Our Work
Our Approach:
Thoughtful planning and policy support, capacity building, and engagement for self-determined, sustainable futures.
We are committed to listening, learning and working together in a respectful, good way.
Our work is guided by values that shape how we show up, listen, and partner with communities and organizations.
Nation Led Planning
Supporting Indigenous governance and self-determined planning processes grounded in land, culture, and jurisdiction.
Planning in Canada was shaped by colonial systems that displaced Indigenous governance and decision-making. We recognize that history.
Our work contributes to a shift toward decolonizing planning practice — supporting Indigenous self-determination, strengthening Nation-led planning processes, and advancing land-based governance.
We prioritize rights-holders, not stakeholders.
We listen before advising.
We approach planning as stewardship.
This work may include:
- Official Community Plans and policy updates
- Land use planning and bylaw development
- Climate and sustainability integration
- Housing needs assessments, plans and strategies
- Governance and implementation strategies
- First Nations engagement and rights alignment
- Community and stakeholder engagement
- Grant writing / funding application support
Our role is to support — not direct — community leadership.
Municipal Planning
Supporting municipalities in navigating complex planning and governance systems with clarity and care.
We work alongside municipal leaders and staff to develop thoughtful, practical planning frameworks that reflect community priorities and long-term stewardship.
Our approach is collaborative and grounded in relationship — recognizing that municipal planning often requires balancing growth, infrastructure, climate pressures, and evolving governance responsibilities.
This work may include:
- Official Community Plans and policy updates
- Land use planning and bylaw development
- Climate and sustainability integration
- Housing needs assessments, plans and strategies
- Governance and implementation strategies
- First Nations engagement and rights alignment
- Community and stakeholder engagement
- Grant writing / funding application support
We prioritize respectful collaboration and long-term relationship-building in the development of community plans, strategies and frameworks.
Strategy and Brand
Supporting organizations in clarifying who they are, where they are going, and how they show up.
We work with Indigenous communities and municipalities to strengthen vision, align leadership priorities, and develop a clear and consistent brand that reflects their values, commitments, and responsibilities to community.
For Indigenous communities in particular, this work can include strengthening collective identity and public presence in ways that support self-determination and move beyond colonial systems that have shaped governance and representation.
This work may include:
- Vision and values development
- Community-Based Strategic planning
- Organizational identity and brand development
- Clear messaging and communications
When vision and identity are clear, decision-making becomes stronger, and communities have a shared understanding of purpose and direction.
Leadership Training
Supporting leaders and emerging professionals navigating complex planning and governance systems.
We provide advisory, mentorship, and coaching support to Indigenous governance leaders and staff, municipal decision-makers, and planners at all stages of their careers.
This work may include:
- Leadership coaching for senior and emerging planners (individual and group)
- One-on-one mentorship for junior staff and early-career professionals
- Governance and policy advisory
- Ethical and relational practice guidance
- Capacity strengthening and decision-making support
Designed for individuals and organizations seeking clarity, confidence, and grounded leadership.
Award of Excellence
Meraki Community Planning was honoured to receive the 2021 Inclusionary Planning National Award of Excellence from the Canadian Institute of Planners. The award recognized our inclusionary, client-centred approach to Indigenous planning and our long-standing relationship with Kitselas First Nation, reflecting our commitment to respectful, collaborative, and community-led planning.
The work highlights the importance of community-led planning that supports Indigenous self-determination and strengthens planning practices beyond colonial approaches.
