## [Indigenous Community Planning](/icp) ![several graduates in regalia, one of them in custom Indigenous woven mortar-board](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_focal_point_325/public/2025-04/img_8094.cr2_.jpg.webp?h=3e483a30&itok=8FOjs3xY) ![Students and Indigenous people laughing through a presentation](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_focal_point_325/public/2025-04/siska-people-planning-resized.JPG.webp?h=d729edc1&itok=MEMwy9gK) ![Woman speaking into lectern, flanked by 2 fellow students.](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_focal_point_325/public/2026-06/bohmee-presents.JPG.webp?h=5de37464&itok=yEthXM2x) ![Several students listening to an Indigenous man outside a round building](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_focal_point_325/public/2025-04/musqueam-cultural-centre.jpg.webp?h=850cdd0b&itok=waJ-l8tl) ![Two students, making a hand gesture of thanks](/sites/default/files/styles/hero_focal_point_325/public/2026-06/thanksgiving.JPG.webp?h=75c95656&itok=7ewydLZx) #### *A concentration of SCARP's Master of Community and Regional Planning* ## Walk in two worlds: honour all ways of knowing and being plan in partnership with Indigenous communities to support Indigenous self-determination. Image ![Man in shirt with Musqueam logo](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2024-10/wayne_sparrow.jpg.webp?itok=5F6CYF4w) *Honoured friends and relatives,* *As Chief of Musqueam Indian Band, I welcome the Community and Regional Planning students that have come to the University of British Columbia, located on the traditional, unceded lands of hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking Musqueam people.* *Through a strong partnership, the SCARP program incorporates Musqueam’s award-winning* [*Comprehensive Community Plan*](https://www.musqueam.bc.ca/community-engagement/ccp/) *(CCP): nə́c̓aʔmat tə šxʷqʷeləwən ct (We are of One Heart and Mind).* *First created in 2011 and updated in 2018, we are working hard to implement the Musqueam CCP recommendations and realize our community vision.* *Whether you are new to this territory or have lived here for many years, on behalf of Musqueam, I hope you enjoy your time learning and living in Vancouver.* *Thank you all, hay ce:p q̓ə* ##### *Chief Wayne Sparrow* ## What is ICP? - ICP is a concentration in SCARP's dual-accredited [Master of Community and Regional Planning](/mcrp "Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)") program, and has been designated a noteworthy practice by the Planning Accreditation Board. - ICP is a partnership with First Nations in cultural learning, community engagement, and planning. - ICP trains a new generation of planners to break with the colonial legacy and culture of planning, working instead in respectful partnership with Indigenous communities, aligned with their values and priorities. - Why ICP? - The story of ICP - How ICP works ##### Why ICP? ## Who is ICP for? There’s many answers to this question. Are you passionate about: - Community work or advocacy? - Protecting the land and waters? - Learning the best tools for supporting Indigenous communities? - Understanding the history and possible futures of Indigeneity and Planning? - Contributing to the wellbeing of current and future generations? ICP invites Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds, each with important insights about how to build and protect communities and environments. ### Every community has a vision, aligned with its values and rooted in the land that nourishes it ICP teaches a blend of Indigenous Knowledge and Indigenous Planning with contemporary planning methods. You’ll gain education grounded in on-reserve learning, community experience, and knowledge sharing. In partnership with Musqueam Indian Band, SCARP co-designed and co-delivers the Masters of Community and Regional Planning program’s Indigenous Community Planning concentration. SCARP is honoured to be in a teaching and learning partnership with the Musqueam Indian Band in the design and delivery of the ICP concentration. This concentration attracts both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, who want to work with Indigenous communities. Ten committed students are accepted each year to enter into this concentration. ![Indigenous woman speaking at podium beside Musqueam Indian Band flag](/sites/default/files/styles/max_325x325/public/2025-04/jessie-gesturing.jpg.webp?itok=LzB1TAmy) Dr. Jessie Hemphill "The Indigenous Community Planning program is not so much a way of doing Planning as it is a way of teaching a way of being a Planner; - Who is attuned to the living nature of the world, and the transformative nature of community; - Who is attuned to relationship-building; - And to the importance of working in a way that is flexible and relational and interconnected and healing and centered on Indigenous self-determination and wellbeing, as well as that of the Planners." ## The good works of ICP's graduates Many graduates from the ICP concentration work for Indigenous nations, at local municipal planning departments, provincial and federal agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organisations. Graduates from ICP have found careers within a range of communities and organisations including but not limited to: - Beringia Community Planning Inc. - Castlemain Group - City of Edmonton - City of Vancouver - City of Victoria - Department of Fisheries and Oceans - EcoPlan International - First Nations Health Authority - First Nations Land Management Resource Centre - Hupacasath First Nation - Indigenous Services Canada - Kwikwetlem First Nation - Musqueam Indian Band - Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund - Ontario Trillium Foundation - Province of British Columbia - Sahtu Land Use Planning Board - Squamish Nation - Sumas First Nation - Taku River Tlingit First Nation - The Firelight Group - Toquaht Nation - Tsleil Waututh Nation - University of British Columbia - University of Calgary - Urban Native Youth Association - Vancouver Coastal Health ## A word from grads ![Man in grey T-shirt](/sites/default/files/inline-images/roraigh-falkner-square.jpg) ### Roraigh Falkner, Class of 2023 **First job as alum: Community Planner, David Nairne + Associates** "ICP was a profound journey, discovering where my passion could make a meaningful impact. ICP not only sharpened my analytical skills but instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility toward the communities I serve. As I embark on my career, I carry the lessons, memories, and friendships from SCARP as guiding lights to create positive and sustainable impacts on Indigenous communities." ![Woman with blurred sunny background](/sites/default/files/inline-images/dawn-smith.jpeg) ### Dawn Smith, Class of 2022 **First job as alum: Policy Analyst, BC Public Service** "\[ICP\] taught the skills and insights I needed to take up my work to decolonize planning, and support other non-Indigenous professionals in putting our labour and minds to meeting the challenge of reconciliation. I'm proud of my time at SCARP, and the path that it has put me on in the public service." Image ![Woman in knit sweater](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2026-05/andrea-bolen.jpg.webp?itok=Cu9icW-X) ### Andrea Bolen, Class of 2026 **Job in graduating year: Manager, Individual Giving: Covenant House Vancouver** "One of the reasons this program is so special is because of the extraordinary generosity the Musqueam community bestows on us from day one. Thank you for that foundation and for the care that come from building it within us. We've had the chance to practice how to hold a mirror up to these systems, and apply a decolonising more holistic approach to mainstream planning, not only for our work but perhaps to rise the tide in planning overall." ## Some more words about ICP > “The Indigenous Community Planning program (MCRP-ICP) is the leading example of its kind in Canada, and perhaps North America. Given the extraordinary circumstances of Indigenous land claims in British Columbia, this program is a vital offering for the Faculty, University and Province to meet their Reconciliation obligations and new responsibilities stemming from the adoption of the UNDRIP. SCARP and the collaborating First Nations should be commended for the long and difficult work to establish the partnerships required to deliver this important program.” > -Planning Standards Board representatives during their 2022 accreditation of MCRP program ##### The story of ICP Open All Accordions ## ICP's history Indigenous peoples everywhere have been stewards of their lands and resources, planned their communities, and passed on teachings since time immemorial. The Musqueam people revitalized this tradition in 2011 by creating a Comprehensive Community Plan (CCP). In February 2012, Chief and Council of the [Musqueam Indian Band](http://www.musqueam.bc.ca/) endorsed a partnership between the Band and the School of Community & Regional Planning for the design and delivery of a new curriculum on [Indigenous community planning](https://scarp.ubc.ca/icp). This agreement was made possible by the [UBC-Musqueam MOA](http://aboriginal.ubc.ca/files/2011/01/UBC-Musqueam-MOA-signed1.pdf) and endorsed by the UBC-Musqueam Development Committee. The ICP concentration’s partnership and cultural immersion approach is unique among planning programs in North America. In February 2013, Musqueam’s CCP was recognized by and included on UN Habitat’s website as a Best Practice plan for sustainable community development. ICP was a Public Sector finalist in 2016's Land Awards ICP video comminssioned by the Real Estate Foundation of BC ## ICP's Mission Our intent is to train a new generation of community planners who will break with the colonial legacy and culture of planning in order to work in respectful partnership with Indigenous communities. We seek to equip emerging community planners with the necessary theory, skills, knowledge, and capacity to support Indigenous communities in achieving their own aspirations for land stewardship, cultural revitalization, strong governance, health and well-being. Our approach is grounded in community and land-based learning, emphasizes mutual and transformative learning, and integrates these principles with grounding in Indigenous worldviews (ways of being, knowing, and doing). Our scope is Canada-wide, but focuses on practical learning with/in First Nations communities in BC, where historical legacies as well as current political, economic and demographic realities present numerous complex issues, including governance, resource management, land use, health, education and employment. ## The people of ICP ![Woman in profile](/sites/default/files/styles/square_200/public/2022-10/leona_sparrow.jpg.webp?itok=hMEwLV98) ### Leona Sparrow, Musqueam/UBC Liaison Leona Sparrow is the Director of the Treaty, Lands and Resources Department at Musqueam Indian Band. Leona provides invaluable teaching and direction to all aspects of the ICP program. ![Maggie, in polkadot shirt, black cardigan, and teardrop necklace](/sites/default/files/styles/square_200/public/2022-10/maggie_low.jpg.webp?itok=eUWbdpc9) ### Maggie Low, Assistant Professor and Chair Maggie Low is a community engaged scholar and Indigenous planner who has worked with First Nations and Indigenous organizations across Canada. She joined SCARP in 2019 and is now the Chair of the concentration. [More about Maggie Low](/directory/maggie-low "Maggie Low") Image ![Woman in broad woven hat](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2024-10/jessica_barudin_-_2024_square.jpg.webp?itok=cPbp8Ql6) ### Jessica Barudin, Assistant Professor Jessica Barudin is Kwakwa̱ka̱’wakw and a member and elected leader of the ‘Na̱mg̱is First Nation. Her work focuses on revitalizing Indigenous knowledge, languages, and wellness practices through community-centered initiatives, trauma-informed and spirit-based inquiry. She is dedicated to upholding ancestral teachings and values while learning Kwak’wala. She joined SCARP and ICP's faculty team in 2023. [More about Jessica Barudin](/directory/jessica-barudin "Jessica Barudin") ![Woman in blazer wearing woven headdress](/sites/default/files/styles/square_200/public/2022-10/jessie_hemphill.jpg.webp?itok=s6_xpZqe) ### Jessie Hemphill, Assistant Professor of Teaching Jessie Hemphill (Tlali'ila'ogwala, or "Bridge Between the Worlds") is from the 'Nakwaxda'xw, Ligwitlda'xw and Métis nations. Jessie was raised in rural Port Hardy, BC, on the northern tip of Vancouver Island. Her love for her community led her, among other things, to a career in community planning and facilitation, working with First Nations and organizations all over Canada through her company, Sanala Planning Inc [More about Jessie Hemphill](/directory/jessie-hemphill "Jessie Hemphill") ![Man in black blazer](/sites/default/files/styles/square_200/public/2024-10/scott_graham.jpg.webp?itok=A4sknXBz) ### Scott Graham, Adjunct Professor Scott Graham is a multi-award winning planner, governance advisor and credentialed evaluator who has had the honour of working alongside many First Nations, Indigenous organizations, non-profit societies and public sector organizations to create innovative approaches for de-colonizing human care systems. [More about Scott Graham](/directory/scott-graham "Scott Graham") Image ![Shauna, smiling among trees](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2022-10/shauna-johnson-min_l.jpg.webp?itok=yDbT2l7w) ### Shauna Johnson, Adjunct Professor Shauna Johnson is an ICP grad and a member of the Ts’awout First Nation, now working with WASANEC. She is a practicum supervisor. [More about Shauna Johnson](/directory/shauna-johnson "Shauna Johnson") Image ![Man in striped button-up shirt among trees](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2022-10/download.jpg.webp?itok=CAim8dBr) ### William Trousdale, Adjunct Professor Will Trousdale is the Principal and founder of EcoPlan International, an award-winning Vancouver-based consultancy. Will teaches the Strategic Planning for Sustainable Community Economic Development core course for ICP. [More about William Trousdale](/directory/will-trousdale "Will Trousdale") Image ![Woman in profile](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2024-10/wendy_simon.jpg.webp?itok=w1QR8lKF) ### Wendy Simon, Indigenous Student Recruiter Wendy Simon joined the ICP team in 2024 with the vision of developing outreach programs among Indigenous nations and people. She works to affirm and develop SCARP's partnerships and population of Indigenous students in ICP. --- Image ![Leonie, in red shirt and lanyard](/sites/default/files/styles/original_image/public/2023-02/leonie_sandercock_2022_-_square.jpg.webp?itok=GiM_dyMb) ### Leonie Sandercock, former co-chair (now retired) Leonie Sandercock was fundamental in the formation as well as the running of the ICP concentration. She co-developed and co-ran ICP from its foundations. She's now a professor emerita and enjoying retirement, while we benefit from what she built alongside us. ## Funders SCARP gratefully acknowledges funding from the [Real Estate Foundation of BC](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiX_cWhrYKJAxXpCTQIHafZD6QQFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Frefbc.ca%2F&usg=AOvVaw1m8WmgS2rov57gUYVZhZDN&opi=89978449) (2012-2022); [Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-northern-affairs.html) (INAC) (2016-2021); the [Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund](https://tlef.ubc.ca/) of UBC (2011-2014); and the [Faculty of Applied Science](https://apsc.ubc.ca/) at UBC, without whose generous support this program would not exist. ##### How ICP works ###### Applications open ###### November 1 ###### Applications close ###### January 5 ###### Referee deadline ###### January 12 ###### Video interview process ###### Late February ###### Receive official response to your application ###### Mid-March *Applicants admitted to the program will commence full-time studies in September. The School of Community and Regional Planning does not admit students at any other time of year.* *Remember this webpage describes a Concentration of SCARP's MCRP Program. You can learn more about its structure and how to get involved on the* [*MCRP page*](/mcrp "Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)")*. What follows here describes the custom ICP Concentration.* Open All Accordions## Concentration design During your first year, you’ll learn both Indigenous planning traditions and contemporary planning methods, and comprehensive context behind each. In your second year you begin real partnerships in our immersive 8-month practicum with a host First Nations community, supporting either a challenge they face or their Comprehensive Community Planning process. In consultation with faculty and partnership with your host Nation, You’ll learn to fundamentally understand their values and needs. Through this lens, you’ll work together as partners to address a challenge they face. Genuine partnership with a First Nation means the participation of the whole community, Council, and you, the planning students. ### Courses Students in ICP complete a modified set of general MCRP requirements plus a set of ICP-specific requirements. Foremost, this includes undergoing a Practicum (instead of the Planning Studio) which partners pairs of students with an Indigenous community for eight or more months to work on a planning project (typically a comprehensive community plan). ICP students complete the program requirements over two academic years and six academic terms. Throughout the ICP core curriculum and practicum, students will explore: - The meaning and significance of Indigenous planning as a re-emerging theory of action among Indigenous community planners, civic leaders, and professionals - Values underpinning Indigenous approaches to community development - How an Indigenous planning paradigm challenges existing planning practice in Canada - How mainstream planning needs to adapt to achieve recognition of and justice for Indigenous peoples - Challenges faced by First Nations in BC when implementing projects in their communities - The impacts of surrounding jurisdictions (municipal, provincial and federal) on Indigenous planning - The impacts of First Nations community development (social and economic) on surrounding jurisdictions - Knowledge and skills needed for working with/in an Indigenous community - Concepts, praxis, methodology, and ethical/cultural considerations regarding decolonizing planning - The role of non-Indigenous planners in Indigenous community planning and development ### Required Courses CodeCreditsDescriptionRequired for MCRP?Required for MCRP-ICP?PLAN 5003Comparative Perspectives on Planning History and Futures**X****X**PLAN 5013Reconciliation and Planning**X** PLAN 5023Sustainability and Resilience in Planning**X****X**PLAN 5043Urban Design and Visual Representation**X****X**PLAN 5053Planning Theory, Values, and Ethics**X****X**PLAN 5063Information and Analysis in Planning**X****X**PLAN 5073Engagement and Facilitation for Planners**X****X**PLAN 5113The Legal and Institutional Context of Planning**X****X**PLAN 5123Urban Economics, Infrastructure, and Real Estate Issues in Planning**X** PLAN 5133Making and Implementing Community and Regional Plans**X** PLAN 5143Indigenous Planning: Ways of Being, Knowing, and Doing **X**PLAN 5153Indigenous Law, Governance, and Community Planning **X**PLAN 5163Planning for Community Economic Development **X**PLAN 5273Internship**X** PLAN 5403Planning Praxis**X** PLAN 5416Planning Studio**X** PLAN 54312Indigenous Community Planning Practicum **X**TOTAL CREDITS (not including elective requirements):**42****42**ELECTIVE COURSES (no more than 6 credits may be at the undergraduate level, i.e., 300/400):**18****18**TOTAL CREDITS:**60****60** ### Electives Electives can be courses within SCARP or in other departments that relate to the student’s interests. No more than 6 credits of undergraduate-level (300-400) courses will count towards your MCRP program. #### Some recommended electives outside of SCARP Please note: - Some courses will need to contact the course instructor and/or department offering the course for permission to be registered - Course offering and availability are subject to change by the School offering the course. ##### Courses can be taken at other universities through the [Western Deans' agreement](http://www.grad.ubc.ca/faculty-staff/graduate-council/western-deans-agreement-shared-interuniversity-graduate-programs). Course CodeCourse NameANTH 540A*Sacred Geography***APBI 361***Key Indicators of Agroecosystem Sustainability***BAPA 580***Topics in Policy Analysis***BAUL 500***Real Estate Markets***CIVL 598P***Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Design***COM 486X***Urban Resilience***CONS 528***Social Science Research Methods and Design for Natural Resource Management***FISH 506F***Traditional Ecological Knowledge in the Fisheries Management - Current Topics in Fisheries***FISH 506G***Economic Foundations oof Environmental Policies***FNIS 501A***Indigenous Theory and Method(ologies)***FRST 522***Social, Community, and Indigenous Forestry***FRST 551***Landscape Planning for Sustainability***GEOG 535***International Migration and Settlement***GEOG 560A***Economic Geography***GPP 507***Environmental Law and Policy Frameworks***GPP 541***Policy Dimensions of Energy Systems***GPP 543***Sustainable Water Systems***GPP 544***Economic Foundations of Environmental Policies***GPP 581***Behavioural Foundations for Public Policy***GPP 582***Public Engagement in Policy Decisions***GPP 584***Policy Responses to Global Climate Change***GPP 591A***Designed Leadership for Change***GPP 591C***Lind Initiative Seminar***GPP 591D***Special Topics in Public Policy***GPP 591N***Power and Practice***GRSJ 415***Critical Racial and Anti-Colonial Feminist Approaches***GRSJ 511***Difficult Knowledge: Ethics and Pracis of Research in Challenging Settings***LARC 553***Green Network Planning***LARC 582***AutoCAD Workflow for Landscape Architecture Construction***RES 520***Climate Change: Science, Technology, and Sustainable Development***SOCI 423***Sociology of Food***SOCI 425***Urban Sociology***SOCI 540***Social Inequality***SOIL 516***Urban Watershed Management***SOIL 518***Water in International Development***SOWK 44C** **/529A 001***Communities, Social Development, and Community Organizing***SPPH 552***Risk and Communication in Public Health***UDES 505***Urban Design as Public Policy: Policymaking for a Sustainable Region***UFOR 495***Biodiversity in Urban Areas***URSY 510***Urban Systems and Society***URSY 520***Urban Systems Planning and Analysis***URSY 550***Infrastructure Asset Management*SFU course: **REM 606***Indigenous People and Co-Management***SFU course:** **REM 607***Indigenous Governance and Resource Relationships* ### Course Structure Year 1 Term 1 Year 1 Term 2 Year 1 Summer Year 2 Term 1 Year 2 Term 2 Year 2 Summer PLAN 500 PLAN 505 PLAN 516 PLAN 511 PLAN 502 PLAN 506 \----------PLAN 543---------- PLAN 504 PLAN 507 PLAN 514 PLAN 515 Elective(s) Elective(s) Elective(s) Elective(s) Elective(s) Elective(s) ## More information [SCARP courses](/courses "Courses") [MCRP program page](/mcrp "Master of Community and Regional Planning (MCRP)") [ICP Student Handbook](/sites/default/files/2025-05/scarp-icp-handbook.pdf) ### [Ready to learn more about MCRP and apply?](https://scarp.ubc.ca/mcrp) If ICP's vision of planning in partnership with Indigenous communities speaks to you, learn all about SCARP's ICP concentration below, or click here to learn about MCRP and apply! Applications are open November 1 - January 5! ### [Read this page and still have questions? ](https://scarp.ubc.ca/events?keywords=&field_event_category_target_id=280) You can email admissions@scarp.ubc.ca with anything that still isn't clear. Or you can attend one of SCARP's or UBC's admissions infosessions. (Click here to see what's coming up!)