A preliminary study on developing a culturally grounded ecovillage framework for sustainable communities in the Cherokee Nation, Oklahoma

This research aims to develop a holistic framework for ecovillage development tailored to the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Globally, ecovillages are gaining immense popularity as ideal models for sustainable living. Most existing models are shaped by middle- and upper-middle-class white people, thus limiting their relevance for Cherokee contexts, which are grounded in distinct traditions of land, governance, and mutual aid. Hence, this research addresses that gap by developing a holistic approach that represents Cherokee cultural values, governance traditions, and environmental ethics. A mixed-method design is employed, where the first stage of data collection consists of an exploratory factor analysis to determine the key dimensions grounded in Cherokee perspectives. In the second stage, a confirmatory factor analysis is used to validate the internal coherence of these dimensions across a broader sample. The third stage, which is a longitudinal data collection method, spans six months and incorporates diverse community voices, elders, youth, planners, and cultural leaders. The expected outcomes include an empirically grounded ecovillage framework, consisting of core pillars and the practices that constitute the identified pillars. The framework is intended to support policy development, guide sustainable infrastructure planning, and revitalize traditional lifeways. Moreover, the framework provides a broader applicability for indigenous and rural communities that seek culturally anchored approaches to sustainability through the concept of ecovillages.