By Canadian Press

Opponents of telescope development in Hawaii urge UN to hold Canada accountable

Jul 18, 2023 | 12:27 PM

OTTAWA — Canada is under fire for its support of a controversial telescope slated for development on Hawai’i Island, the largest island in the state, over allegations the project violates Indigenous rights.

A group of academics and advocacy organizations asked the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination last Friday for early warning and urgent action on the Thirty Meter Telescope development.

The telescope is slated to be built on Mauna Kea, a place researchers say has ideal observation conditions because it’s located above 40 per cent of the Earth’s atmosphere and has a climate favourable for capturing sharp images. 

The summit of the volcano also holds cultural importance for the Kanaka Maoli, the Indigenous Peoples of Hawaii, who have opposed its development.

Petitioners argue Canadian astronomical organizations wilfully misrepresented getting the consent of Indigenous Hawaiians, despite some having policies in place stating they would not proceed without it.

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The National Research Council, which provided some of the $30 million Canada contributed construction costs, says it is reviewing the petition and notes the federal government stands by the “principles” of UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

In 2015, the previous Conservative federal government pledged another $243 million to help fund the project over 10 years.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 18, 2023.

The Canadian Press