Survey suggests Indigenous groups are obstacles to projects
The Indigenous Resource Network (IRN) is disappointed in the framing of a recent poll for potentially setting Canadians against Indigenous peoples by implying they could hinder infrastructure projects.
CTV News commissioned Nanos Research to conduct the survey. The poll revealed 70% of Canadians support national projects despite potential Indigenous opposition, and 59% oppose Indigenous nations having the power to block them.
National projects often involve participation from Indigenous groups, and this participation and inclusion help create project approval and reduce risks for investors. Presenting “potential Indigenous opposition” encourages Canadians to see Indigenous peoples as roadblocks, when, they are in fact part of the solution. Additionally, asking Canadians whether they oppose Indigenous nations having the power to block projects is misleading, because Indigenous peoples do not hold that power. Unfortunately, this framing feeds into widespread Canadians' fears of Indigenous vetoes over projects.
Canadians are not only beginning to understand the constitutional reality that addressing Indigenous rights is necessary when considering projects - many are championing this realty often under what we now know as reconciliation. We should not regress by giving the impression that Indigenous rights pose problems, but an opportunity and a treaty obligation no longer neglected and now being honoured more meaningfully.
In 2024, Nanos conducted another poll for the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and the C.D. Howe Institute that, although it focused on energy projects, found that a strong majority of Canadians believe consulting with Indigenous Peoples is important when developing policies. Canadians recognize Indigenous peoples as valuable partners in projects. We must not move backward.
In this charged political climate over legislation fast tracking projects, we have an obligation to not make things worse through presenting divisive and misleading narratives that Indigenous people are against development or present obstacles to building necessary infrastructure. We are all in this together and dividing people is simply not productive right now.