LETTER

First Nations: four proposals

 

Of course, I don’t claim to understand all of our First Nations people's problems, but the following ideas are logical and logic can help solve some problems. These are the problems that have visited Attawapiskat and other reserves -- their deplorable conditions.  Why else would so many young people be trying to commit suicide?  Sending in mental health workers for 30 days will only be a band-aid solution.  The federal government has been throwing money at the problem for 150 years and we are no closer to solving these issues.  What can be done?

1) Relocate to a more habitable area, where the weather is not so inclement and living conditions not so bleak. Make it accessible to a highway (for transportation of food, building materials, personal travel). Transfer each troubled reserve close to a river/lake where they can build on high ground (to avoid flooding) and have access to potable water. I realize that our Aboriginal citizens want to live close to nature but it doesn't have to be so primitive that each day is a struggle for survival.

2) Allocate resources - financial and personnel - to education/skills training that conform to provincial standards so they can travel anywhere in Canada and get a job.  This includes building libraries with Internet capabilities. These fall under "Infrastructure".

3) Young people in desolate areas must have something to occupy their time.  Spend the resources (financial, personnel) to develop activities/entertainment on each of the troubled  reserves: hockey arenas, sports fields.  Young  people can develop a sense of teamwork and avoid the boredom that leads to drugs and alcohol.

4) Although we only hear of reserves in trouble, there are reserves that are thriving, not just surviving.  Governments (federal, provincial) should analyze thoroughly what makes these reserves successful. Is it band leadership? Is it judicious spending of government monies? Is it the natural resources underground? Is their location less harsh, closer to their markets?

These four ideas could be a first step for our First Nations on their path to self-redemption. I say "self-redemption" because, ultimately, the decisions are theirs.  All that governments should and can do is help them with financial and
personnel support to guide them along.

Steve d'Eça
Aylmer