Paul Giang: Reconciliation in City Planning: a case study of relationship building with Indigenous peoples in Edmonton

MacDonald Harrington Room 420

At the final Truth and Reconciliation Commission event, Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson proclaimed March 2014 - March 2015 as the City's "Year of Reconciliation". One initiative stemming from this announcement required all City staff to be educated on the history and impact of residential schools. The Commission also calls for professionals to build stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples. How do planners meaningfully work with these communities in the urban context? This seminar will share experiences from a parks planning project in Edmonton, located within the traditional territories of many First Nations, the homelands of the Metis, and the heart of Treaty 6 Territory.

Paul Giang, MCIP Candidate Member, is a graduate from the McGill School of Urban Planning and a planner for the City of Edmonton. His current work focuses on parks policy and Indigenous engagement. He has also previously worked on the development of fresh: Edmonton's Food Strategy.

Guest lectures are made possible through the generous gift of the Brenda and Samuel Gewurz Fund for Teaching and Learning in Urban Design and Development, and TRAM.