Indigenizing Development - MRED+D Capstone Report 2023

Indigenizing Development

Guiding Principles to more Equitable Indigenous Futures in Commercial Real Estate

Serena Lousich | Kai Tahu, Ngati Waewae MRED+D 2023

Pepeha

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou

katoa

Ko Tuhua te māunga

Ko Arahura te awa

Ko Kaniere te roto

Ko Takitimu te waka

Ko Te Wai Pounamu re Rohe.

Ko Tahu Tūhuru tīpuna

Ko Kai Tahu tōku iwi

Ko Ngati Waewae tōku hapū

Nō Pōneke, Aotearoa e Philippines ahau

Ko Russell rāua ko Linda ōku mātua

Ko Serena tōku ingoa

Greetings, Greetings, Greetings to you all,

The mountain that I affiliate to is Mt Tuhua.

The river that I affiliate to is Arahura river. The lake that I affiliate to is lake Kaniere.

The waka that I affiliate to is the Takitimu waka.

My area that I affiliate to is Pounamu. My (founding) ancestor is Tūhuru

My tribe is Ngai Tahu

My sub-tribe is Ngati Waewae

I am from New Zealand and the Philippines

My parents are Russell and Linda.

My name is Serena.

1. Executive Summary

Its no secret, the commercial real estate industry has a colonial history, but we can move towards a more equitable future by centering Indigenous values and knowledge systems in the design and development process. "Indigenizing Development" provides a framework of guiding principles based on the successes and lessons learned from projects across Aotearoa, Canada, and the United States. By prioritizing Indigenous perspectives into the respective categories that make up a development project set out in this capstone - development and design, finance, and policy, we can create a more just and sustainable industry.

1. Development | Design

• Hire indigenous design professionals, development managers and consultants.

2. Financial Structures

• Centering Indigenous economic growth in financial models

• Pathways to landback/ownership.

• Prioritize low barrier of entry housing models.

3. Policy

• Creation and implementation of indigenous design/housing/principles required for new development projects.

• Policy to streamline and consider nuances for indigenous led projects.

• Intiatives and funds specific to Indigenous well being and economic growth.

• Participatory design and development engagement to create a unique design identity.

• Prioritize indigenous worldview throughout the desing and development process

The Goal...

is to center Indigenous identity in the design and devleopment process and by implementing these guiding principles, Indigenous communities can engage in real estate development and shift the cultural narrative around indigenous design and development in the built environment. Hiring Indigenous professionals, encouraging participatory engagement, creating innovative financial structures, and implementing informed policies can create positive growth, uplift and empower Indigenous communities.

The Village | Mission District, San Francisco

Kōtukutuku | Tamaki Makarau, Aotearoa

Kōtukutuku | Tamaki Makarau, Aotearoa

Kōtukutuku Kāinga- Auckland - The posts are a design feature to emulate the Nikau tree, an endemic palm speies to Aotearoa

Toi o Tāmaki- Auckland - The canopy to the entrance is supposed to be that of the New Zealand forest with iwi approved carvings..

1. Background

PERSONAL STATEMENT

As a landscape designer with both professional training and a strong cultural connection to my Māori heritage, I have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of indigenous visibility and agency in shaping the built environment. This realization first came to me during my Masters of Landscape Architecture program, when I had the opportunity to work on a studio project in the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. Building on this experience, I went on to explore the concept of bi-cultural design in my thesis work with the Wiyot Tribe in Humboldt County.

Since then, I have been fortunate to continue pursuing my passion for promoting indigenous storytelling and culture through my work as a designer. In particular, during my time at Surfacedesign Inc, I was privileged to contribute to projects aimed at centering Māori storytelling in the landscape at Auckland International Airport.

For me, the importance of indigenous visibility and agency in the built environment is a deeply

personal and professional commitment. I am dedicated to working with indigenous communities to honor their histories, cultures, and traditions while creating beautiful, functional spaces that reflect their unique perspectives and needs.

THESIS STATEMENT

“Indigenizing development in the real estate industry requires prioritizing Indigenous worldviews, centering Indigenous economic growth, and creating a participatory design process that respects the traditional knowledge and cultural narrative of Indigenous communities. Case studies in Aotearoa, Canada, and the United States illustrate the potential benefits of this approach for promoting more equitable Indigenous futures in real estate development.”

THESIS QUESTION

What are the best guiding principles in order to begin Indigenizing the real estate development process with the aim of creating positive outcomes for indigenous peoples and indigenous futures.?

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The real estate development industry has a chance to embrace and comprehend the concept of ‘Indigenizing Development.’ However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the industry’s historical and present ties to colonialism have resulted in Indigenous communities being excluded from decision-making processes, displaced from their ancestral lands, and disproportionately impacted. The lack of representation and agency of Indigenous peoples in the built environment has resulted in a sense of erasure both metaphorically and physically.

Furthermore, the project aims to debunk the misconception that Indigenous populations are primarily rural. Approximately 71% of American Indians and Alaskan Natives live in urban areas (“Urban Indian Health”), while in Aotearoa, 84% of Māori (Taonga) live in urban areas, and in California, that number is even higher at 92% (About Urban Indians | CCUIH). Consequently, there is an urgent need for generational wealth creation, housing, healthcare, and educational opportunities to reduce the vulnerability and economic

disenfranchisement of urban Indigenous peoples.

The real estate development industry has a unique opportunity to explore and understand what it means to ‘Indigenize Development’. However, this task is complex as it involves reconciling the dominant colonial worldview with that of Indigenous peoples. To address this gap in understanding, this capstone project aims to facilitate knowledge-sharing and bridge the divide between these worldviews. By breaking down colonial worldviews, there is immense potential for developers, cities, and Indigenous communities to collaborate and co-create a more inclusive and equitable built environment. There is also opportunity for Indigenous communities to set out on a path of self determination. As society continues to recognize the need for meaningful reconciliation, the demand for such collaborative efforts and a decolonized development process will only increase.

2. Methods

CASE STUDIES + SCOPE

This capstone used a case studies approach, primarily analyzing several projects and examples from New Zealand/Aotearoa, Canada. In order to identify best practices, lessons learned, challenges and successes.

Acknowledging that this is primarily in a “western” country context for the scope of this capstone and timeline. The goal is to use these case studies in order to create a set of guiding principles that could begin to set up a philosophical shift towards Indigenizing development in the United States with a focus on California to abroad.

INTERVIEWS

This capstone utilizes interviews with development managers, designers, clients, analysts that have worked on the projects analyzed to better understand first hand accounts and be pointed to more information. These included several zoom calls and emails and led to more robust information of case studies as well as led to exploring more case studies.

I want to particularly thank Peter Bratt from Friendship House for his invitation to Golden Gate Park for the initial meeting with Parks and Rec for a landback hui, and also thank him for his time in explaining the story of how The Village SF, a case study in the Mission came to be.

LITERATURE REVIEW

As shown in the bibliography, a robust amount of articles, news articles from reputable sources, Māori design case studies done by Auckland City Council, tribal websites, academic thesis’s, open documents and information from large scale developments were available in order to find more information on financial, partnership structures, political climate, historical accounts, frequently asked questions on projects and accounts for dates and methods used in the projects selected.

3. Guiding Principles

A PHILOSOPHY

Its important to address that this is not a ticklist to finish, Indigenous development is extremely bespoke and nuance and it will always entail creating better relationships first with Indigenous communities and react to specificities of the community. These guiding principles aim to be a philosophy in how we approach the design and development process, a holistic approach to creating more positive outcomes.

The method in creating these guiding principles shown below was extrapolated from the case studies analyzed. To create a holistic approach a real estate project is first divided into 3 buckets Design and Development, Finances, Policy. These buckets are then filled with 3 guiding principles each. Throughout this capstone it will go into depth on each category and walk through a case study that exemplified the guiding principles for that bucket.

CASE STUDIES

The exemplar case study for the Design and Development bucket is Kōtukutuku KāingaTamaki Makarau.

The exemplar case study for the Financial Structures section is Senákw- Vancouve by the Squamish Nation.

The exemplar case study for the Policy section is te Te Aanga Māori design principles - Aotearoa.

It is important to note that each of these case studies also have influence throughout each of the buckets but is being used as an exemplar case. It is also important to note that several other case studies noted in the following sections were also used to create the guiding principles but built or already implemented case studies were prioritized to be showcased as exemplar.

Design | Development

1. HIRE INDIGENOUS

One way to support Indigenous communities in design and development is by prioritizing the hiring of Indigenous individuals, including designers, consultants, and developers. However, there may be challenges to finding qualified Indigenous candidates due to historical and ongoing barriers in the education pipeline. In the absence of Indigenous hires, it is important to consider hiring non-Indigenous individuals who have a positive track record working with Indigenous communities. This approach allows for the transfer of knowledge and expertise between individuals with different lived experiences, while also ensuring that the project benefits from Indigenous perspectives and insights. The goal is to create more culturally appropriate and effective solutions that benefit Indigenous communities.

2. PARTICIPATORY ENGAGEMENT

Participatory engagement is an important aspect of designing projects that meet the needs and aspirations of the community they serve. This involves engaging with the community in a collaborative manner to ensure that their values, beliefs, and priorities are incorporated into the design process. In the case of Indigenous communities, this means centering agency and identity in the design and prioritizing Indigenous worldviews. Co-designing, in which community members work alongside designers and architects to create solutions that reflect their cultural values and needs, is a typical avenue for participatory engagement. By involving the community in the design process, it allows for a more inclusive and culturally appropriate outcome, and empowers community members to take ownership of the project and be active participants in shaping their own futures.

3. PRIORITIZE INDIGENOUS WORLDVIEW

Prioritizing Indigenous worldviews in the design and development process is critical to creating culturally appropriate and effective solutions that benefit Indigenous communities. This requires humility in the colonial way of doing things and a willingness to acknowledge and learn from Indigenous design techniques, practices, and knowledge. Indigenous worldviews prioritize a holistic approach to design, one that takes into account not only the physical space but also its spiritual, social, and cultural dimensions. Incorporating these perspectives into the design process can lead to more meaningful and respectful outcomes that reflect the values and aspirations of the Indigenous community. By recognizing and prioritizing Indigenous worldviews, designers and developers can create spaces that not only serve a functional purpose but also contribute to the cultural and social wellbeing of the community they serve.

Māori Housing Concept Design

Social housing | 41 - 1 Bedroom

2 Consult Spaces | 1 Whare Manaaki

Client: Mahitahi Trust

Architects: TOA Architects

Owner Representative: Kauri Advisors

Kōtukutuku Kāinga- Auckland (2021)

Kōtukutuku Kāinga- Auckland

Kōtukutuku Papakāinga, a social housing project in Auckland’s Ōtara, is a place of great significance and connection. Designed by TOA Architects in collaboration with the Mahitahi Trust (A Māori Mental Health and Addictions Provider) and local Māori communities, the development features a range of affordable homes and communal spaces that embrace traditional Māori design principles and values. From the use of natural materials and colors, to the inclusion of cultural symbols and motifs, the architecture and landscape create a strong sense of identity and belonging for the residents. Greeted by two Pou’s, to a CLT constructed building, its even Maori down to the details of utilizing a technique to carve into the wood to represent ripples from paddle strokes of the waka. With its focus on participatory engagement and prioritizing indigenous worldviews, Kōtukutuku Papakāinga represents a powerful example of how architecture and correct engagement through the process can play a vital role in strengthening communities and promoting social justice. (“Feel Māori, Look Māori, Be Māori”) (TOA Architects) (Te Ahi Kaa Roa - Home Page | Mahitahi Trust)

1. HIRE INDIGENOUS

• A 100% designed, consulted and developed project. The Architects and Client acknowledge that Kauri Advisors set the project up for success.

2. PARTICIPATORY ENGAGEMENT

• A co-design process with the voices of the client, its staff and tangata whaiora being present in a series of hui

• 1:1 Floor Plans were made for whānau

3. PRIORITIZE INDIGENOUS WORLDVIEW

• Values and narrative created to guide the design and anchor it in Te Ao Māori, and relay decision making throughout the process

Kōtukutuku Papakāinga hit all the 3 guiding principles and more. The biggest takeaway and said best by Theodore Jojola’s essay is “On the other hand, Indigenous design strives to be more than the sum of its parts. Whereas mainstream architecture tends to evaluate buildings on elements such as style, function, and form, the measure of Indigenous form is around its cultural meaning. It is the embodiment of practices and principles that are informed by the culture of the community.” (The People Are Beautiful Already)

Ukutoia - Kāinga Hou Concept Design refers to the concept design for a new housing development in New Zealand that is inspired by Māori culture and principles. This project is not built but represented exemplar qualities as well. (Ukotoia)

(2021)

Manaaki

Advisors

Financial Structures

1. INNOVATIVE STRUCTURES CENTERING INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC GROWTH

Centering Indigenous economic growth involves implementing economic structures and models that prioritize the development and prosperity of Indigenous communities. One such method is through the use of joint venture (JV) structures, where two or more parties collaborate and contribute resources to a project, sharing both the risks and rewards. In the context of Indigenous communities, a 50/50 JV structure can ensure that Indigenous partners have an equal say in the decisionmaking process and a fair share of the benefits. Another option is to use a leasehold structure, where land is leased instead of sold, allowing Indigenous communities to retain ownership and control over their ancestral lands. These economic models prioritize community-driven development and can support sustainable economic growth that is rooted in Indigenous principles and values.

2. PATHWAYS TO LANDBACK/OWNERSHIP

Indigenous communities around the world have been fighting for the return of their lands and resources that were taken from them through colonization and other forms of dispossession. One pathway towards Landback and Indigenous ownership involves pursuing treaty settlements that recognize Indigenous sovereignty and provide mechanisms for the return of land. Additionally, setting up land trusts can be an effective way to hold and manage land for the benefit of Indigenous communities. First right of refusal and prioritizing tribal purchase or transfer of land can also be important mechanisms for ensuring that land is returned to Indigenous peoples and that they have control over its use and management. These approaches to Landback and ownership prioritize Indigenous self-determination and economic growth, as they allow for the development of sustainable and culturally appropriate practices on Indigenous lands.

3. PRIORITIZE LOW BARRIERS OF ENTRY MODELS

Prioritizing low barriers of entry models can help to increase access to housing for Indigenous communities. This approach can include setting aside new housing developments specifically for Indigenous peoples, as well as exploring alternative housing options such as co-living structures, shared equity arrangements, and build-to-rent models. These solutions can be particularly effective in addressing the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, including a lack of access to financing and affordable housing. By prioritizing low barriers of entry models, it is possible to create more equitable and sustainable housing solutions that meet the needs of Indigenous communities. Additionally, by involving Indigenous communities in the design and implementation of these models, it is possible to ensure that they are culturally appropriate and reflect the unique needs and perspectives of each community.

Mixed-use

Leasing revenue - Current leases end 25 years

Phase 1 - Complete by 2026

Phase 2 - complete by 2028

Phase 3 - Complete by 2033

Senákw | Squamish Nation | Vancouver

50/50 Development Partnership

10.5 Acres | 6000 Units

Senakw - A 10.5 Acre development, largest net zero carbon residential project in Canada. It is a historic economic development opportunity that will set the Squamish Nation on a path to complete economic independence. It is estimated over the lifespan of the buildings, Senakw could generate up to $20billion for the partnership with local developer Westbank, earning $10 billion each. (Senákw Project) It is an important cultural and historical site that has been used for centuries for fishing, hunting, and gathering. Senakw is currently being developed as a mixed-use community that will prioritize sustainability, affordability, and cultural preservation. The project aims to address the housing crisis in the region and provide a model for sustainable and culturally sensitive development. The development will include a range of housing options, public spaces, and amenities, as well as opportunities for economic development and employment. The project is being led by the Squamish Nation and is guided by their values and traditions. (Senákw Project) (Senákw)

1. CENTERING INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC GROWTH

• 70% Rental housing - ensure 7 generations of economic benefits

• 30% leasehold market condos to provide $470 Mil upfront cash for current generation.

• Lease up + proformas will be approved by Squamish nation

• Preferential treatment for hiring, procurement, and employment opportunities for its members

2. PATHWAYS TO LANDBACK/OWNERSHIP

• Court decision in 2003 returned a small portion of Senákw to the Squamish people

3. PRIORITIZE LOW BARRIERS OF ENTRY MODELS

• 6000 Rental units

1,200 affordable rental units

250 set aside for squamish nation members

This case study embodies all three guiding principles of Indigenousled development. The Squamish Nation, who owns the land through treaty settlements in 2003, has partnered with local developer Westbank in a 50/50 project partnership. Westbank is responsible for financing the $3 billion project (Senakw Development in Kitsilano to Generate up to $10 Bilion for Squamish First Nation | Urbanized) and providing access to lenders and experience, while the Squamish Nation provides the land through a 120-year lease. This partnership not only prioritizes Indigenous economic growth but also serves as an example of true ally-ship, where experience and knowledge are shared to equip the Squamish Nation to become self-sufficient in future development projects.

Looking at the economic development arms of many New Zealand tribes such as Tainui Group Holdings is another resource.

Vancouver end in

Policy

1. CREATE AND IMPLEMENT DESIGN/DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES

Creating and implementing design and development principles that prioritize indigenous perspectives and values is an important step towards decolonizing the built environment. However, this requires political will and momentum, as well as input from Indigenous communities to ensure that these principles are aligned with their needs and aspirations. These principles could include incorporating traditional building materials and techniques, designing for multi-generational living and communal spaces, and respecting sacred sites and cultural practices. By centering Indigenous knowledge and values in the design and development process, it is possible to create more sustainable, culturally appropriate, and equitable built environments for all.

2. STREAMLINE INDIGENOUS LED PROJECTS

Streamlining Indigenous-led projects requires a comprehensive understanding of the unique challenges and barriers that Indigenous communities face in project development. This may include a lack of resources, funding, and cultural nuances that require specific considerations. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, it is possible to create streamlined processes and incentives for developers to partner with tribes. One example of this is the Homekey program, which incentivizes partnerships between developers and tribes to address the issue of homelessness. By prioritizing Indigenous-led projects, it is possible to create more culturally appropriate and effective solutions that benefit Indigenous communities. This principle requires a deep commitment to political and systemic change, as well as ongoing efforts to address historical and ongoing injustices faced by Indigenous peoples.

3. FUNDS AND INITIATIVES

A crucial aspect of supporting Indigenous communities is through the allocation of funds and initiatives that address the systemic inequities and historical injustices faced by these communities. These initiatives should be targeted towards improving access to housing, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities, with a specific focus on empowering Indigenous peoples. To ensure that these funds are effectively utilized, it is important to involve Indigenous leaders and community members in the decision-making process. This approach not only ensures that the resources are used in a culturally appropriate and effective way, but also allows for the transfer of knowledge and expertise between individuals with different lived experiences. By investing in targeted initiatives and empowering Indigenous communities to lead their own development, it is possible to support the growth and prosperity of Indigenous peoples, and promote greater equity and social justice for all.

Te Oro - Auckland (2015)

Ōtāhuhu Station (2016)

Toi o Tāmaki (Auckland Art Gallery) (2011)

Te Aranga Māori design principles - (2005) Aotearoa

The Te Aranga Maori Design Principles are a prime example of how to engage with indigenous peoples when developing and designing in their territory. This set of principles was born out of the NZ urban Design Protocol, which promoted the inclusion of Maori in the design process and built environment. It was created by a coalition of Maori Design Professionals in response to the protocol and has since been adopted by the Auckland City Council into the Auckland City Design Manual. The principles have been used in countless projects throughout Auckland and are taught in design schools across New Zealand. They create a generation of designers and developers who are fluent in Maori worldviews, ensuring that Maori identity and narratives are honored in the design process. (In Practice: Te Aranga Design Principles)

The Te Aranga Principles are not just a list of guidelines to check off. They represent a fundamental philosophy of how to do things when designing and developing in Maori territory. As one Auckland City representative put it, the principles are “the fundamental philosophy of how you do things.” The Te Aranga Principles serve as a model for how to engage with indigenous peoples in a respectful and inclusive manner, providing a path forward for other communities and regions looking to honor and incorporate indigenous perspectives in the design process.

More...The Kāinga Hou Māori Housing Principles are a set of guidelines for designing and building homes that reflect Māori cultural values and ways of living. Developed by the New Zealand government in partnership with Māori housing experts and were launched in 2020. The principles emphasize the importance of incorporating Māori cultural narratives and values into housing design, such as whakapapa (genealogy), manaakitanga (hospitality and care), and kaitiakitanga (environmental stewardship). The aim of these principles is to provide culturally appropriate housing options for Māori communities and to create sustainable, resilient, and healthy homes that reflect Māori identity and aspirations. (Kāinga Hou Housing Values)

Te Aranga Principles History

THE VILLAGE SF

1. DESIGN | DEVELOPMENT

• Co-alition of organizations

• “Living Building” Concept

• Goal Setting Process

• Pyatok have previous experience with Indigenous communities

2. FINANCIAL STRUCTURES

• 2020 gained site control

• $70 MM in Capital Funding Campaign

• $15 MM from State

3. POLICY

• Secured priority status from the SF Planning Department

• Justice 40 - Federal Money Program

• American Indian Cultural District through Prop E - $300k/yr

The Village | Mission District

Mixed use | Transitional Housing | Health Clinics | Community Space | Urban ag

Coming in 2025

$80 MM Project

Owner rep: Equity Community Builders

Client: Frienship house association of American Indians

Architect: Pyatok Architecture

The Village SF

The Village SF is a forthcoming building that will be located in the newly formed American Cultural Arts District in the Mission area of San Francisco. The project was approved by the SF Planning Commission in 2021, marking a historical and emotional moment. The building will house a coalition of non-profit Native American agencies that will work together to support their communities’ needs. The Village SF will be a mix of home, health, culture, and community, and will be constructed using mass timber. It will also feature a rooftop garden that reclaims the land and serves as a visible symbol of Native American visibility in the built environment. Overall, The Village SF represents an innovative approach to addressing the needs of Native American communities and promoting their visibility and presence in San Francisco.

It is undeniably a beacon of Native American visibility in the built environment both inside and out.

Key Takeaways

1. Collaboration is key: The Village SF project is the result of a coalition of non-profit Native American agencies, the American Indian Cultural District, and the City of San Francisco coming together to support the Native population in the area. This kind of collaboration can be crucial in developing innovative solutions to complex problems.

2. Nonprofits can have a significant impact on the built environment: The Village SF is a prime example of a nonprofit organization taking on a large-scale construction project with the goal of improving the lives of the Native population in the area. While the process has been challenging, it has also highlighted the potential for nonprofits to have a significant impact on the built environment.

3. Community involvement is essential: The Village SF project has involved the community in every stage of the process, from the initial vision to the design and construction. By involving the community in this way, the project has been able to better address the needs and desires of the Native population it serves.

4. Funding is a significant challenge: The Village SF project has faced significant challenges in terms of funding, with a $90 million budget and limited sources of funding available due to the non-tribal affiliation of the organizations involved. However, the project has been able to raise $15 million from the state and is pursuing additional funding sources at the federal and philanthropic levels.

5. Sustainability and innovation are important considerations: The Village SF project is pursuing a unique design that incorporates mass timber construction, a terracotta facade, and sustainability goals. While these elements may add to the project’s cost, they also make it a symbol of innovation and sustainability, as well as a touchstone for the Native community. (Press, Micah)

Significance

The Village SF project is more than just a building; it has sparked initiatives beyond the construction site. For example, there is a new development underway to create a program for first-time native home-buyers in San Francisco. Additionally, efforts are being made to restore land given back in Golden Gate Park for indigenous farming. The Village SF project is creating a ripple effect, inspiring new initiatives to support and uplift the Native American community in San Francisco. (“The Building”)

4. Significance + Outcomes

BIGGER PICTURE

The capstone on Indigenous-led development highlights the bigger picture of a growing momentum towards a more equitable indigenous future. The set of guiding principles focusing on wealth redistribution, self-determination, and relationshipbuilding serve as a starting point for this shift. While New Zealand and Canada may be ahead in cultural shifts towards Indigenousled development, the USA is beginning to see progress through executive orders and indigenous-led development initiatives. The increasing number of urban Indigenous populations in these countries highlights the importance of breaking down colonial worldviews and the need for collaboration between developers, cities, and Indigenous communities to shape the built environment.

When you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, there’s something moving in indigenous country right now. We are at this threshold moment.this momentum built over all the previous work done by our ancestors. We are even seeing tribes becoming some of the largest scale developers in their respective cities and countries.

It’s hard to deny that the future is already here - its just not evenly distributed….yet.

NEXT STEPS

Moving forward in the US context, there are several potential next steps to prioritize indigenous design principles and considerations in development projects. One approach could be to establish formal state or local land acknowledgments and require any development project to undergo a legitimacy process with indigenous communities. Additionally, every comprehensive or general plan could include an indigenous chapter that outlines design guidelines and considerations influenced by the tribe’s input. Furthermore, programs like Homekey could be implemented to incentivize developers to partner with indigenous communities and stream line projects. It may also be helpful to establish a state-wide or local ordinance that requires all subsequent general plan updates to consider an environmental justice framework, as outlined in SB1000. Finally, incorporating indigenous design principles into licensing exams and requiring architects and building departments to undergo Indigenous worldview reviews could help to ensure that these principles become a norm in future development projects. Overall, prioritizing indigenous design principles requires a willingness to acknowledge the importance of indigenous knowledge and traditions, and the dedication to making these principles a part of everyday practice.

Ukutoia Kāinga Hou is a housing solution that enables Māori whanau to live and thrive together, as Māori.

The Indian Community School of Milwaukee is a non-profit school providing quality education to Native American children from early childhood through eighth grade. Founded in 1969, the school’s unique curriculum integrates Native American culture and traditions into academic learning. Its mission is to empower students to reach their full potential as confident, culturally grounded, and academically prepared individuals.

The Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute is a museum and cultural center in Oujé-Bougoumou, Quebec, dedicated to preserving and promoting Cree culture, history, language, and traditions. It houses a vast collection of artifacts, archival materials, and artworks that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Cree Nation. The institute plays a vital role in promoting crosscultural understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture and history and is indigenous designed and owned by the Cree Nation.

The District 2 Multipurpose Building is a community center in the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona, serving as a gathering place for ceremony and activities and providing services and programs. With a gymnasium, kitchen, meeting rooms, and outdoor areas, the facility is an important hub for social and cultural activities that contribute to the well-being of the community.

Lelem Apartments is an affordable and sustainable housing development on Musqueam Nation’s traditional territory in Vancouver, featuring 62 units for families and individuals, with a particular focus on Indigenous residents. It offers communal spaces for residents to connect and addresses the housing crisis in Vancouver, providing safe and affordable housing.

The Spa at Sec He is a luxury wellness retreat located on the traditional territory of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in Rancho Mirage, California, USA. The spa offers a range of services, using natural and organic ingredients. The facility includes a eucalyptus steam room, outdoor shower garden, and pool, providing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for guests. The Spa at Sec He is committed to promoting holistic wellness and draws inspiration from the natural landscape and cultural traditions of the Agua Caliente Band.

Taza is the largest proposed mixed-use development in Calgary, Canada, to be built on the traditional territory of the Tsuut’ina Nation. Featuring residential, commercial, and retail spaces, as well as a hotel, convention center, and public spaces. Designed to be a sustainable and walkable community, with access to public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian pathways. Also incorporating green spaces, and naturalized stormwater management systems, providing opportunities for the community to connect with the Tsuut’ina Nation’s culture and traditions.

The Odea is an upcoming residential development project by the Cree Nation in Montreal, Canada. With 200 affordable housing units, a community center, and green spaces, the project aims to address the affordable housing crisis in Montreal and promote access to safe and affordable housing for Indigenous families and individuals. Designed too reflect the canoe their people came on, it is a proud statement for the Cree Nation.

MST Development Corporation

is a tri-nation owned development arm of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh

First Nations in Canada. The corporation is committed to creating equitable and sustainable communities through real estate development. With a portfolio of completed and upcoming projects in Vancouver, they are projected to become one of the largest developers in the city. With goals to leverage development to create social and economic benefits for Indigenous peoples and the wider community, while also prioritizing environmental sustainability.

NGA MIHI NUI

Serena Lousich | Kai Tahu, Ngati Waewae MRED+D 2023

5. Appendix

Glossary

Aotearoa : land of the long white cloud (New Zealand)

Hui : a meeting

Iwi : tribe

Mahitahi : to work together as one, better together

Mana : is a supernatural force in a person, place or object.

Mana Whenua : Territorial rights, power of the land, authority over land or territory, jurisdiction over land or territory

Ngā mihi nui : Kind regards (more emphasis on gratitude)

Papakāinga : a nurturing place to return to, is a term describing housing on ancestral Māori land

Pepeha : a form of self-introduction, where the speaker describes their ancestry and connections to the natural environment

Pou : a pole, post, pillar

Taiao : natural resource

Tāmaki Makaurau: City of Auckland

Tangata whaiora : a person seeking health

Tangata Whenua : people of the land

Te Ao Māori: Denotes the Māori World. Respect and acknowledgment of Māori customs and protocols, it means embracing the Māori story and identity and, embracing what that means, not just for Māori, but for all Kiwi both in New Zealand and around the world.

Waka: Canoe

Whānau : family

Whare Manaaki: House of support, take care of, give hospitality to, protect, look out for.

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About Urban Indians | CCUIH. https://ccuih.org/about/about-urban-indians/. Accessed 7 May 2023. Berghan, James. Kaupapakāinga: The Potential for Māori Cohousing. p. 37.

Bratt, Peter. Frienship House and The Village SF, with Peter Bratt. 13 Nov. 2022.

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Presentation Slides