Letter
Published: Thursday, April 24, 2008
Too few Canadians are realistic in their expectations that first
nations people can simply "pull up their socks" and drag themselves out
of the systemic poverty they endure. Many seem to have little
understanding of the obstacles presented by reserve conditions and the
limitations of the Indian Act.
In fact, it appears from recent events (the Metro Vancouver board's
challenge to the Musqueam-University of B.C land deal, the B.C. Supreme
Court's denial of commercial fishing rights to Lax Kw'alaams, the
imprisonment of Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug band members in Ontario,
and conflicts at Caledonia and Desoronto) that our governments and
courts prefer to maintain the status quo of dependency.
The need to settle land claims quickly to recognize aboriginal title to
ancestral lands and allow natives to become more self-reliant
financially seems self-evident. This position is well-supported by the
experience of completed land claims in the United States, New Zealand
and even Canada.
It is clear that our present system does not work to anyone's benefit.
Our governments need to take bold and courageous action for change.
Given the chance, first nations communities and individuals can succeed
as well as any people.
Randall Gray
Vancouver
© The Vancouver Sun 2008
