So obviously providing social services isn't enough. The folks in the Okanagan decided it was time they took advantage of what Canada was giving them in the first place and did something with it. They helped themselves. It worked there it can work in other places in Cnada.
BTW, I would take small town SK over Tranna, anytime.
Well, this is what is going on in Grassy Narrows, like one the articles I posted earlier states. The problem is not what Canada is giving...the problem is with what Canada is taking away. In northwestern ontario, part of what helped so many reserves survive is the ability to sustain themselves off of the land. Problem is, they don't have much of it of their own. So, they hunt, fish, get wood, etc from crown land...something that has been gauranteed in treaties. Well, then the government comes along and doesn't honour these treaties, and allows companies like Abitibi to come in and clearcut the area, thus destroying any of the resources that helped to provide any sense of self sustainability to this area. So, now, they are fighting to try and stop clearcutting and create a situation where they can survive.
I wonder what you are implying? That native peoples are lazy, they live off of the system, they are nothing but mooches? Some of the hardest working folks I know are native. I used to work with this cameraman...he was amazing....he worked long hours...he was dedicated. My dad works in NWO and meets with alot of native groups, and loves it. He has met great people...proud people...hard working people.
This isn't a black and white deal. There are many sides to the coin. I look at what is happening in Caledonia and see so many white people pissed off...but I side with the natives. All of sudden, while a land claim is going on, a land claim that will help shape their future, the government goes and sells the land! That was low...very low. There should be a moritoriam on any activity for both parties on disputed lands. Land claims MUST be processed faster to allow people to get on with their lives quicker. Self government must become a reality. Education, health care, clean water (something like 180 reserves don't even have clean water) THESE are needed in order for advancement. But, if a reserve does not have the resources to obtain these things...what the heck do they do? They are stuck in an endless cycle. And self government will HOPEFULLY help in proper distribution of funds to areas where help is needed the most. I think many complain that Indian Affairs is out of touch...it's a bunch of white guys in ottawa who don't really get what is happening on reserves...and unfortunatly, money gets funneled into unproductive areas. Of course, as mentioned before, there are some reserves where their is corruption within the band office, and this needs to be addressed...it HAS to be addressed, and again, I think the best way to address this is through self governance...government bodies above the band office keeping closer track of what is going on and where money is going...but are still in native hands.
There are some very successful reserves...there are many that aren't. Alot of the time it comes down to location, location, location. The Fort William Reserve just on the edge of Thunder Bay, is relatively successful. But that's because of it's location, and the access to resources and social services that are needed. Other reserves aren't so lucky...they are distance from resources and services and that causes some issues.
Overall, it is a complicated subject. It's not black and white. Many things need to be done, new directions taken, chances taken, new relationships forged, etc.
