Shunka Kola Project

While involved in the Shunka Kola Project, I developed a comprehensive management framework to address the complex relationship between the Lakota people and their free-roaming dog population. Recognizing the deep cultural significance of dogs in Lakota traditions, the project moved beyond conventional animal control approaches, integrating Indigenous knowledge with modern conservation strategies. My role involved designing a Seven-Generation Framework (SGF), which structures sustainable, community-led solutions through mind, body, and spirit tracks, fostering long-term animal welfare and community healing.

A key aspect of the project was the creation of the Festival of Healing, a recurring event where Tribal members evaluate progress, share traditional knowledge, and plan future initiatives. By bridging participatory planning with Indigenous governance structures, the project ensures that dog management remains in the hands of the community. The work underscores how urban planning and conservation efforts must adapt to cultural contexts, respecting autonomy while addressing public health and ecological challenges.