Our tribal nations act as key economic engines, having an immense impact and influence on tribal citizens as well as the surrounding non-indigenous community. Such economic revenue and placemaking efforts rely on tribal lands, languages, and cultures. However, there is a need for an increased focus on indigenous-led community development theory and practice. When local indigenous knowledge systems and languages are incorporated into community planning efforts, they not only increase the self-determination efforts of local Indigenous peoples, but they foreground language and culture into the community experience. Our iyadvnelidasdi (“lifeways” in the Cherokee language) are inherently place-based. This paper addresses the question of how indigenous lifeways and knowledge systems can be centered to develop diverse and unique place-based community development strategies led by indigenous community members. Themes gleaned from indigenous participatory action research (IPAR) undertaken with community members in the tribal jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, OK, will be highlighted alongside global examples of localized indigenous-led planning efforts. This paper seeks to highlight modern indigenous-led efforts planning and development efforts and how culturally-specific values and practices can be embedded in the overall planning strategies. Short description: When iyadvnelidasdi (“lifeways”) are incorporated into community development efforts, they not only increase the self-determination efforts of local Indigenous peoples, but they foreground language and culture into the community experience. This paper addresses the question of how indigenous knowledge systems can be centered to develop place-based community development strategies led by indigenous community members. Themes gleaned from indigenous participatory action research (IPAR) undertaken with community members in the tribal jurisdiction of the Cherokee Nation will be highlighted. This paper seeks to highlight indigenous-led community development efforts and how culturally-specific values and practices can be embedded in overall planning strategies.
