During Day 2 of the UEA Symposium, Principal of Ginger Gosnell-Myers Consulting, Ginger Gosnell-Myers discussed the importance of applying Indigenous knowledge to build better cities. With a Masters of Public Policy and Nisga’a and Kwakwak'awakw heritage, Gosnell-Myers recalled how a trip to Florence, Italy - where she was wowed by depth of culture reflected in the landscape and architecture - inspired her early career in planning. If Florence could reflect the rich culture and history of its people, why couldn't Vancouver?
While embarking on her Masters of Public Policy, Gosnell-Myers concurrently led Canada’s largest study on Indigenous peoples in cities, conducted through the Environics Institute. It contained a list of 150 questions asked to over 2,600 Indigenous peoples living in 11 Canadian cities. The results were staggering. Across the board, Indigenous individuals who had knowledge of their family tree tended to be happier in their lives, were more likely to vote and volunteer, and experienced job satisfaction and career progression.
The study demonstrated culture’s positive impact on wellbeing, yet indigeneity is rarely reflected in our Canadian city centers - a direct fallout from colonization, residential schools, and marginalization of host nations.
In her discussion, Gosnell-Myers explored how to incorporate cultural identities within the urban fabric of our cities. It starts with a better understanding of history and recognizing traditional territories. And it occurs through representation, which can be fostered locally through city-wide engagements such as Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week or collaborative housing projects such as Senakw.
Gosnell-Myers also discussed Maori culture of New Zealand, specifically the establishment of the Te Aronga design principles, where traditional culture is integrated into design, planning and architecture in contemporary ways. Te Aronga also fosters Maori pride, which everyone is welcome and encouraged to enjoy.
To learn more about Gosnell-Myers' work and how culture can be integrated to design more connected cities, take a look at her session from this year's Urban Experience Alliance Symposium.
Ginger Gosnell-Myers
Ginger Gosnell-Myers, of Nisga’a and Kwakwak'awakw heritage, is passionate about advancing Indigenous rights and knowledge while breaking down barriers between Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. A thought leader and skilled practitioner, Gosnell-Myers has a deep understanding of urban Indigenous issues, years of practice in bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in developing public policy, and a passion for innovating new engagement processes that advance the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.