A Message from PIBC's Planning Practice and Reconciliation Committee

Each September 30th marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Canada to honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities. It is a day for learning and reflecting on our personal roles and responsibilities in decolonization.

PIBC's Planning Practice and Reconciliation Committee (PPRC) was formed in 2021 by the PIBC Board to seek truth and to assist in the active decolonization of planning practices in BC and the Yukon. The Committee continues, in perpetuity, to work towards reconciliation in planning and decolonization of the Institute, the planning profession and our practices as planners.

Currently, the Committee continues its work with Sa̱nala Planning in exploring pathways for Indigenous planning membership. Read the PPRC activities summary in this year's Annual Report. You can also read Sa̱nala Planning's Phase 1 Report which includes reflections and recommendations.

The Committee has also been working with Dr. Christopher Lamb and Dr. Maggie Low on an ongoing MITACS-funded research partnership to assess the knowledge and social attitudes held by planning students in B.C. about Indigenous planning, decolonization, and reconciliation, and to explore obstacles and opportunities for students’ learning. The project, both through its results and the process of consultation, will support and inform emerging planners, education programs, and the PIBC to work in respectful partnership with Indigenous communities and to adopt decolonial principles and practices.

Moving forward, the PPRC will continue to explore ways in which the Institute can further develop and implement truth and reconciliation for the planning profession. Thank you to the Indigenous partners, volunteer members and other valued contributors who have participated and given their time and knowledge in support of this important work.
 

Resources for #NDTR2025

• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation - Lunch and Learns (Sept 22 - 26)
• UBC Indian Residential School History and Dialogue Centre - Orange Shirt Day
• Orange Shirt Society - Orange Shirt Day Events
• Dr. Lorna Wanosts’a7 Williams Keynote Presentation (PIBC 2025 Annual Conference)