Canadian astronomers' commitment to the telescope has forced the community to contend with the tension between its scientific ambitions and how it navigates questions about Kanaka Maoli consent. Peaking at 4,200 metres above sea level, the dormant volcano is sacred to Kanaka Maoli. Maile said there's a plurality of perspectives among Kanaka Maoli when it comes to TMT but that there's evidence to show that Kanaka Maoli don't consent to its construction. "Kanaka Maoli say enough is enough and have shown up in force to say no," he said. While the long range plan recommendations about Indigenous consent send the "right message," Neilson worries that "it's not clear who is responsible for implementing that spirit and that message.

Source: CBC News September 27, 2020 12:00 UTC