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(re) imagining our community
(Re)imagining Our Community is founded on the principle that solutions to the housing problem faced by on-reserve First Nations exist within the communities themselves. Engaging with youth in a discussion about the future of their communities, based not in existing plans from southern theories but instead on their values, worldview and visions is a unique approach to re-imagining the design process that could assist in addressing serious social issues.
This project builds on Maamawi-abiit-Bawajigay-win: Visioning Our Future Dwelling Together, as the first of its kind, providing a new understanding of housing issues in First Nations in Northern Ontario. This project innovatively views youth engagement as central to the community design process. Founded on the principles of collaboration and creativity, this project uses an engagement process which removes barriers to participation in the planning process and creates a fun atmosphere through which youth can reimagine their lived environment.
A community-driven, user-focused model becomes even more important when working with youth.
Practicing Differently
Breaking the stakeholder dichotomy
Rejecting perpetual capacity development
Value based community development
INDIGENOUS PLANNING EXPOSES THE WAYS EXISTING PLANNING STRUCTURES MARGINALIZE INDIGENOUS VOICES THROUGH A RELIANCE ON TEXTUAL MEDIATION AND TECHNICAL SUPERIORITY, WHICH UNDERMINE ALTERNATIVE WORLDVIEWS AND PERSPECTIVES.
Project Partner
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