Why We Do What We Do: An interview with 2 Shared Path board members
Written by Admin, Admin •
Back in July 2020, Victoria Prouse, a lecturer at Algoma University, reached out to Shared Path to arrange an interview with two of our board members for her class on Urban Planning and Design. The conversation that took place examined many important issues and experiences that have led to the creation of the Shared Path Consultation Initiative. Below, we share some snippets from this interview with our President and Chair of the board Carolyn King (member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation) and board director David Stinson (Registered Professional Planner).
Why do we centre our work around the land?
David explains the “jurisdictional gap” that exists in the relationship between Indigenous Nations and municipalities.
Planning’s history of displacement and assimilation
Carolyn talks about how the colonial mindset was determined to displace Indigenous peoples from urban areas like Toronto to make way for settlers and tried to force the assimilation of Indigenous peoples through horrendous policies like residential schools.
How does conflict arise between Indigenous Nations and municipalities?
Carolyn speaks to how conflicts have arisen in the past between municipalities and First Nations. She discusses how, prior to Supreme Court of Canada rulings and the Provincial Policy Statement (PPS) 2020, municipalities often ignored the interests of adjacent Indigenous communities.
Examples of how land use planning impacts Indigenous Nations
Carolyn discusses her research on landfill sites adjacent to First Nation reserves in Ontario.
The Moccasin Identifier Project
Carolyn speaks about her other passion project: the Moccasin Identifier Project.
