Poll suggests public remains confused about aboriginal protest aims

OTTAWA – A new poll suggests Canadians remain confused by the efforts of aboriginal activists and leaders to improve their relationship with the rest of Canada.

The Canadian Press/Harris-Decima survey found just four in ten respondents were both familiar with and sympathetic to the Idle no More cause.

Almost two in three respondents who were aware of the movement’s goals said they were sympathetic, with residents of Atlantic Canada and British Columbia most likely to be supportive.

The telephone survey of 1,000 people was carried out between Jan. 17 and 20 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

Meanwhile, a separate study of Idle No More activity on social media, where the movement came of age and spread around the world, also indicates public attention is waning.

The results of both reports suggest a major challenge ahead for Idle No More, even as First Nations leaders seek to codify their priorities in resetting the relationship.