Finding Connections between the Diné Philosophy of Life and a Project Definition Rating Index to Develop a Planning Tool for Construction on Tribal Lands

Many Tribal Nations are working to build capacity to plan, scope, execute, and operate construction projects internally, yet they face a lack of resources designed to support their efforts to self-perform such projects. In a research study conducted by the authors, 22 professionals in the construction industry were interviewed to identify best practices and strategies for designing and building facilities on tribal lands. This paper presents a construction planning tool borne from these interviews, the Project Definition Rating Index for Tribal Building Projects (PDRI—Tribal Building Projects), which supports planning and executing projects on tribal land considering their unique features. The paper further explores the PDRI—Tribal Building Projects through the lens of the Diné (Navajo) philosophy of Sa’ąh Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón (SNBH), and the guiding principles of Nistáhákees (thinking), Nahat’á (planning), Iiná (living), and Sihasin (assurance/reflection). This paper contributes to the architectural engineering and construction planning bodies of knowledge by presenting a new tool to support planning and executing projects on Tribal lands, the PDRI—Tribal Building Projects, and its benefits, including the promotion of culturally responsive communication, ensuring capital projects meet the needs of the tribe, and building capacity for front-end planning in Tribal Nations. The paper also makes explicit connections between the Diné philosophy and the front-end planning process for tribal construction projects.