Gerard Rodriguez

Indigenous Land Justice and Design Advisor,
PLACE
—
From advocating to the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies as a youth to working in tribal affairs in director and advisor capacities, Gerard integrates Indigenous values and traditions to reclaim land, protect water, and practice cultural stewardship in the Pacific Northwest. Over the past ten years, he has worked in education, environmental sciences, and intergovernmental affairs to advance inclusive public spaces through efforts that honor Indigenous history and traditions across the nation. Gerard also partnered with public agencies and nonprofits advancing Native programming and engagement initiatives including Willamette Falls Trust, Tryon Creek State Park, the National Land Trust Alliance, and the Confluence Project. Exploring the privilege, power structures, and colonization that have defined injustice in the built environment from America’s inception, his work is transformational in its mission to unite the Indigenous population and integrate Native perspectives and traditions into new spatial justice opportunities. Gerard advances these efforts through collaborative efforts to create culturally informed design, restore and protect natural areas, and elevate the presence of Indigenous communities.

Plenary moderator: Closing Plenary—Dr. Dori Tunstall