An influx of immigrants could seriously undercut political gains made by First Nations, a university researcher told a Saskatoon conference exploring ways to double Saskatchewan’s population.
Ken Coates, dean of the college of arts and sciences at the University of Saskatchewan, cited the example of Vancouver, where new immigrants have become a dominant political force.
He said it could tilt the national agenda toward multicultural issues and away from aboriginal, northern affairs and rural issues.
Many immigrants come to Canada without historical ties to the First Nations or European settlers who created the country, said Coates, who has studied white and native relations.
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He said the challenge for white and aboriginal communities when trying to reinvigorate the provincial economy is to create reconciliation, partnership, understanding and co-operation and celebrate native successes.
“Focus on opportunities, not just problems,” he said, noting projections of increased native populations are often presented as a problem.
Coates said more than half the teachers in band schools are now aboriginal, reflecting increased numbers of aboriginal university graduates, especially women.
“Aboriginals must be part of our future, not an afterthought,” Coates said.
