ID: 2138
Presenting Author: Gary Pritchard
Session: 759 - Railroading the Assessment of Health and Social Valued Components in Impact Assessment
Status: pending
Misinformation undermines Indigenous engagement in IAs, distorting perspectives & trust. Transparent, Indigenous-led communication fosters respect, counters harm, & supports justice & reconciliation.
Engagement with Indigenous communities during environmental, health and social impact assessments is essential for ensuring culturally respectful, inclusive, and equitable decision-making. However, this engagement can be undermined by the spread of misinformation and disinformation, which distort perceptions, erode trust, and disrupt collaborative processes. This mis/disinformation can misrepresent Indigenous perspectives, rights, or the implications of proposed projects, and may lead to confusion about consultation obligations, mischaracterize community positions, or falsely portray Indigenous opposition or support. As a result, regulatory bodies and project proponents may misinterpret community concerns, overlook legitimate cultural and environmental risks, or fail to meet legal and ethical consultation standards. The consequences include delayed approvals, legal challenges, and damaged relationships. To counter these risks, IA processes must prioritize transparent, culturally grounded communication and foster long-term relationships built on mutual respect. This includes engaging with Indigenous knowledge holders, ensuring information is accessible and accurate, and recognizing the role of oral traditions and community protocols. Centering IA on Indigenous-led communication strategies and engagement frameworks can help insulate communities from harmful narratives and reinforce their agency in decision-making. Addressing mis/disinformation is not merely a technical challenge – it is a matter of justice, reconciliation, and the integrity of IA processes.
Gary Pritchard – Gary is the President, Senior Ecologist and Engagement Specialist with over 25 years of experience. In the past, Gary (who is a member of Curve Lake First Nation) has had the privileg