Heritage and Diversity in the City

Deniz Unsal was granted Research and Professional Development funds for a project investigating heritage in urban spaces and the participation of Indigenous and people of colour communities.

The definition of heritage has evolved in the last couple of decades from one that embraces a tangible focus to one that expands to cultural practices, knowledge, traditions, and natural heritage. Many Indigenous communities, diasporas and immigrant communities question Western definitions of heritage as the only valid one. Yet in most national jurisdictions, most of heritage policies and regulations at local level remain still focused to the tangible. This research examines how existing heritage policies and conservation plans facilitate creation, expression and participation to heritage by Indigenous and people of colour communities in the cities.