VANCOUVER, February 6, 2026 – The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is entering the next chapter of its truth and reconciliation journey today, with the public release of its Reconciliation Action Plan: The Fire We Tend: Truth and Relations in Canadian Planning.

“This Reconciliation Action Plan reflects CIP’s pledge to move beyond acknowledgment by advancing substantive, sustained action within our organization and across our profession through respectful relationship-building and co-developed processes with Indigenous partners,” said Lesley Cabott RPP, FCIP, ICD D, President. “Reconciliation starts with an acknowledgement and understanding of the truth, and demands a sustained effort, partnership, and a commitment to evolve.”

The Reconciliation Action Plan invites CIP and its members to take up the important work of reconciliation, with detailed goals and commitments to:

  • Support and inform professional planners about Indigenous knowledge systems, environmental justice, recognition of Indigenous laws, and community-led resilience initiatives.
  • Advocate for the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives in planning education, promoting distinctions-based learning, expanding resource creation and accessibility, and facilitating two-way learning opportunities.
  • Foster strong, sustained partnerships built on reciprocity and an honest commitment to sacrifice and shared benefit.
  • Utilize the organization’s national voice to advocate for policy and structural change that formally recognizes and upholds Indigenous governance systems, laws, and stewardship practices.

CIP’s journey toward reconciliation begins with recognition that the planning profession’s history is rooted in the creation and implementation of the reserve system, the surveying and partitioning of Indigenous lands, and the active removal or suppression of Indigenous planning systems that have shaped vibrant communities for millennia. These actions are not only part of our history, but also live on in current processes, policies, and professional practices.

The Reconciliation Action Plan was built on a foundation of research, reflection, and deep listening. To guide its development, CIP established the Indigenous Advisory Committee as a central body to ensure Indigenous perspectives, leadership, and oversight throughout the process.

“Planners have a responsibility to the land, water, and ecosystems we work within; this responsibility must be grounded in Treaty obligations, Indigenous stewardship authority, and an ethic of care,” noted Jenine Campbell-Cove, a member of the Indigenous Advisory Committee. They emphasized that without clear accountability mechanisms, planning documents risk becoming symbolic strategies rather than instruments of real change. “CIP’s commitment to ongoing learning, humility, and sustained partnership with Indigenous voices is a meaningful step forward, but its impact depends on ensuring that reconciliation is embedded in practice, measured over time, and held to account beyond the language of intention.”

To mark the beginning of this next chapter of CIP’s reconciliation journey in a meaningful way, the Board of Directors and members of its Indigenous Advisory Committee will visit Sen̓áḵw, the largest Indigenous-led development project in Canada later today, to meet with Squamish Nation and Nch’ḵaỷ West leadership to learn about the vision for the project and the potential for more inclusive planning and Indigenous-led urban development. 

“This plan is not a conclusion, but a living guide that will change as we learn, grow, and deepen our relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples,” said Deborah Morrison, CEO. “As the national voice of the planning profession, CIP is committed to understanding and addressing systemic, regulatory, financial, or procedural obstacles that constrain Indigenous participation and rights in planning.”

CIP also confirmed some first actions to be implemented as part of the Reconciliation Action Plan, which include:

  • A new iteration of the Indigenous Advisory Committee, which will play a key role in guiding the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan, ensuring the work remains grounded in Indigenous perspectives, knowledge, and priorities.
  • The establishment of a new Reconciliation Fund to alleviate financial barriers to Indigenous participation as members and contributors to the organization’s activities.
  • A target of 5% Indigenous-owned products and services in its annual procurement.
  • Revising its governance by-laws to add a new Director position that will be designated for a First Nations, Inuit, or Métis person with skills, expertise, and lived experience in reconciliation who is knowledgeable about its application to planning.

CIP extends its profound gratitude to all those who have worked with us to help guide, shape, and strengthen this Reconciliation Action Plan. Foremost, we acknowledge the invaluable leadership and wisdom of the Indigenous Advisory Committee. We further recognize the many Indigenous planners, knowledge keepers, Elders, youth, and community members who have contributed their experiences, insights, and aspirations.

Download the full plan here or visit our page to read an overview of our commitments to reconciliation.

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For more information or to request an interview, please contact:

Lauren Murray (she/her)
Senior Manager, Communications
800.207.2138 x 207
communications@cip-icu.ca

About the Canadian Institute of Planners

The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) works on behalf of over 9,500 diverse planning professionals and has served as the voice of Canada’s planning community since 1919. Planners safeguard the health and well-being of urban and rural communities by addressing the use of land, resources, facilities, and services with consideration to physical, economic, and social efficiency.

CIP respectfully acknowledges that our office is located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. CIP values the ongoing stewardship of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.