I've lived in Canada all my life--within 15 miles of Caledonia, Ontario. And all of my life there have been rumblings among the natives about how their ancestors were cheated out of their land over a hundred years ago.
My great grandfather owned a business less than a hundred years ago and, when he fell on hard times, he was forced to sell out. Does that give me a right to build tire fires outside the business now and demand it be given back to me?
Most of us have strong sympathy for the native culture because we "white" people almost destroyed it--but that was a century or two ago. Its time the natives who are complaining start building their own lives instead of depending on government handouts. When we see them in fatigues and face scarves and calling themselves "warriors", we know they're really a gentle people who have lost the integrity of their ancestors. When we see natives from other provinces and even other countries joining the barricade, we wonder how many natives have employment they can walk away from so easily. We also wonder why the police didn't step in the first day and put a stop to it--arresting the lawless demonstrators who chose to defile our air with the toxic fumes of burning tires and close a main highway through the town.
These natives are arrogant to think they are more important in the scheme of things than their white/black/brown neighbor. They show a great deal of disrespect for others when they care so little about the inconvenience and financial hardships caused by their actions.
Do I think we'll see a resolution to the Caledonia standoff in the near future? No--because the Canadian government is weak and unable to make a conclusive decision in this mess.
2 comments:
LOL, sometimes It seems so elementary... Why can't you people look past your own white skin? I know that it is hard to understand these conflicts, but they just don't pop up because the indian on welfare decides to one day block a road so he can get another handout... Are you educated and non native people that misplaced??? Go to Law school and figure out why these so called savages are standing on the road taking time away from their welfare checks and so called jobs... This is the mess your forefathers left you, the legacy they have bestowed upon you... As a Canadian you are bound by these treaties and negotiations because the law says so. And yes it is yours and every-other Canadians issue, Black, white, red or brown. The more you ignore it the more the politicians will ignore it and the more you will see the indian in his or her fatigues and face scarves... But that is not the issue. The issue is that we as a Nation need to finally come to terms with the indian problem. The more you isolate, assimilate, Jail, beat and murder us the more you will see these so called Blockades and maybe even more? The truth is we have always been a peaceful people, We have always been the patient and humble people. You are right in saying that we are for the most part a gentle people... Do you see us blowing ourselves up in the streets? Do you see us blowing up buildings and hijacking buses or planes? never!!! The sad truth is that there has and always will be a fear of the indian because he is different. What does the average person think when he sees the indian on TV in a camouflage jacket and facescarf? Terrorist... The fact is that we are all under Treaty, the only problem is that the indian is at the bottom of the pole. To ignore, deny and destroy these age old agreements is like me coming into your home, claiming your home and belongings as mine and deporting you back to the countries your ancestors came from. It is madness. I believe in Canada, I am a patriot! I have kids who take pride in their country, but when I hear the same old (not my fault, handouts, terrorists, army, warriors, blockades, welfare, violence, etc...) I look forward to the day when that racist and ignorant attitude is burried with the rest of the sins of your Fathers. Peace and Megwetch.
To Redman: (I left this same reply on your blog) I've spent my life questioning why and finding answers. You my friend are hiding behind the facade of racism in a country acclaimed for the harmonious mixing of so many cultures. Of course there are haters everywhere; hatred is not indigenous to only one race or culture...the native community is certainly no exception. If it wasn't so sad, your antics would be laughable. If native Canadians used half their energy and resources to the betterment of their society, there wouldn't be all this bullshit. I believe the law should be all inclusive instead of being translated to serve only the needs of your people, whatever those needs might be at that particular moment in time. At least your ancestors had a reason to be a proud people. They stood on their own two feet and didn't stand around waiting to see who was feeding them that month. They relied on nothing but their wits and they didn't blame their current inadequacies on events which were buried in the annuals of history. Land has been bought, sold, fought over and overrun since the beginning of time. What makes anyone think that they might be the chosen ones of all humanity that should regain their land centuries later.....not through normal channels but through extortion.
I grew up having to endure countless atrocities, both by the people I thought loved me and those charged with my care after I was yanked from my home. I suffered through the injustices of my youth and with time and education, began to heal enough to take my place in normal society. Because of my own experiences, I’ve grown to become more aware and tolerant of the needs and feelings of others. The native population on the other hand have spent their lives fanning the sparks of their hatred against all non-native influences and poisoning their childrens' minds with hatred, who in turn poisoned their childrens' minds with hatred. It’s a vicious circle!! Why not turn things around and stop acting like your people don't have the combined intelligence and moxy to live a normal life without extortion tactics.
Why do your youth join Native gangs you ask? For the same reasons that all youth join gangs...because their childhood was so badly tainted by those they called their family; they've experienced so little love, empathy and respect from those that are supposed to love them that they turn to gangs to fill the void. Why are there natives drunk on corners, high school dropouts, or in the back of cruisers? For the same reasons everyone else is.....because there is NO perfect race and we all have individuals who don't fit into the molds of our society. Why do you think there is a line drawn with natives on one side and EVERYONE else on the other? Paranoia springs to mind!
My work has involved many years of the study of child psychology. I've found that before adulthood, children try to take what they want in any way possible. Once grown, both physically and mentally, they develop the ability to solve problems through the proper channels. Rude children should be sent to bed....good night aboriginals of Canada!! Maybe you'll wake up with some sense of pride for our great country so you'll stop destroying everything around you, especially your credibility!!
Get a grip Redman....then get out there and help your people become the strong, intelligent, well read, peace-loving, spiritual, mother-earth loving individuals they deserve to be. You'll then see the difference in how the world reacts to your concerns. Harassment and browbeating is not the answer!!
Post a Comment