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You have to look at what the United Nations Declaration of…

“You have to look at what the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous people says which is free and prior informed consent. Now, if you say 'we're going to build a pipeline, what does it take for us as the colonial power of Canada to make you agree?' That's not free, prior and informed…” quote by Elizabeth May
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“You have to look at what the United Nations Declaration of Rights of Indigenous people says which is free and prior informed consent. Now, if you say 'we're going to build a pipeline, what does it take for us as the colonial power of Canada to make you agree?' That's not free, prior and informed consent, that's coercion.”

Elizabeth May

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Advocates that genuine consent must be free, prior, and informed, not coerced by power dynamics.

In simple terms: Consent must be genuine, not forced.

Key Takeaway

Demand true consultation and respect.

Themes

rights consent colonialism indigenous sovereignty

Mood

critical ethical

Type

political advocacy

When to use this quote

  • Pipeline negotiations
  • government agreements
  • indigenous consultations

Key Concepts

Free prior informed consent colonial power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can governments ensure consent is truly free?
  • What mechanisms prevent coercion?
A Different Perspective

Power imbalances can still undermine consent.

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