Every year in June, we recognize National Indigenous History Month to honour the history, heritage, resilience, and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Turtle Island. It is also a powerful reminder to reflect on the enduring contributions Indigenous peoples have made, and continue to make, to Canada’s past, present, and future.
For the Canadian Institute of Planners, this month is more than a commemoration; it’s a moment of reflection and renewed commitment to our journey towards reconciliation. Planners have a responsibility to ensure that Indigenous voices are not only engaged in planning processes but respected as rights-holders, knowledge keepers, and partners in shaping the future of our communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
As part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and learning, we spoke to Lesley Cabott RPP, FCIP, ICD D, CIP’s President, about her experience with The Path: Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada and CIP’s forthcoming Reconciliation Action Plan. Her insights provide valuable perspectives on how planners can foster respectful, reciprocal relationships with Indigenous peoples and effectively advance reconciliation in their communities.
CIP: What motivated you to take The Path, and how has it influenced your understanding of Indigenous histories and perspectives?
Lesley: I took the Path because it was part of the Board’s orientation. I have worked and lived in Indigenous communities for most of my planning career. I have friends who went to residential schools, and I have heard stories firsthand from survivors. I knew there were gaps in my knowledge. Going through the course opened my eyes to the depth and resilience of Indigenous cultures, and it helped me see how our colonial systems continue to affect communities today. It highlighted my professional and personal responsibility to reconciliation and the relationships to land, water, and community.
CIP: Were there any moments or lessons in the course that challenged and/or surprised you?
Lesley: What challenged and surprised me was seeing my friend tell his truth to the Truth and Reconciliation Committee. When I started the course, I felt pretty confident that I knew a lot, but it made me realize how much there still is for me to learn. There are many communities across Turtle Island that are still under the oppressive Indian Act, which still shapes policies and everyday realities for Indigenous communities. That realization pushed me to reflect more critically on how our planning decisions today can either reinforce or begin to undo those harms.
CIP: Why did the Board choose to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan?
Lesley: At CIP, we chose to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan because we know that planning has a deep connection to the land, and with that comes a responsibility to acknowledge and address the ways our profession has been part of Canada’s colonial history. This plan is about more than just words; it’s about building real, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities and being intentional in how we move forward. We wanted to create something that gives us structure and direction on our reconciliation journey. It’s a step toward making sure our work as planners supports equity, respect, and shared futures for all communities.
CIP: How will this plan influence the Canadian planning profession?
Lesley: We see this work as a meaningful shift in how planners approach their work by encouraging deeper reflection, more inclusive practices, and a stronger commitment to working in true partnership with Indigenous communities. It’s about weaving reconciliation into the day-to-day work planners do and helping the profession grow in understanding, respect, and accountability. Over time, we hope it inspires lasting change in both mindset and practice from coast-to-coast-to-coast.
CIP: What’s next on our journey towards reconciliation?
Lesley: We have made meaningful progress on our Reconciliation Action Plan guided by the expertise of Indigenous Collaboration and Engagement (ICE). Key milestones include the formation of an Indigenous Advisory Committee, a foundational workshop with the Board to shape the plan’s vision and pillars, and the launch of engagement activities such as external partner meetings and an open survey. The plan will focus on building relationships with Indigenous partners, identifying opportunities for systemic change, and setting clear, measurable goals. The work is ongoing, with continued collaboration and input helping to shape a plan rooted in respect, reciprocity, and accountability. The Board is dedicated to a transparent process. We’ll continue to share updates on the development of CIP’s Reconciliation Action Plan, and there will be opportunities for members to get involved at different stages of the development process.
How You Can Get Involved
Help Shape CIP’s Reconciliation Action Plan
CIP invites you to share your voice in our Reconciliation Action Plan Survey. Your insights will help guide how we support reconciliation through training, policy, advocacy, and relationship-building.
Whether you’re a planner, student, community leader, or partner, this is your chance to:
- Share your experiences and perspectives
- Identify barriers and opportunities for engagement
- Shape a meaningful path forward
Thank you for helping create a more inclusive and impactful planning profession.
Survey Deadline: June 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT
The survey is confidential and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
The Path: Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada
Now is the perfect time to take a meaningful step toward more equitable planning, together. The Path: Your Journey Through Indigenous Canada is a powerful, six-module online course that explores the diverse histories, experiences, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Created by NVision Insight Group, a majority Indigenous-owned firm, this course provides your team with a valuable opportunity to build a shared understanding and strengthen your organization’s capacity to work respectfully with Indigenous communities.
Ideal for planning professionals, The Path is available to CIP members and non-members alike at cost ($95 + tax) and counts toward six self-reported CPL units. Participants also receive a certificate and a CIP digital badge to showcase their learning.
We encourage offices, teams, and departments to register as a group and embark on this journey together. It’s an investment in Canada’s path to reconciliation and your team’s professional development. If you have any questions or would like help with a group registration, please contact our team at connect@cip-icu.ca.