Harvard students collaborated with the Sac and Fox Nation to develop strategies for reclaiming and co-managing ancestral lands in Illinois, supporting Indigenous sovereignty through design, cultural storytelling, and economic planning.
In Fall 2024, Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) lecturer Eric Henson led the course “Native Nations and Contemporary Land Use,” focusing on collaborations between GSD students and Indigenous tribes. As reported by Rachel May, a key partnership was with the Sac and Fox Nation, aiming to support their efforts in reclaiming ancestral lands in Illinois. This initiative reflects the broader “landback” movement, where Native nations strive to regain sovereignty over territories taken during colonization.
GSD students Cayden Abu-Arja and Neady Oduor worked closely with Sac and Fox leaders, including Principal Chief Randle Carter and Business Committee Member Robert Williamson, to develop strategies for co-managing the Black Hawk State Historic Site. Their proposals encompassed cultural storytelling, revenue generation, and enhanced collaboration with Illinois state authorities. These efforts aim to reconnect the Sac and Fox people with their ancestral homeland and preserve their cultural heritage.
The course also facilitated interactions between the Sac and Fox Nation and the Chicago Blackhawks hockey team, exploring innovative collaborations for cultural preservation and economic development. This partnership exemplifies how design education can play a pivotal role in supporting Indigenous sovereignty and land reclamation efforts, fostering mutually beneficial relationships between Native nations and external organizations.
FULL STORY: When the Client is a Nation: Eric Henson’s GSD Students Collaborate with Indigenous Tribes
Spirit Lake Nation Reclaims 680 Acres After Century-Long Effort
After decades of advocacy, the Spirit Lake Nation successfully reclaimed 680 acres of its original treaty land from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, marking a significant step toward healing and future development.
Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship
In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.
BLM Approves Controversial Oil and Gas Leases on Navajo Land
The parcels are located near a sensitive archaeological site, but some Indigenous leaders approve of the move, which will bring in millions in revenue.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions