American Indian Community Planning in the 21st Century

Tribal Community Planning uses a community-planning lens to bring attention to policies that decision makers, governmental agencies, and tribal leadership need to address regarding American Indian tribes and their resiliency, self-reliance and independence. It adds to the literature on resiliency from the perspective of the cultural and community well-being dimensions of sustainability and quality of life studies. The book begins by addressing the historical Indian and federal Government relationships over time and argues how land use and community planning has significant meaning and impacts for Indian reservations. It then explores the history of federal Indian law and its import to current issues in planning including the role of culture in planning. With a focus on southwestern tribes, the book also provides insight into the general status of planning efforts on Indian reservations and the issues encountered, asking questions such as what role does gaming play in economic development versus development of community and sustainable livability? It addresses the issues inherent in economic development in the absence of accountability. The authors provide an interdisciplinary context that integrates community planning, public policy, law and economic development in the context of sustainability.