The NCN Developmental Corporation recently hosted a meaningful gathering where Elders from the NCN community met with students from the University of Manitoba’s City Planning program to discuss ideas for land development near the new Thompson Airport. The meeting was a unique opportunity for the students to gain insights into traditional knowledge and how it can be integrated into modern planning processes.
The University of Manitoba students: Evan, Noah, and Jess, engaged with the Elders by asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating an interest in understanding NCNs traditions and values. Our NCN elders, renowned for their deep cultural knowledge, emphasized the importance of incorporating NCN traditions into every phase of the planning and implementation process. As one elder stated, “Our traditions and culture should be part of all the stages of planning and implementing, not just at the breaking ground.”
The event began with a traditional smudging ceremony led by Mona Hart and prayer, followed by the offering of a braid of sweet grass she had personally picked. In attendance were several respected Elders, including Clifford Spence, Chief Jim Moore, Mona Hart, Susan Kolbliski, Johnny Hunter, Henry Spence, and Ed Primrose.
Chief Jim Moore highlighted the contrast between traditional and Western planning perspectives, stating, “Planning for our people came from the environment and not challenged through western ideation. This is how our community members think, far from the Western idealization of today’s society.” Mona Hart shared a nostalgic reflection, saying, “Back in the day, we had beaches to run around. We need to find a new path to make it easier for our youth.”
Susan Kolbliski elaborated on the ideological connection between traditional planning processes, saying, “There is a planning process that is ideological, that is similar and beautiful because there is a spirit to it.” The elders unanimously agreed on the need for a balance between modern development approaches and traditional Cree teachings, especially in terms of respecting the land, trees, animals, and objects.
The University of Manitoba students expressed their commitment to deepening their understanding of Indigenous perspectives in planning. They were eager to learn how to incorporate Cree traditions into their work, recognizing the importance of such practices in the development process. The students shared that their program now includes an Indigenous Planning Studio and that efforts are underway to ensure better representation from all Indigenous and First Nations communities.
Ed Vystercil, Executive Director of the NCN Developmental Corporation, also weighed in, emphasizing the significance of starting any development process with a spiritual approach. He said, “Starting something with the spirit and using the momentum to let the plan grow” is key to creating a truly meaningful and sustainable development for our NCN youth.
This collaborative effort between the NCN Elders and University of Manitoba students marks an important step toward bridging traditional knowledge with modern development practices, ensuring that the land development near Thompson Airport respects the values and teachings of the NCN community.
