51ÁÔÆæ

Ocean Luo graduated from the Native Studies program in 2015. Photo supplied.

Ocean Luo’s life took an unexpected turn during his degree in Native Studies at the 51ÁÔÆæ when the raw power of shared Indigenous stories ignited a passion for equitable community development that would shape his remarkable career.

Luo is an Indigenous member of the Miao people of southern China. When he immigrated to Canada in 2011, he brought a background in urban planning and teaching. After a year of learning English, he enrolled in Native Studies, seeking to understand the history of his new home. "The deeply personal stories shared by his classmates invited me to join the family, letting me feel I’m part of the story now," Luo recalls. The profound sense of belonging prompted him to consider, “What can I do? How can I contribute to my new country?”

His studies revealed the deep impact of generational trauma and the necessity of understanding a community’s history before implementing policy. “We should provide space and time for everyone to make them feel safe and comfortable to heal,” says Luo. “That is the foundation, how we rebuild trust and relationships. That is exactly what’s missing in society and the government system most of the time.”

This understanding became the bedrock of his approach to community planning and capacity building, which he discovered was his passion. Building upon the knowledge gained in Native Studies, Luo pursued a master’s degree in community and regional planning at the University of British Columbia, focusing on Indigenous community planning. “It felt like that program was designed for me,” says Luo. “It was the perfect way to combine my experiences in China and Canada.”

While pursuing his education, Luo held several part-time positions, including program assistant at the Canadian Indigenous Languages and Literacy Development Institute, Indigenous community planning consultant for SnPink’tn (the Penticton Indian Band), lands officer for Tsleil-Waututh Nation in B.C. and Indigenous community planning practicum student for Toquaht Nation on Vancouver Island.

At Toquaht Nation, he joined a planning team to support a federally funded social housing program for the community. “During the engagement process, I realized the community members really wanted a long-term vision to bring their people home,” explains Luo. “Social housing wasn’t enough.” People wanted a voice on big topics like jobs, schools, transportation and basic infrastructure like WiFi and electricity.

During the eight-month project, the team implemented an inclusive planning process and provided opportunities for people to heal and contribute to the future. “We created the Macoah Village Community Plan for this nation,” says Luo, adding that doing so created trust and hope in the community. “It lets them know their voice is important.”

Luo's career trajectory reflects a consistent commitment to equitable community development. Beginning with his role as a climate change specialist serving Indigenous communities with Alberta’s Ministry of Environment and Parks in 2017, he transitioned to community planning with the City of Edmonton and then to a senior planner position with the Boston Planning and Development Agency in the United States. He continues to build his career in the U.S., formerly as deputy director of real estate for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and currently as senior asset manager. Both roles have further solidified his focus on addressing systemic inequities.

Luo observes significant disparities in transportation infrastructure investment and community engagement in his current role, particularly impacting underserved neighbourhoods. “People sometimes forget the importance of public transportation,” he notes, emphasizing its vital role in accessing essential services. He also recognizes that technical land-use language often creates barriers to meaningful community participation, hindering trust and equitable outcomes. 

To bridge this gap, Luo earned a master of public health degree from Brown University in 2024, aiming to integrate public health principles and language into planning processes. “All urban planning, transportation planning or infrastructure investment is to promote public health,” he asserts, highlighting his commitment to ensuring all community voices are heard.

Also in 2024, Luo was selected as one of 12 U.S. Transformative Justice Infrastructure Fellows and named an Urban Land Institute Health Leader.

Reflecting on his diverse experiences, Luo identifies his role as an advocate for equitable processes and outcomes within government systems as his most significant contribution and credits his Native Studies education for enabling his deep understanding of the importance of acknowledging and addressing the emotional and historical contexts that shape community needs.

“Every policy, program or project should serve the people,” says Luo. “Specifically, those who have been neglected by the system for a long time.”