We believe that design and community planning is an incredible tool for sovereignty, stewardship and Land Back.

The MST Futurism Program is for xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) (MST) Host Nations people interested in learning more about spatial design fields in their territory (such as urban design, urban policy, urban planning, environmental design, architecture, and landscape architecture) to understand how to best advocate for Host Nations futures, cultures, and identities throughout the city.
The program is created and led by Sierra Tasi Baker (Indigenous Urban Planner).

Stay tuned for next round of applications.

  • MST Futurism Panel Summary

    In December 2020, Sierra Tasi Baker and Paisley Eva Nahanee partnered with Other Sights and SFU Public Square, with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the British Columbia Arts Council, to organize space for Host Nation matriarchs and youth to discuss MST Futures.

    Futurism is a concept directly created by Black innovators, which was shared by Krystal Paraboo, Afro-Futurist Historian to honour Afro-Futurism and what it can mean for Black + Indigenous solidarity.

    Afro-Futurism: A Brief Overview Centred on Black Canadians

    Over 1,000 people attended the virtual panel discussion and this kickstarted mainstream conversations in understanding and re-centring Host Nation laws, protocols, governance, identities, and voices.

  • MST Futurism has partnered with the Black + Indigenous Design Collective, believing that building solidarity amongst our communities is vital for our futures.

    MST Futurism received funding from:

    • The Real Estate Foundation of BC

    • Central City Foundation

    • VanCity Credit Union

    • Partnership with Simon Fraser University’s Downtown Campus for the delivery of our Fall 2023 program

    Chet kw’enmantúmi / hay ce:p q̓ə !

    If you would like to donate please click the button in the header.

  • Indigenous design and planning professionals, Sierra Tasi Baker (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw, Łingít + Magyar), Cory Douglas (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, Xaayda, Tsm'syen), and Ginger Gosnell-Myers (Nisg̱a'a, Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw), were the lead program developers from 2021-2023 and taught the 2023 MST Futurism cohort.

  • 3 emerging planners and designers from each each Host Nation, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) (9 in total) will be selected for the MST Futurism Program.

  • The MST Futurism Program is a 1 week intensive from November 13th - Nov 17th that will connect MST members with experienced First Nation leaders working in the design, planning, public art and urban policy fields.

    Upon completion of the program graduates will have a clear understanding of how the city is planned and designed, and how Coast Salish knowledge can be integrated and reflected in every neighbourhood and park throughout the city. Students will take their cultural knowledge and self-determination to reshape the City of “Vancouver” using Coast Salish knowledge and perspectives.

    Throughout the 1 week program mentors and guest speakers will also provide training workshops and hands on project work in the areas of:

    • Culture in Design & Planning Projects

    • Planning, Design, Engagement, and Policy

    • Environmental Design and Climate Change

    • Doing Business & Entrepreneurship

    • Working with the Public & Community Engagement

    The goal is to empower MST Host Nation community members to re-shape their own territory through collaborative design and planning, while being connected to other Black and Indigenous professionals in these industries.

    Students will receive a $1,500 honorarium upon completion of the program, a graduation ceremony will be held on December 1st, 2023 to recognize the incredible accomplishments and commitments to sovereign futures for all BIDC graduates.

  • Throughout the 3 week program, mentors and guest speakers will also provide training workshops and hands on project work in the areas of:

    • Culture in design & planning projects…

    • Planning, design, engagement, and policy…

    • Doing Business…

    • Working with the public…

    Upon completion of the program mentees will have a clear understanding of the educational and employment opportunities available to them, and will have established networks with one another, the mentors, and guest speakers. Mentees will take their work internship experience, cultural knowledge and self-determination to reshape the City of Vancouver using Coast Salish knowledge and perspectives. Mentees will also be expected to present their concepts and ideas for Urban Design + Planning, and will have a portfolio of their work to use for future opportunities.