Design Reparations

Design Reparations is a program that fosters relationships of understanding and reciprocity between the design community and traditional, indigenous communities worldwide. Why indigenous knowledge Indigenous communities, who constitute only 6% of the global population, steward up to 80% of the world's most biodiverse regions. Combining traditional knowledge, garnered over thousands of years, and profound understanding of ecological systems, indigenous peoples are “living libraries” with deep ecological insights. Regrettably, the lives and cultures of these communities have been pushed to the brink of extinction and are continuously endangered, due to acts of systemic racism, oppression and climate change. Design as a profession is focused on defining the future. Despite a lot of positive intentions, however, Design is still relying on unsustainable practices, rooted in industrial exploitative systems. Designers who are committed to creating ecological futures can learn a lot from indigenous and ancestral cultures. Design Reparations In our programs indigenous and/or traditional knowledge keepers will guide the designers in the way of living and designing of their communities. In the spirit of reciprocity, designers will work on a specific cause in support of the community’s existence and culture. The program is built in collaboration with several Indigenous and traditional associations: Indigenous & Modern, Ocan, African Way, Mabika Foundation, Kinray Hub, and others. These organizations are committed to raising awareness about the ongoing threats their communities face while educating people on the preservation of Earth’s balance.