Survey Reveals Public Opinion Split
A recent poll has highlighted a significant divide among Canadians regarding the notion of living on 'stolen' Indigenous land. According to the survey, 52 percent of respondents across the country reject the idea that their land was taken from Indigenous peoples. In contrast, 27 percent believe they do live on stolen land, while 21 percent either declined to answer or were unsure of their stance.
The poll, conducted by the Association for Canadian Studies, also uncovered demographic differences in opinion. Older Canadians form the majority of those who reject the 'stolen' land narrative, while younger respondents and urban dwellers, except in Calgary, are more likely to agree with the concept. Notably, in Calgary, 69 percent of respondents rejected the idea, making it the city with the strongest opposition among those surveyed.
Generational and Regional Disparities
The survey results point to a clear generational divide. Jack Jedwab, president of the Montreal-based Association for Canadian Studies, noted, 'This reflects not just a disagreement over language, but a deeper divide in how people view Canada's history — highlighting ongoing political conversations about land ownership and societal values.' Rural Canadians were the least likely to agree with the 'stolen' land narrative, while urban residents showed more acceptance, with the notable exception of Calgary.
Public land acknowledgments, often read at government meetings and official gatherings, have also come under scrutiny. These statements frequently use the term 'unceded' rather than 'stolen,' which appears to be more palatable to the public. However, the survey suggests that requiring Canadians to acknowledge living on stolen land may lack genuine conviction for the majority, raising questions about the impact of such practices.
Legal and Cultural Implications
The poll's findings come amid legal challenges related to land acknowledgments. In April, four professors filed a lawsuit in the B.C. Supreme Court against the University of British Columbia (UBC). They argue that UBC's land acknowledgments, which declare the school is on 'unceded Indigenous land,' violate a B.C. law requiring universities to remain non-political. This case underscores the tension between historical narratives and modern societal values in Canada.
The debate over terminology and public perception continues to shape discussions on reconciliation and Indigenous rights. As Canada grapples with its colonial past, the use of terms like 'unceded' versus 'stolen' in official statements, including by figures like King Charles III during a recent throne speech in Ottawa acknowledging 'unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg people,' remains a point of contention. The survey's insights suggest that bridging this divide will require careful consideration of language and historical understanding.