Avision Planning was born from a desire to offer consulting services to Indigenous Nations and organizations differently - and in a more authentic way; to prioritize building relationships with you and the land and to minimize the administrative or financial growth pressures that often impose restrictions to those relationships.
Mitchell Avis, MSc, RPP, MCIP
Owner & Community Planner
I bring many identities and experiences to this space. First and foremost, I am a husband, a son, and a brother. In the context of my planning work, I am a white settler who is aware of the privilege I hold and strive to use my positionality for good. Much of my upbringing and early education was from the western worldview; my current work prioritizes learning, unlearning, and listening so I can best support the Indigenous Nations and organizations I work with.
I am the sole proprietor of Avision Planning and have been working exclusively for Indigenous Nations and organizations for the last 5+ years. I specialize in First Nations community planning, community engagement, facilitation, land use planning, policy writing, and analysis. I am skilled at analyzing information and distilling it down into what matters for my clients and presenting it in an effective, clear, and useful way. My focus is on supporting Indigenous Nations to make impactful changes in areas that are meaningful to them like governance, environmental protection, economic development, and lands management.
I offer a diverse planning background with 10+ years of professional planning experience. I hold a Master of Science (Planning) in Rural Planning & Development from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Waterloo.
I am a full member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and Ontario Professional Planners Institute.
Some of my other interests that make me who I am include volunteering with the Indigenous Hockey Equipment Drive, reading, sailing, cycling, learning photography and how to play guitar, and always aspiring to make the perfect homemade pizza!
I am strong in my conviction that good planning requires building relationship and understanding of the people for which I am planning with. This begins by spending a lot of time on the land and with the people.
I offer 10+ years of professional planning experience including 5+ years exclusively supporting and working with First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
Your money is valuable. I offer customized rates to Indigenous Nations and organizations so more of your money stays within to spend on other priorities that matter most to you.
I believe we have the moral and ethical responsibility to use our business and privilege for good as white settlers working with Indigenous Nations and organizations. I am committed to affecting real impact through my work and business.
Because we are a small firm, we are able to react quickly. We can respond to clients needs without the bureaucracy that larger firms have. We can adapt our methodology and approach to fit our clients’ needs with little difficulty. This nimbleness results in quicker results and less fees.
I am committed to the practice of reconciliation; continuous learning and unlearning; and listening to the truth, stories, and wisdom shared with us by community members. You are the experts of your community or organization!
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