Tribal & Indigenous Planning Interest Group Update

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Dear Tribal and Indigenous Planners –
 
We hope this message finds you and yours safe and healthy. As we transition into spring, and continue adapting to life during and after a global pandemic, we want to take the time to recognize and celebrate our collective resilience. At the same time, we want to clearly state – this has been a challenging year for all. As planners and community advocates, we need to remember to hold each other up and wrap ourselves around our work and the communities, people and families that need us. As a Tribal and Indigenous Planning Interest Group (on our way to becoming an American Planning Association – APA – Division soon!), we want you to know that we are here for you and support the important work that you do! To that end, we would like to share these exciting updates and reminders:

  1. We Have Secured Over 300 Signatures!!! – As previously shared, one important step in the process to become an APA Division is securing 300 signatures from APA Members. Over the past six months, we have received 335 signatures. THANK YOU to everyone that has signed the petition. Together we are stronger and increase our ability to make positive changes, support each other, and better connect with and educate APA, its members, and other interest groups and divisions.

    • Haven’t signed the petition? Just CLICK HERE to add your name to our growing list of supporters.

  1. Our Steering Committee Has Grown & We Are Stronger – We have added more dedicated planners to our Interest Group Steering Committee. Together, we have developed and are finalizing the budget and bylaws required to achieve division status. We have also advocated for clearer guidelines and a “How to Become a Division” checklist from APA. This will facilitate our effort and improve the process for future groups.

  1. Next Steps – Soon, we will submit our full petition package to APA. Once approved as the Tribal and Indigenous Planning Division of APA (yes!), we will reconnect with you. At that time, we will request you officially join the division and we will also ask for your feedback in a brief survey that will help us learn more about you, the communities you serve, and how our new division can best serve you and other Tribal and Indigenous Planners. We will also refresh and continue to implement our Strategic Plan, with a laser focus on actions that help us achieve and embody our mission, vision, core values and functions:

    • Mission: To promote awareness, communication and action on tribal and indigenous planning issues for tribal and indigenous planners, peoples, nations and their non-tribal partners.

    • Vision: All planners and plans recognize, champion and prioritize tribal and indigenous planning issues.

    • Core Values: • Community and Culture • Honor and Respect • Self-determination and Sovereignty

    • Core Functions: Communicate, Educate, Empower, Engage, Uplift

  1. Don’t Forget! – You can:

FINALLY – We would like to share an exciting opportunity that is just around the corner to feature the work of Tribal and Indigenous Planners! Please see the attached 2021 Western States Planning Conference Call for Sessions.
A few details:

  • This year’s conference theme is “Breaking Boundaries, Creating Connections”. The conference is August 22 – 25, 2021, in Scottsdale, Arizona (with opportunities for virtual participation!).

  • Conference coordinators are seeking a strong response from Tribal and Indigenous Planners on several topics, including transportation, economic development, land use, health and human services.

  • From Conference Chair Loras Rauch, AICP: “With this conference involving Western Planner and the 12 western states, we hope to attract robust and unique sessions involving Tribal Planning.”

  • The DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS is April 15th, so don’t delay!

  • Learn more here: https://www.westernplanner.org/2021-conference

We look forward to a year of positive change, growth, and opportunity.
 
With great respect,
 
Tribal & Indigenous Planning Interest Group of APA

Paul Moberly