@civej

Towards more Community-Oriented and Collaborative Planning for Alaska Native Villages

. Civil Engineering and Urban Planning: An International Journal (CiVEJ), 5 (2/3/4): 1-19 (December 2018)
DOI: 10.5121/civej.2018.5401

Abstract

Based on reviews of existing plans as well as interviews and conversations with 153 people that live in Alaska Native Villages (ANVs) or influence ANVs plans and policies, this article describes how planning for climate change adaptation and hazard mitigation takes place and provides suggestions for improvement. Planning processes are generally initiated and overseen by outside entities and have limited community participation, as they are disconnected from community events and activities. A more participatory approach that engages ANV residents by building on existing indigenous community practices may be more helpful in developing a common vision for adaptation. Planners could improve planning by spending more time talking to community members, and if desired by ANVs mentoring leadership to better engage in the process and assisting with dispute resolution. ANVs could improve planning by providing for activities that foster connectivity and a common vision and supporting efforts to build community leadership.

Links and resources

Tags