What members told us about communications and LNG

Survey results: What members told us about communications and LNGApril 10, 2014

© 2014 Lax Kw’alaams Band 2

Toll-Free Communications Phone1.877.936.6392

Band Office Phone: 250.625.3293 Toll Free: 1.877.725.3293 Fax: 250.625.3246

206 Shashaak StreetLax Kw’alaams, BC

V0V 1H0

www.laxkwalaams.ca


Table of Contents

Introduction_______________________________________________________4

Survey Results Statistics____________________________________________________5 Survey Responses___________________________________________7 Comments___________________________________________________13

Introduction

After hearing from our members that improving communications is a high priority, we (the Lax Kw’alaams Band) are revising our approach to communications. We will be making some important decisions, including decisions about liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and pipelines, and we want members to be involved in the process. Ensuring effective communication tools are in place is key to involving members in making decisions about these issues in a meaningful way.

As an initial step, we administered a Baseline Survey to help us understand members’ communications preferences and initial thoughts about the proposed LNG projects in the area. The goal of the survey was to gather information that would allow us to develop an effective strategy for:

• communicating fully with members both on- and off-reserve; • receiving feedback on key issues facing the nation; and • reaching key decisions efficiently with guidance from members in order to deliver further prosperity

to the nation.

The survey was sent to members (above the age of 14) on- and off-reserve by mail, via social media, and by email. Paper copies of the survey were also delivered to members’ homes in Port Simpson (Lax Kw’alaams). With the support of two band members who were hired as Communications Officers for this project, we gathered 514 completed surveys. This report summarizes the survey results, including members’ comments. To protect the privacy of our members, all comments shared in this report have been kept anonymous. The survey also invited members to share their biggest questions about LNG. We have compiled a list of frequently questions and are currently working to develop a separate report with detailed answers to members’ questions about LNG.

To start, here is what some members had to say about the survey:

Good job, Lax!! It’s nice to see that you’re taking advantage of the smarts of our people and using these smarts to benefit our nation.

I hope there will be more surveys such as this, as I would love to be more included.

I think it’s a great idea to gather information and opinions from all band members. Good luck.

I really appreciate the band reaching out :) . I may be strong in my opinions but I respect our Tsimshian values and welcome the opportunity to share my voice. T’oyax sut nuun and keep up the surveys!

Surveys should be done more often and be a part of our communication strategy. Subject-

specific surveys are informative and reach all members, plus they give information on member impacts.


Statistics

This report is based on the results of the 514 fully completed surveys we received from Lax Kw’alaams members, meaning all required fields were filled in; an additional 80 surveys were partially completed, but are not included in this analysis.

We invited all members who were at least 14 years old to participate in the survey. Our sample size was defined by the number of registered members over the age of 14, 2925 members. With this sample size and number of completed surveys, we can calculate the survey response rate to be 18%.

Given the large number of members who completed surveys, we can consider the results to be representative of the Lax Kw’alaams population as a whole. That is, we can consider the results to be good indication of com-munity members’ views, and use the survey findings as a tool to inform band decision-making.

Survey Respondents

All survey respondents were asked to verify that they are above the age of 14 and are members of the Lax Kw’alaams First Nations community.

We asked survey respondents to tell us their place of residence. Of the 514 completed surveys, 124 (24%) were completed by those living at home in Lax Kw’alaams, and 386 (76%) were completed by those community members living away from home. This breakdown is shown in the chart below.

Place of residence:


17

124

373

Place of residence

Away from home, off-reserve On home reserveAway from Lax Kwalaams on another reserve

We also asked members to identify their tribes. The following chart shows the responses we received. Just over half of members identified themselves as belonging to one of the nine Lax Kw’alaams tribes. A small number (42 or 8%) named a tribe outside of the nine tribes, while 42 (35%) respondents did not know their tribe.

Tribe Associations:

The band needs to get a better idea of who its membership is - i.e. the dynamics of membership, who we are and how we define ourselves (are we educated, how many live on / off reserve, what we do).

I would like to know my mother’s history and learn more about where we are from and where she grew up. Perhaps find a way to bring people back to the village who have not had the opportunity to learn and appreciate where we are from instead of being treated as just another number living off reserve. I am very proud to be an ambassador for my village but sadly feel like an outsider.

0

75

150

225

300

42

180

292Tribe Associations

One of the nine LKB tribes I don’t know my tribeOther


Survey Responses

The remaining survey questions were intended to gauge members’ values, priorities and opinions to help inform band decision-making. We also asked questions aimed at improving the Lax Kw’alaams communications strategy. The following charts illustrate the responses we received to these questions.

Values and Priorities

Which statements do you agree with the most?

Members were evenly split in their responses about values, suggesting the range of values presented in the survey are important to Lax Kw’alaams members. The top values are: we live in a wonderful place, we have a strong culture, we can work well together, and we are proud.

Values:

I am true Tsimshian in my heart and remember my father’s teaching to me of our

people. I love you all !


14%

20%

12%

19%

17%

18%

Values

We can work well together We are proudWe have a strong culture We are resilientWe live in a wonderful place We have beautiful children

Which priorities are most important to you and your family?

Members were also evenly split in terms of their priorities. Personal health and well-being was identified by the most members as a top priority, followed by children and families, and lands and environment.

Priorities:

I have children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I would like them to still be able to live off our resources.

Environment should be our top concern. We can all learn to live together, but we need a clean, safe way to do that.

Language, culture and education are the most important for us Lax Kw’alaams. If we don’t have language, then we don’t have history.


7%

19%

20%

14%

14%

26%

Priorities

Personal health and wellbeing Prosperity and financial growthCulture and language Children and familiesLand and environment Housing and infrastructure

Opinions on LNGHow do you feel about proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) projects?

Members’ feelings on proposed LNG projects were almost evenly divided: 37.3% expressed they were in favour; 36.4% said they were opposed; and the remaining 26.3% said they were undecided about the projects.

Opinions on LNG:

I think LNG would be a good idea to help bring the community together with the rest of the world, but I also think that by bringing LNG here we would be risking a lot.

My biggest concern is that the environment be protected. This is very important to me. People need to be able to continue getting fish, seaweed and all of the bounties of the ocean toxin-free. Protecting the environment is #1. Otherwise we lose our way of life forever.

I’m very concerned about the pipelines going through. Our people have been fighting for our environment for many years and I would not like to see us sell out to the Government / China. I would rather see other projects created that don’t risk our land / country / planet.

I am strongly in favour of this project if it can provide me with a career. Traditional foods will not make a living for me.


26%

27%

9%

20%

18%

Opinions on LNG

Highly in favour Somewhat in favour Somewhat opposedHighly opposed Undecided

In general, how is your opinion changing on LNG?

When asked how opinions about LNG have changed over time, most (just over half) responded that their opinion had not changed. The remaining responses were almost evenly split: 20% have become more against LNG over time, while 25% have grown more in favour of LNG.

Change in Opinions on LNG:

I need more information on this project to decide where I stand on LNG.

© 2014 Lax Kw’alaams Band Survey Report 10

25% 20%

55%

Change in Opinions on LNG

My opinion is not changing More against LNGMore in favour of LNG

Communications

As a member, would you like more information on LNG projects in our territory?

The vast majority of members told us that they would like more information about proposed LNG projects in Lax Kw’alaams territory.

Information on LNG:

Informed decisions take information. Yes, please keep me posted. Maybe my expertise can help the band.

When the Band Council sits down to talk with LNG or any companies that are interested in pipelines, oil refineries, or LNG, they should have some members from the band attend just so that they can report back to members about the process and what actually takes place. Maybe even be able to give some information or support for Council members.

The Mayor and Council need to communicate with the Lax Kw’alaams members and tell us about the money that has changed hands. That is why a lot of people get mad; because we don’t know what is going on at the Band Council.

Transparency is a big issue, as a lot of meetings are happening with consultants, companies, lawyers -- and we don’t hear what is going on. Hope this changes that.


16%

84%

Information on LNG

Yes No

© 2014 Lax Kw’alaams Band Survey Report 12

How would you like us to communicate with you in the future?

To help us develop an effective strategy for sharing information about LNG projects and other matters affecting the nation, we also asked members how they would like to be communicated with.

The responses were evenly split across all communications options, indicating a need for a communications plan that draws upon a number of tools, including: mail updates, email notices, social media use, regular website updates, community meetings and door-to-door notice delivery.

Communication Preferences:

I am glad to see this new communications strategy being brought to our peoples. A lot of members still do not have Internet, etc. but there are other ways to get important messages to the people, such as door-to-door, mail, announcements on CB etc. Texts and phone calls to individuals is something our band needs to work on bringing to the community ASAP.

Have meetings regularly. Keep everything transparent. It’s a great way to educate members, and it’s okay to take input; it’s food for thought that makes you a stronger leader. Many minds are better than ONE.

23%

19%

16%

13%11%

8%6%

3%2%

Communication Preferences

Text Message Band news over CBPhone notifications about important meetings Door-to-door noticesMore community meetings Website updatesFacebook and social media Member email noticesNotices and updates in the mail


CommentsThe following is a selection of comments we heard from members about communications, LNG and other issues. Most are verbatim, although in some cases they have been lightly edited for readability and to ensure member anonymity.All member comments will be available in the final report.

Communications

Communication is key. The more the band communicates with the members, the less they can be accused of hiding things.

I am against updates through social media. This seems to get people on all riled up. Then everything gets out of control. A lot of people will say stuff on Facebook, but when it comes to an actual community meeting, they tend to be quiet or not even attend.

Thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion.

This is not just about people living on reserve. I want to see meetings held in Prince Rupert on a regular basis. Having meetings only on reserve is absolutely not the way to run things when there is a very large band membership living in Prince Rupert.

LNG Projects

The LNG project looks good for the band members.

LNG, oil, or anything along the lines of these can only be bad. No amount of money can buy fish, seaweed, crab or any of our food that we have lived off of for thousands of years. We all need money to survive in this day and age, but no amount can buy what we get from the ocean.

Would appreciate info on job opportunities for band members on or off reserve and training opportunities.

I really don’t want them to come in but if they do, I want a real say in the benefits to our people. No more of this messy $300 per year stuff, And just how do we get our children to understand the kind of education they need to get the big paying jobs available. We don’t even employ very many of the ones today that do have higher education, training and skills.

Thank you for asking us members what we think. I suggest the band council researches the results of LNG on other Native communities, as well as non-Native communities.

This disturbs me to no end, the impact to our fragile north would be irreversible. This is a fragile matter and it is treated like it’s not going to impact any of the fragile resources that will be lost forever.

Other

The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time, and your future depends on many things, but mostly you. Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing life is made up of little things. Constant and determined effort breaks down all resistance, and sweeps away all obstacles.


A full list of comments can be viewed online at:https://laxkwalaams.wufoo.eu/reports/lkb-baseline-survey-report/

Please visit our new website at:www.laxkwalaams.ca

Documents

What members told us about communications and LNG