Don’t Tickety Box Me: Rethinking Indigenous engagement
The First Nations Major Projects Coalition has launched a new short film, Don’t Tickety Box Me, calling on governments and industry to move beyond checkbox consultation and engage in genuine, long-term partnership with Indigenous peoples.
For too long, major project development has been driven by outdated approaches to engagement. Consultation has often been reduced to a process rather than a dialogue. Indigenous peoples are asking for early involvement, transparent processes and planning that respects their knowledge systems, laws and priorities.
The film presents an alternative. It is Indigenous-led, grounded in respect and shaped by principles that have sustained communities and lands for generations. This is not just a model for engagement. It is a way of rethinking infrastructure, energy and development itself.
Moving Beyond Compliance
Don’t Tickety Box Me underlines the risks of tokenistic consultation. Projects that fail to incorporate Indigenous perspectives face delays, disputes and loss of social licence. Early and meaningful engagement, by contrast, provides a foundation for shared prosperity and projects that stand the test of time.
Tools for Change
This release is the first step in a wider program. Over the coming months, the First Nations Major Projects Coalition Environmental Services team will introduce new tools and resources aimed at building awareness, driving dialogue and strengthening advocacy for Indigenous cultural rights. These resources will help ensure that Indigenous perspectives are embedded into planning from the beginning.
Collaboration and Leadership
The film was created in partnership with 6ix Sigma Productions. It also reflects the leadership of Jasmine Thomas, former Manager of Environmental Services at the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, who coordinated participation from her community. Chief Priscilla Mueller of Saik’uz First Nation, a Board Member of the Coalition, also played a key role by opening community spaces that enabled the film to be made.
A Call to Action
Don’t Tickety Box Me is more than a film. It is a call to governments, industry leaders and the public to adopt a model of engagement that respects Indigenous sovereignty and knowledge. As Canada advances critical infrastructure and energy projects, the message is clear: progress must be built with Indigenous peoples, not around them.
The full film is available through the First Nations Major Projects Coalition blog.
