Our Services
PlanLab is committed to the idea that prosperous communities are built on a foundation of a healthy environment and a well-defined, authentic identity. Applying this commitment across Canada, we seek out projects that are culturally grounded, community-based and inclusive of local and expert knowledge. With a focus on regional planning and work with First Nation communities, PlanLab's core competencies are applied in the following areas:
- Cultural asset mapping for identity branding and issue resolution
- Building decision support tools, including local mapping capacity
- Communications for public awareness and marketing campaigns
- Cultural inventories for Aboriginal Rights and Title negotiations
- Comprehensive land use planning and economic development visioning
- Land selection for Aboriginal claims and treaty lands entitlement cases
Our Tools
To support these services, PlanLab relies on a mix of proven tools and skill sets to bring a project through to success. These tools include:
- Creative economies / cultural asset mapping
- On-line mapping and custom applications
- Land use and occupancy mapping (traditional use studies)
- Bioregional atlases
- GIS and mapping training
- Comprehensive land use plans
- Consultation management systems
- Data libraries and geospatial databases
- Research design and project management
- Communications and fundraising
“ Canada is a relatively new country and in a lot of ways, the lines on our maps have not had a chance to dry. Many, in fact, are only today being drawn for the first time.“
David Carruthers, PlanLab, from Environmental Justice and Racism in Canada
Free Tools
Arcmap Indigenous Font Set
We have compiled one of Canada's most comprehensive set of point marker symbols for cultural use and occupancy studies. The font and ESRI style sheets can be downloaded here, along with instructions on how to install and use them.
Cultural Data Management and Sharing Protocols
Together with GeoPraxis and the Namgis First Nation, we have drafted a data management and sharing protocol document to help safeguard and protect confidential cultural data. You can download a copy here, and build on it to suit your community needs.
Consultation Protocols
Together with the Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation and Nahwegahbow Corbiere, we have drafted a set of consultation laws to help put "meaningful" back into the consultation process. For a copy of these laws, please contact Mr. Jamie Michano, Lands and Resources Coordinator, the Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation (807-229-1749 x59).