Information Sessions and Use of Culturally-appropriate symbols and text in the Messaging

As a former Community Organizer with the Indigenous people, Aetas, in the Philippines after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the early 1990s, I made as my personal mission to advocate for the needs of Indigenous Peoples wherever I can.

As a healthservice organization our goals and mission are aligned with the Reconciliation's 94 Calls to Action, particulalrly Action 18-24 which is healthcare. Our philosophy is grounded in science where we believe that a healthy community and its people only flourishes when their environment is healthy. Which translate to the universal reality, regardless of community affiliation, that in this day and age and real threat of Climate Change, it is imperative that every community should have the necessary tool to ensure that they are calamity (pandemic)- ready to meet those climate-induced challenges.

In this case, the Indigenous communities that are or will be projected to be "affected" with the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project needs to be creatively engaged in the consultation process. Upon initial information-gathering some video clips posted from the community members, it appears the common sentiments shared is that they were 'not properly consulted" when this project started years. We also noticed that the language used, text and non-existent imagery in our observation is typical of an Anglo-SOP approach. Also we noticed that there is no Public Information Sessions scheduled. 

As this project is in the Indigenous land, we suggest to adopt a culturally-appropriate approach with the use of language/text and imagery. It is empowering for the Indigenous people to identify their identity, their culture with images and language/text, among others  that best represent themselves in this engagement process.

Given the deadline of May 8th, the Proponent should be very mindful and sensitive with this undertaking and keeping mind about the Reconciliation Initiatives and 94 Calls to Action.  And to laser focus on ensuring that optimal use of social media and other forms of digital advertising to maximize the reach to every and all communities that will be impacted by this project. Use this engagement exercise as part of the Reconciliation process and Healing that these Communities badly needed.