iroquoian community model. The discussion illuminated how human interactions with the land and natural resources were determinants of community planning and fundamental to sustaining the delicate balance of human and non-human relations.

Exploring the interrelationship of people and place through the cultural geography of the Haudenosaunee, we delved into how identity itself is shaped by land and its natural actors. For a class filled with aspiring urban and regional planners—along with three practicing city planners—the experience was transformative. It quickly became apparent that planning must move beyond rigid zoning practices and embrace place-based autonomy, where decision-making aligns with the rhythms and needs of the land itself.

Haudenosaunee Knowledge and Climate Adaptation

The prevailing mindset in modern urban and regional planning has long been dictated by frameworks rooted in industrialization, urban sprawl, and resource extraction. Much of the profession adheres to highly regulated, standardized practices that prioritize short-term economic gain over long-term environmental sustainability. Yet Indigenous planning offers a profound alternative that considers the interconnectedness of people, land, and ecological cycles.

This perspective challenges the conventional notion that humans design space for habitation; instead, it asserts that we must enhance and harmonize with the natural rhythms of place. When we examined Haudenosaunee planning principles, students responded with genuine curiosity and awe. Concepts such as ensuring the autonomy of water sources were central to settlement adaptation, using topography for protection, and identifying prime lands for cultivation were revelatory for many.

The more students engaged with this knowledge, the more they recognized that contemporary urban and regional planning must evolve to address the growing need for sustainable living. Climate change is no longer a future concern—it is here and reshaping our landscapes. If planners and policymakers fail to integrate climate adaptation and Indigenous value systems into their frameworks, they risk perpetuating unsustainable models that continue to degrade the environment.

The Iroquoian Longhouse: A Model for Sustainable Design

A compelling example of Indigenous planning is the Iroquoian longhouse, a structure that served as both shelter and a communal space. Built from natural materials such as elm bark, the longhouse was constructed with deep respect for the land—only taking what was necessary, ensuring sustainability, and allowing trees to replenish. The longhouse’s design reflected a life-cycle systems approach; structures were built for 30 to 40 years before being returned to the earth, where they naturally decomposed and reintegrated into the landscape.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons (‘Exterior View of Traditional Iroquois Longhouse’).

The students were fascinated by the idea that communal spaces were designed with a finite yet renewable existence. In contrast, modern urban development often prioritizes permanence and expansion, creating structures that outlive their usefulness, contributing to urban decay and environmental strain. What if, instead, our urban centers were designed with adaptability in mind? What if materials used in construction aligned with ecological cycles rather than being treated as disposable waste?

The Power of Education in Transforming Urban Planning

Education systems are critical in fostering openness to new ideas and methodologies. However, much of the current urban planning curriculum is rooted in post-war suburban development models emphasizing efficiency, uniformity, and mass production. Integrating Indigenous value systems, environmental determinants, and climate change considerations into planning education is essential in fostering a holistic, future-focused approach to community development.

The challenge, of course, lies in decolonizing the profession itself. Innovation in urban and regional planning is often stifled in favour of “tried and true” practices prioritizing economic stability over ecological well-being. Yet, if planners are to truly serve the needs of future generations, they must expand their thinking beyond conventional models. Indigenous planning philosophies, such as those practiced by the Haudenosaunee, represent just one of the hundreds of cultural contributions that can help reshape human-centred design into more inclusive and regenerative.

A Call to Action: Expanding Thought, Embracing Change

If climate change is to be effectively addressed in community development, it must be at the forefront of planning discussions, not an afterthought. Recognizing the significance of place-based planning, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous knowledge systems is not an elective enhancement but a necessary revolution.

Urban and regional planning must evolve beyond rigid regulations and embrace the knowledge that has sustained Indigenous communities for millennia. The interconnectedness of land, water, climate, and human habitation must become central to planning efforts. This requires an intentional shift in education that welcomes new perspectives, cultural inclusivity, and Indigenous methodologies as fundamental learning components. It is not merely about integrating Indigenous knowledge for inclusion but about recognizing its profound value in creating sustainable, resilient, and thriving communities.

In the face of climate change, the question is no longer whether we need change but whether we are willing to embrace it. The wisdom of Indigenous planning offers a pathway forward, one rooted in reciprocity, sustainability, and deep respect for the land. Now is the time to expand our thinking, decolonize our approaches, and integrate climate consciousness into planning.

For the future of our communities, ecosystems, and generations, we must choose transformation over stagnation, reciprocity over exploitation, and sustainability over short-term convenience.

 

– By Rye Karonhiwanen Barberstock

 

(Header Image Credit: A.C., Licenced, Unsplash+)

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The Role of Indigenous Women in Climate Resilience and Adaptation

Indigenous women across Canada are emerging as powerful leaders in climate resilience and adaptation efforts. Drawing on traditional knowledge, community connections, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, Indigenous women are spearheading innovative methodologies to address climate change impacts in their communities and beyond.

Rematriation, Traditional Roles and Modern Leadership

The restoration of Indigenous women’s traditional roles through rematriation represents a powerful force in environmental leadership and climate action. This movement recognizes and reinstates women’s sacred responsibilities as water protectors and land guardians, roles deeply embedded in many Indigenous cultures’ traditional governance systems.

Indigenous women’s leadership emerges from matriarchal traditions where women held significant decision-making power in environmental stewardship. These traditional governance models recognized women’s unique relationship with water as life-givers and their profound understanding of environmental cycles and relationships. Today, this traditional authority finds new expression in climate action and environmental protection.

The rematriation of environmental leadership manifests through the restoration of women’s traditional decision-making roles and sacred responsibilities to water and land. This process involves revitalizing matriarchal governance systems that have historically guided sustainable resource management. Women’s ecological knowledge, passed down through generations, provides crucial insights for addressing current environmental challenges. The integration of traditional female leadership models emphasizes the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer and cultural continuity while celebrating women’s environmental wisdom.

This rematriated approach brings a distinctive perspective to environmental stewardship, characterized by a holistic understanding of ecological relationships and long-term, intergenerational thinking. Women leaders demonstrate the essential balance between development and protection, integrating cultural and spiritual values into environmental decision-making. Their approach emphasizes collective well-being and recognizes the sacred nature of water, understanding the profound connections between environmental and community health.

Through rematriation, Indigenous women are leading climate action initiatives that combine traditional knowledge with contemporary environmental challenges. Their leadership in sustainable resource management and protection of traditional territories demonstrates the effectiveness of matriarchal governance models. Women’s roles in water protection initiatives and environmental justice advocacy reflect their traditional responsibilities as environmental stewards. By teaching traditional ecological practices and building community resilience, they ensure the preservation of cultural knowledge while fostering environmental responsibility for future generations.

Indigenous Women in Climate Science and Policy

Indigenous women are revolutionizing climate science and policy by integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary environmental research. Their unique perspectives combine multi-generational ecological observations with spiritual and cultural understandings of land and water. Through advocacy and leadership, they shape environmental policy while emphasizing community-based solutions and traditional governance models. Their research methodologies enhance scientific approaches by incorporating relationship-based and culturally appropriate methods. Indigenous women’s documentation of environmental changes, combined with traditional adaptation strategies, provides crucial insights for climate action policy.

Traditional Food Revitalization

Indigenous women are leading transformative efforts in food sovereignty, combining traditional knowledge with innovative approaches to address climate change impacts on food security. Their leadership in restoring traditional food systems encompasses the protection of ancestral food sources, preservation of Indigenous dietary knowledge, and maintenance of ceremonial food practices. Through community initiatives like gardens and seed sanctuaries, traditional food education programs, and youth mentorship, they ensure the transmission of crucial food knowledge across generations. Their work recognizes Indigenous diets as fundamental to holistic health, embracing traditional nutritional wisdom and cultural healing practices. These food sovereignty efforts extend to environmental stewardship, incorporating sustainable harvesting practices, habitat conservation, and biodiversity protection. As they develop climate-resilient food systems and strengthen community food networks, Indigenous women demonstrate how traditional food practices can address contemporary challenges while maintaining cultural connections and promoting community well-being.

Sustainable Crafts and Economic Resilience

Indigenous women are leading a powerful resurgence of traditional craft economies, weaving together ancestral knowledge with innovative approaches to address contemporary challenges. This revival honours the sacred relationships and protocols inherent in Indigenous craft practices while creating sustainable economic opportunities. Through their work, traditional techniques and materials merge with modern adaptations, maintaining cultural authenticity while meeting current market demands.

These initiatives extend beyond economic development to encompass environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. Women entrepreneurs integrate sustainable harvesting practices and climate-adaptive techniques while maintaining the ceremonial significance of their crafts. Their approach to material sourcing and production emphasizes ecological conservation and waste reduction, demonstrating how traditional practices can address modern environmental challenges.

Through community-based economies and fair-trade practices, these initiatives support economic self-determination while ensuring the transmission of cultural knowledge to future generations. This renaissance in Indigenous craft economies demonstrates how traditional practices can evolve to meet contemporary needs while maintaining spiritual and cultural foundations.

Addressing the Gendered Impacts of Climate Change

Indigenous women face unique challenges from climate change that intersect with their traditional roles as caregivers, food providers, water protectors, and Knowledge Keepers. Their experiences encompass disruptions to food gathering, changes in water availability, reduced access to medicinal plants, and increased pressures on ceremonial and cultural practices. Despite these challenges, Indigenous women demonstrate remarkable leadership in developing comprehensive responses to climate impacts.

Their initiatives include community-based adaptation strategies that honour traditional knowledge while creating innovative solutions. Through women’s support networks and intergenerational teaching programs, they strengthen community resilience while preserving cultural practices. Their gender-specific approaches recognize the distinct responsibilities and knowledge systems of women, incorporating traditional healing practices and matriarchal leadership models.

These leaders advocate for gender-responsive climate policies while building economic opportunities and strengthening health support systems, demonstrating how women’s traditional roles as leaders and innovators can inform effective climate adaptation strategies.

The Path Forward: Supporting Indigenous Women’s Leadership

The path forward demonstrates the critical need to strengthen and amplify Indigenous women’s roles in environmental stewardship and climate resilience. This support framework encompasses multiple dimensions that recognize and enhance Indigenous women’s traditional authority and knowledge.

Increased funding represents a fundamental shift in supporting Indigenous women-led climate initiatives. Rematriarchal funding resources must be developed by Indigenous Peoples and Canada and flow directly to community-based adaptation programs and traditional knowledge preservation projects. This funding should be sustained and flexible, allowing communities to define their own priorities and approaches. Support must extend beyond short-term projects to enable long-term planning and implementation of climate initiatives, cultural revitalization efforts, and sustainable economic development. Such investment acknowledges the vital role of Indigenous women in environmental protection while supporting intergenerational knowledge transfer and community-led research.

Meaningful policy inclusion requires transformative change in how decision-making processes engage Indigenous women. Their participation must extend beyond consultation to embrace true partnership and leadership, recognizing their unique perspectives and traditional authority. This involves direct participation in environmental governance, recognition of traditional systems, and support for Indigenous-led policy development. Policy frameworks must protect Indigenous rights and sovereignty while acknowledging matriarchal leadership models that have successfully guided environmental stewardship for generations.

Capacity-building initiatives must honour traditional knowledge while creating opportunities for enhanced leadership in climate action. These programs should combine respect for traditional teaching methods with access to contemporary tools and resources. Through women’s leadership development opportunities, technical training, and cross-cultural exchanges, Indigenous women strengthen their ability to address climate challenges. Mentorship programs and professional development support ensure the continuation of traditional knowledge while building new skills for current environmental challenges.

Recognition of Indigenous women’s contributions to climate action must transcend superficial acknowledgment to include meaningful support and respect for their environmental authority. This involves formal recognition of their contributions while protecting intellectual property rights and supporting Indigenous-led initiatives. Celebrating traditional knowledge and preserving cultural practices ensures these vital approaches continue to inform climate solutions. Documentation and sharing of success stories inspire future generations while demonstrating the effectiveness of Indigenous women’s leadership in environmental stewardship.

 

Blog by Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

 

(Image Credit: Shutterstock, Licensed)

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Renewable Energy Projects in Indigenous Communities: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Across Canada, First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities are increasingly turning to renewable energy projects as a way to address climate change, achieve energy sovereignty, and create local sustainable economic opportunities. These initiatives represent a unique blend of traditional values and cutting-edge technology, demonstrating how Indigenous communities are leading the way in Canada’s transition to a low-carbon future.

The Rise of Indigenous-Led Renewable Energy

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in Indigenous-led and Indigenous-partnered renewable energy projects across Canada. These range from small-scale solar installations to large wind farms and run-of-river hydroelectric projects.

Traditional Wisdom, Modern Power: Indigenous Communities Leading the Renewable Energy Transition

Indigenous communities’ transition toward renewable energy represents a multifaceted approach that combines traditional values with contemporary solutions. This movement toward clean energy encompasses environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions, creating comprehensive benefits for communities.

Environmental stewardship and cultural values form the foundation of Indigenous renewable energy initiatives. These projects emerge from deep-rooted traditional responsibilities as land stewards, ensuring that energy development respects and protects sacred sites and cultural territories. Communities carefully consider the preservation of traditional harvesting areas and wildlife habitats in project planning and implementation. Water quality and ecosystem health remain paramount concerns, reflecting the holistic environmental approach characteristic of Indigenous land management. This careful attention to environmental impacts demonstrates communities’ commitment to long-term sustainability and fulfillment of duties to future generations.

Energy sovereignty and self-determination drive the pursuit of renewable energy solutions. Communities actively work to reduce their reliance on expensive diesel fuel, which has historically created both economic and environmental burdens. By creating autonomous energy systems, communities gain control over their power generation and develop independent infrastructure. This independence strengthens community resilience and enhances energy security, allowing communities to make autonomous decisions about their energy future. The development of local capacity ensures the long-term sustainability of these initiatives.

Community empowerment emerges as a crucial outcome of renewable energy development. Enhanced local decision-making power strengthens community governance, while improved infrastructure increases quality of life. Increased energy reliability reduces community vulnerabilities, and reduced environmental impacts align with cultural values. These projects often generate strong community pride and create educational opportunities that benefit multiple generations. The development of local expertise and the building of community capacity create lasting benefits that extend beyond the energy sector.

Innovation and technology integration demonstrate Indigenous communities’ ability to combine traditional knowledge with modern solutions. Communities often develop hybrid systems that incorporate cutting-edge technologies while respecting cultural values. Creating culturally appropriate solutions ensures that projects align with community needs and values. Implementation of adaptive approaches and development of sophisticated monitoring and maintenance programs ensure long-term project sustainability.

Partnership development plays a crucial role in project success. Communities collaborate strategically with technical experts, government agencies, and industry leaders while maintaining community-led decision-making processes. Relationships with academic institutions support research and development while knowledge-sharing networks allow communities to learn from each other’s experiences. Support from environmental organizations often helps projects access additional resources and expertise.

Looking toward the future, Indigenous communities continue to expand their renewable energy initiatives through thoughtful long-term planning. This includes the expansion of existing successful projects and the development of new technologies to meet evolving needs. Indigenous communities focus on enhancing energy storage solutions and integrating smart grid systems to improve efficiency and reliability. Planning for future energy needs includes building regional networks and creating sustainable models that other communities can adapt to.

Looking to the Future

Indigenous-led renewable energy projects are transforming Canada’s clean energy landscape, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology. These initiatives demonstrate strategic importance through Indigenous communities’ control of suitable lands and deep environmental understanding. Projects create significant economic opportunities through job creation and revenue generation while maintaining strong environmental protection aligned with cultural values. Community-owned power generation showcases innovative partnership structures and governance models that balance traditional values with modern energy needs. As Canada pursues clean energy goals, Indigenous leadership in renewable energy continues to grow, offering sustainable development models that benefit both communities and the environment.

Looking to the Future

Indigenous-led renewable energy projects are transforming Canada’s clean energy landscape, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology. These initiatives demonstrate strategic importance through Indigenous communities’ control of suitable lands and deep environmental understanding. Projects create significant economic opportunities through job creation and revenue generation while maintaining strong environmental protection aligned with cultural values. Community-owned power generation showcases innovative partnership structures and governance models that balance traditional values with modern energy needs. As Canada pursues clean energy goals, Indigenous leadership in renewable energy continues to grow, offering sustainable development models that benefit both communities and the environment.

Emerging Technologies

Indigenous communities are forging innovative renewable energy technologies, particularly in wind, tidal power and energy storage solutions; through partnerships with technical experts, communities test and develop customized solutions that integrate smart grids, advanced battery systems, and hybrid power solutions. These initiatives create high-skilled jobs while building local expertise through technical training and operational experience. Environmental protection remains central, carefully focusing on wildlife, habitat preservation, and water quality. Communities focus on technology advancement and system optimization, positioning themselves as leaders in the renewable energy sector while maintaining strong environmental stewardship principles. Their work demonstrates how traditional values can guide technological innovation.

Partnerships and Collaboration

There’s a growing trend of partnerships between Indigenous communities, energy companies, and governments. These collaborations can provide the capital and expertise needed for larger-scale projects while ensuring Indigenous rights and interests are respected.

Powering a Sustainable Future

Indigenous-led renewable energy projects represent a powerful convergence of traditional values and modern innovation. By balancing respect for the land with the adoption of new technologies, these initiatives are not only addressing climate change and energy needs but also promoting economic development and self-determination in Indigenous communities.

These projects offer a model for how Canada – and the world – can approach the transition to clean energy: with respect for Indigenous traditional knowledge, commitment to community benefits, and a deep responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.

As Canada continues its journey towards a low-carbon future, the leadership and innovation demonstrated by Indigenous communities across Canada in the renewable energy sector will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable energy landscape for all.

 

Blog by Rye Karonhiowanen Barberstock

 

(Image Credit: American Public Power Association, Unsplash)

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Indigenous Land-based Learning: A Way to Take Action on Climate Change

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As young people and the young-at-heart go back to school this fall, it is good to revisit how Indigenous land-based learning is a way to take action on climate change. The impact of COVID-19 on society has also shed light on the importance of outdoor education.

According to a report inspired by the work of the Misipawistik Pimatisiméskanaw land-based learning program in Misipawistik Cree Nation, Manitoba, “Indigenous land-based learning typically uses an Indigenized and environmentally-focused approach to education by first recognizing the deep, physical, mental, and spiritual connection to the land that is a part of Indigenous cultures.” Indigenous land-based education teaches environmental stewardship. Simply put, Indigenous environmental stewardship reflects all the ways that Indigenous peoples honour Mother Earth, including practices of conservation and sustainability, as well as showing a responsibility for one another, as human beings.

Indigenous scholars at the University of Guelph in Southwestern Ontario have been working together with several community agencies, including the Global Youth Network, the Grand River Métis Council, and the White Owl Native Ancestry Association, to establish the Wisahkotewinowak teaching garden at the university’s arboretum. The garden is a space for youth to learn from Indigenous Elders about seasonal medicinal and edible plants. Wisahkotewinowak, is an Ojibway word that means “the growth of new shoots after a fire.” Youth are also involved in a project that involves the Niisaachwan Anishinaabe Nation and that combines learning about manomin (wild rice), an important food source for Anishinaabe people, with learning about changes to the land brought on by human settlement along the Winnipeg River. The Manomin/Wild Rice Project offers opportunities for land-based learning and intergenerational cooperation that also characterizes Indigenous food sovereignty projects.

In another example, children and youth ranging from kindergarten to grade 8 at the Biitigong Nishnaabeg Elementary School, just outside of Thunder Bay, Ontario, are benefitting from learning about traditional knowledge and skills, like manomin harvesting, from Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. The pilot project is run in partnership with Lakehead University, and has led members of all ages of the Biitigong community to learn about the benefits of land-based learning. Land-based practices characterizing Anishinaabe pedagogies, including those among communities governed by the Grand Council of Treaty #3 territories, offer insight into cultural practices, and practices that maintain a strong sense of identity among diverse Anishinaabe peoples.

The benefits of Indigenous-led education, including land-based learning, are also formally recognized, at the international scale, by the UNESCO. According to section B19 of the UNESCO Policy on Engaging with Indigenous Peoples, “effectively including indigenous peoples’ knowledge, holistic worldviews and cultures in the development of education policies, programmes, projects and practices and promoting their perspectives, would provide meaningful learning opportunities that are equally available, accessible, acceptable and appropriate for all indigenous peoples.”

There is an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, and for their respective governments, to consider linking both educational policies and diverse practices that support Indigenous land-based education with climate change action.

 

By Leela Viswanathan

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