"The More Natives the Merrier": Indigenous Urbanism in Lawrence, KS
This study examines Indigenous urbanism in Lawrence, Kansas, focusing on perceptions and processes of space production. This paper aims to explore the relationship between the Indigenous community and Western planning processes and identify avenues for greater inclusion. Through semi-structured interviews with fourteen participants, including city officials and Indigenous residents, thematic coding revealed five key themes: spatial borders, visibility, leadership challenges, engagement, and reconciliation. Findings indicate a prevailing sense of spatial exclusion among Indigenous residents. City-endorsed processes are perceived as insufficient or superficial, with a notable absence of formalized engagement channels with Indigenous communities. Leadership barriers, including limited knowledge about Indigenous peoples and differences in values, present challenges for Indigenous urbanism. Ultimately, this study suggests that Indigenous urbanism in Lawrence, KS is minimally supported within the city's formal space production processes. These results align with broader research indicating a lack of Western planning support for Indigenous urbanism. Identified avenues for reconciliation, articulated by both Indigenous residents and city officials, underscore the need for a more inclusive approach to spatial production within Lawrence.
Urban planning, Indigenous studies, Indian City, Indigenous Planning, Indigenous Urbanism, Settler City, Settler Colonialism, Spatial Producation
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