Communal Land Rematriation & Indigenous Architecture in Turtle Island
Indigenous Ecologies - Fall 2020 - The New School
In Collaboration With Alexa Roccanova + Mary Clewis
Abstract: This paper focuses on both land-based and architectural approaches to Indigenous land reclamation and cultural revitalization specifically through the means of communal land rematriation and modern architectural design within contemporary urban contexts. Looking to Sogorea Te' Land Trust, Two Row Architect, and Encompass Architects, we explore the ways in which these organizations conceptualize and pursue Indigenous revitalization, highlighting the roles of spatial design, community engagement, and landscape management in not only reviving Indigenous lifeways and cosmologies, but also in fostering Indigenous resilience in the face of converging global crises, like climate change and continued social injustice against their communities. Additionally, we examine how these organizations are incorporating and transforming traditional knowledges and practices within their approaches in order to withstand the legacies of colonialism in modern, urbanized society. Finally we discuss the ways in which Indigenous urbanism can potentially transcend Eurocentric frameworks, while improving urban environments.
Keywords: Land Sovereignty, Land Reclamation, Restoration, Indigenous Revitalization, Indigenous Urbanism, Rematriation, Modern Indigeneity
