What must be done?
Posted By Greg on June 30, 2010
What is the state of native issues in Canada today and what must be done to address the many problems we all face in addressing these issues. This is a question which is addressed to all of us because we are not two solitudes; we are a caring compassionate society that has committed ourselves to the prosperity and welfare of all. The conditions which many native people in Canada live in is not acceptable. Rates of major social ills are extraordinarily high for native peoples compared to the rest of the country or almost any other ethnic or social group. Canada has been struggling with this challenge since July 1st, 1867 and before that, the French and English were constantly trying to define a relationship with native peoples. What do we do? In 1969 the Canadian Government published a White Paper titled “Statement of the Government of Canada on Indian policy”. Although dated in some ways, the objective of creating a Just society where all people would be treated equally, offered the same opportunities and, equipped with the same tools, and held accountable and responsible for the welfare and welfare of their society. The Cabinet Minister behind this paper writes in the preface “To be an Indian is to be a man, with all a man’s needs and abilities. To be an Indian is also to be different. It is to speak different languages, draw different pictures, tell different tales and to rely on a set of values developed in a different world.
Canada is richer for its Indian component, although there have been times when diversity seemed of little value to many Canadians.
But to be a Canadian Indian today is to be someone different in another way. It is to be someone apart – apart in law, apart in the provision of government services and, too often, part in social contacts.
To be an Indian is to lack power – the power to act as owner of your lands, the power to spend your own money and, too often, the power to change your own condition.
Not always, but too often, to be an Indian is to be without – without a job, a good house, or running water; without knowledge, training or technical skill and, above all, without those feelings of dignity and self-confidence that a man must have if he is to walk with his head held high.
All these conditions of the Indians are the product of history and have nothing to do with their abilities and capacities. Indian relations with other Canadians began with special treatment by government and society, and special treatment has been the rule since Europeans first settled in Canada. Special treatment has made of the Indians a community disadvantaged and apart.
Obviously, the course of history must be changed.
To be an Indian must be to be free – free to develop Indian cultures in an environment of legal, social and economic equality with other Canadians.”
Obviously women must be included in this interpretation but those were the times that the challenge was written in. The point is – THE COURSE OF HISTORY MUST BE CHANGED.
We need to get back to the objectives and vision held out in that White Paper. Although it is more than 40 years old, the wisdom and philosophy generally hold true and offer an alternative to perpetual division and alienation. (Read the full version of the document at http://www.canadahistory.com/sections/documents/Native/1969_white_paper.htm )
