Introduction the First Nations Community Planning Model
Why Plan
Change is inevitable. Standing still is not a choice. The moment is always passing. A community can be pushed by the constant current of local pressures and global forces or it can take control over its own destiny. It can be a victim of circumstances or it can shape its future, its generations to come.
Planning is Particularly Important to First Nations Communities
Planning is about the future but it relies on information from the present and the past. It encourages a community to examine the consequences of doing nothing and of taking deliberate steps in a particular direction. Planning can therefore help to avoid disasters before they occur and lead First Nations communities to spend more time planning for the long term rather than spending all their time and resources reacting to immediate needs and crises.
COMMUNITY-BASED PLANNING
Community means that THE PLAN belongs to the residents.
It is not the Chief's Plan or the Band Manager's, but everyone's. This implies that three fundamental conditions must be met:
1) The Plan comes from the community.
The Vision, strategies, projects, initiatives are all based on the aspirations, values, resources, potentials and spirit of residents.
2) The Plan is appropriate by the community.
The content of the plan is widely understood, accepted and broadly defended. it belongs to many, many people.
3) The Plan inspires and motivates the community.
It is memorable and provocative. It is inclusive and engaging. Its Vision and Framework are able to carry on beyond election cycles from one Chief and Council to the next.
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