Our next research seminar will be held next Tuesday, October 24, from 12:30-1:30pm in GLD 440. This will be an in-person seminar.
Planning and the Role of Place in Indigenous Language Revitalization
Presenter:
Dylan Stevenson, Dept of Urban Design and Planning
Abstract:
The dialogue surrounding the significance of Indigenous Knowledge(s) within the planning field has become more commonplace, particularly regarding practices within environmental planning, responses to climate change, and ecological restoration. Though the awareness of the interdependence between Indigenous Knowledge(s) and specific context has received increased attention, the role of Indigenous Knowledge has been heavily relegated to environmental and natural resource management (Hibbard et al., 2008; Nadasdy, 1999) with limited consideration of how these knowledge systems are reproduced and maintained within the norms of a tribal worldview. Planning’s focus on indigenous knowledge systems has been primarily on its knowledge content and its relationship, application, and contributions to the ‘natural’ landscape to achieve joint Tribal-State aims. These planning endeavors are undoubtedly crucial in promoting cultural competency, tribal sovereignty, and self-determination within our current planning regime. But what about the knowledge holders? I focus on exploring the relationship between Indigenous knowledge systems and the environment (natural or otherwise) by adjusting the foci from its content-based approach to a knowledge-holder using the lens of Indigenous language revitalization. It is well-known and documented that Settler-state governments such as the United States have institutionalized Indigenous language eradication through forced assimilation tactics (Newland, 2022). The consequences of these genocidal policies result in very few Indigenous language speakers who are oftentimes relied upon as keepers of Indigenous knowledge systems. With very few speakers, there are varying degrees of language transmission –and, by extension, knowledge transmission— occurring in Indigenous communities. If planning is ready to take on the task of working with tribal communities in joint planning projects, it needs to plan with the next generation of indigenous land stewards and protectors in mind. This project explores the contributions the planning field can make toward indigenous language revitalization beyond the scope of environmental management. It utilizes theories from Linguistics to inform how language, as a cultural practice that encapsulates Indigenous knowledge(s) and epistemologies, can be reinforced, and normalized within the environment to promote Indigenous language revitalization (McKenzie, 2022; Hussein, 2012). Other planning tactics, such as place identity and wayfinding, will be identified that planners could adopt in developing strategies that contribute toward the indigenous language revitalization movement
Bio:
Dylan Stevenson’s (Prairie Band Potawatomi descent) research examines how culture informs planning strategies and influences land relationships. More specifically, he investigates how tribal epistemologies structure notions of Indigenous futurities by centering Indigenous cultural values at the forefront of environmental stewardship and cultural preservation. Some of his previous research has examined how planning practice reinforces normative values and opportunities for better inter-governmental collaboration with Tribal governments regarding natural resource management. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics from the University of California, Davis, a Master of Planning from the University of Southern California, and a Doctor of Philosophy in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University.