COMMUNITY & LAND USE PLANNING

Awechigewin: Anishnaabek Planning Concept

Awechigewin is an Anishinaabemowin word meaning ‘set things up for a desired outcome’. This is a concept that has deep roots in traditional Anishinaabe ways of life and has potential to conceptually underpin the Michipicoten Land Use Planning Process. The concept of Awechigewin can be illustrated by the example of snaring a waboose (rabbit) in the bush. To set a successful rabbit snare, one must evaluate a variety of factors including the type of vegetation, slope, season and particular location. A snare is well placed to catch a rabbit at a pinch point where a rabbit might be guided to travel through. This pinch point may be a gap in thick brambles, beneath a fallen tree, or in a natural trench, for example, and the rabbit’s path may be led toward the snare by modifying the surrounding area; placing branches, stones or other natural materials to block alternative routes where it might avoid the snare. In the context of preparing a Community Land Use Plan, Awechigewin can be understood as the process for identifying a community vision, goals and values, assessing existing natural, social and ‘built’ conditions On-Reserve and in surrounding areas, devising strategies for accomplishing community development goals and bringing them together into a plan for taking action aimed at realizing the Nation’s land use goals for all of its reserve areas. While the present terms of reference lack a thorough engagement with Anishinaabemowin language and concepts, the community has emphasized that the Land Use Plan must employ Anishinaabemowin key terms and concepts that will inform the plan and deepen the community’s knowledge of and exposure to their ancestral language, a language imbued with land-based knowledge.

Contact:

Chris Buckell, Public Works Supervisor
Phone: 705-856-1993 ext 217
E-mail: cbuckell@michipicoten.com
Location: Administration Building (107 Hiawatha Drive)