Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge
Photo: Peter Mather
Yukon Land Use Planning Council has recommended that regional planning processes embrace Indigenous planning approaches and concepts in the pre-planning and regional planning phases of a regional land use plan, or earlier where this is desired by a First Nation.
The Council is recommending a shift of the planning process under Chapter 11 to land relationship planning as a value-centered, collaborative process founded on relationships and with responsibilities for land, water, animals, and each other. This process would give full consideration to indigenous knowledge, values and planning concepts.
Background:
In 2020, the Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge Advisory Group was formed by the Council to begin work of exploring the shift towards land relationship planning.
On November 24 & 25 2021, the advisory group coordinated and led a Land Relationship Gathering. The outcome included a set of themes and actions for consideration in regional planning.
On August 8, 2022 the Council made formal Recommendations which included the embrace of Indigenous Planning approaches.
At a September 2022 meeting of YLUPC, the Council confirmed the desire for an ongoing IPTK Committee and provided direction to staff to clarify the role and expand the membership to include broader First Nation membership.
The Indigenous Planning and Traditional Knowledge (IPTK) committee is an advisory group of Yukon Land Use Planning Council. This committee is currently in the process of being established.
Specific Chapter 11 sections of relevance include:
11.1.1.4 Objective: “to utilize the knowledge and experience of Yukon Indian People in order to achieve effective land use planning.”
11.4.5.5 Commissions “shall use the knowledge and traditional experience of Yukon Indian People, and the knowledge and experience of other residents of the planning region.”
11.4.5.6 Commissions “shall take into account oral forms of communication and traditional land management practices of Yukon Indian People.”
11.4.5.7 Commissions “shall promote the well-being of Yukon Indian People, other residents of the planning region, the communities, and the Yukon as a whole, while having regard to the interests of other Canadians.”