Indigenous Planning is a global movement, a field of practice and scholarship that transcends borders and unites Indigenous communities across the world. It is founded on the understanding that Indigenous peoples should benefit from the best practices in design and planning, guided by their cultures and identities. As we gather for this symposium, we affirm that Indigenous Planning is not just a response to colonial structures, but a continuation of ancient practices that are deeply rooted in our cultures.

 

"Ka mua, ka muri" 

"walking backwards into the future." 

Our gathering is grounded in the wisdom of the seven-generations planning model, connecting past, present, and future. This symposium seeks to carve out a theoretical and practical space for Indigenous people to do 'their' planning 'in' planning, to transform their realities.

We come together to share insights and advances in Indigenous Planning, to connect planners, allied professionals, and community leaders who perform crucial planning roles. Our aim is to establish an enduring network that spans international boundaries, fostering intergenerational learning and strategies to promote Indigenous Planning globally.

As we engage in this conference, we challenge ourselves to reimagine planning as a tool for liberation rather than oppression. We seek to 'spatialize' our aspirations, permanently etching them onto our landscapes. Through our discussions, presentations, and shared experiences, we aim to further institutionalize Indigenous Planning as a professional practice and academic field.

This conference is more than an event; it is a call to action. We invite all participants to actively engage, to share their knowledge, and to contribute to the growing body of Indigenous Planning theory and practice. Together, we will explore how our planning can be informed by our cultures, guided by our elders, and driven by the needs of future generations.

As we look to the future, we envision this symposium as a catalyst for change, strengthening the global Indigenous Planning movement and empowering our communities to shape their destinies. Let us walk this land together, sharing our PlaceKnowing, and paving the way for the next seven generations.

As we embark on this journey together, let us be guided by the wisdom of another Māori whakatauki:

"Mā mahi ka ora" 

"Through hard work we will prosper"

This proverb reminds us that the path ahead requires dedication and collective effort. It is through our shared labor - in our communities, in academia, in policy-making, and in practice - that we will see Indigenous Planning flourish and our peoples thrive. 

Let this symposium be the beginning of our collective mahi (work) towards a future where Indigenous Planning is acknowledged,, celebrated and implemented globally. 

 

Together, through our hard work, we will all prosper.

​