The comments MLA Simon Gibson made to a member of the Squamish Nation are a sobering reminder that the way we view Indigenous people in Canada may blind us to what they are actually saying.
During a school visit to the provincial legislature, Nation member Taylor McCarthy raised environmental concerns about the Kinder Morgan pipeline to Gibson.
“The devastation of a pipeline burst or an explosion, or if a tanker had sunk into the waters — what would that do to the Squamish people… and non-Indigenous people as well — that is my greatest concern,” McCarthy said, according to an audio recording of the meeting shared with The Chief.
Gibson responded by saying:
“A lot of First Nations communities around the province are struggling, struggling with addictions, poverty [unclear audio] and you know all the tragedies. And one thing we have been promoting is economic renewal. Because when somebody has a job, you change the paradigm dramatically.”
On the surface, this may not seem like a big deal to many. Some may be wondering why this would make the news.
But on closer examination, these remarks reveal a troubling pattern among many people — not just Gibson.
It’s the tendency to perceive Aboriginal people as a troubled group who should be perpetually grateful for economic opportunities, regardless of whatever cost it may have.
There is no question that there are challenges facing First Nations communities, and nothing wrong with acknowledging them.
But there is a problem when these perceptions blind us to what individuals are saying.
McCarthy asked a question about environmental damage and degradation.
Gibson replied that her people are struggling and need jobs.
This was a tone-deaf reply that failed to address the question being asked.
It’s little wonder that Indigenous people say they feel frustrated when communicating with government and the broader community.
The perception that Aboriginal people are troubled unfortunately has a tendency to prevent people — even those well meaning — from actually hearing what is being said.
This is a problem all-around, but an especially important issue when these perceptions blind those who are charged with governing us. In this case, a member of the legislative assembly.
We would like to give Gibson the benefit of the doubt. There is no evidence to suggest he meant harm in his comments.
But if we are to have a proper dialogue with First Nations, a good start would be to listen to what is actually being said.
