Okay... so I have noticed a very unsettling element when it comes to posts about First Nations and Native American people.
Comments tend to run the gamut of; something about taking every opportunity to get their 15 minutes of fame to crying foul on racism.
These comments are incredibly disappointing to read, especially coming from a group of individuals who have probably experienced some form of prejudice against their person.
So as a decendant of First Nations... I would like to give you a bit of insight and so maybe you will think before you post something you may feel is not offensive.
In school, I remember reading how ignorant and savage First Nations people were when the white man first found them. This was especially embarassing to read when you are in a mostly whites only school. While this did not affect me so much due to my fair complexion and not appearing full on native american. My cousins were not so lucky. My cousins were my only friends up until that point but I pretend I didn't know them because of this... it made me feel terrible.
So, I see FN/NA youth today and how directionless they are... they praise Tupac and any other culture other than their own. They've had to deal with these attitudes in school,
and in every facet of their lives. The media portrays other peoples as ideals.
I think things are changing a little bit for them, the Idle No More business was good for their self esteem I think. It made them feel a sense of being... made them realize that their culture is not something to be ashamed of.
Canadian media tends to focus on mostly the negative aspects of First Nation/Native American. Local newscasts and press are especially damning when it comes to First Nations people.
These people are broken... broken by the system and broken by their own First Nations community leaders. Things have gone so bad and so fast... the FN/NA leaders of today are not the same creed as the ones from years ago. Those guys from the 70s were the leaders who helped establish a foothold but that has been slipping since most of those people have died or have been suckered in but their own fame...
You have to remember though that the leaders of today were the same children who grew up in a turbulent time, residential school. the 60s scoop. These children were the molested, the abused and taught that their parents and grandparents were evil.
They are now leaders in their own respective communities and most could give a fuck about their people. They only care about the opportunities that their position affords them and their families. Most of these leader end up running the community into the ground... which you see heavily discussed in news outlets and the general Canadian media.
There are some truly good leaders that I have met... they want to bring their communities forward in time. Be involved in all things that affect their land and their rights. They have dreams of bringing education systems that help the youth become better leaders.
The problem is that when a good guy comes along... it is the political setup that hinders any progress.
The people ultimately decide who the leader is... and most often it will be someone who is corrupt. These corrupt leaders will use every dirty trick in the book to gain leadership. Most
corrupt leaders view it as a jackpot.
The Canadian government could not give a shit about FN/NA, it keeps them employed, creates jobs for Indian Affairs and whatever they call it in other areas. It also provides the government an alibi to blame FN/NA leaders for all that ails Canada. They will often pull funding for health and education services and so on.
The political system sucks in these communities... most communities are left in the dark on how they can change it. The system was imposed by the Canadian government back in the heyday.
This FN political system also serves as a backdoor for any enterprising organization who might want to exploit a weak willed leadership/people into signing away their rights. Especially where, provincial/federal roads, mines, and so on would be on the table... the FN leaders suddenly end up with fancy houses in the city or trucks.
Anyway, I've seen and heard a lot of bullshit from one side or the other. Let me tell you one thing though, Canada does have a racism problem and it has gotten worse.
I cannot even begin to tell you how many uncomfortable conversations I have had with non-First Nations people about "Indians". Most assume I am not from there and am like them... just working there so the prejudice will surface. Its unfortunate but that is what I have experienced in my lifetime so far. Mind you... not all of these non-First Nations workers have been as prejudiced, most have been pleasant and wonderful to work with.
So, when I see someone wanting to defend themselves and demand to be recognized as a human being... I think its good to support them. Regardless of whether its their 15 minutes of fame or not.
Comments tend to run the gamut of; something about taking every opportunity to get their 15 minutes of fame to crying foul on racism.
These comments are incredibly disappointing to read, especially coming from a group of individuals who have probably experienced some form of prejudice against their person.
So as a decendant of First Nations... I would like to give you a bit of insight and so maybe you will think before you post something you may feel is not offensive.
In school, I remember reading how ignorant and savage First Nations people were when the white man first found them. This was especially embarassing to read when you are in a mostly whites only school. While this did not affect me so much due to my fair complexion and not appearing full on native american. My cousins were not so lucky. My cousins were my only friends up until that point but I pretend I didn't know them because of this... it made me feel terrible.
So, I see FN/NA youth today and how directionless they are... they praise Tupac and any other culture other than their own. They've had to deal with these attitudes in school,
and in every facet of their lives. The media portrays other peoples as ideals.
I think things are changing a little bit for them, the Idle No More business was good for their self esteem I think. It made them feel a sense of being... made them realize that their culture is not something to be ashamed of.
Canadian media tends to focus on mostly the negative aspects of First Nation/Native American. Local newscasts and press are especially damning when it comes to First Nations people.
These people are broken... broken by the system and broken by their own First Nations community leaders. Things have gone so bad and so fast... the FN/NA leaders of today are not the same creed as the ones from years ago. Those guys from the 70s were the leaders who helped establish a foothold but that has been slipping since most of those people have died or have been suckered in but their own fame...
You have to remember though that the leaders of today were the same children who grew up in a turbulent time, residential school. the 60s scoop. These children were the molested, the abused and taught that their parents and grandparents were evil.
They are now leaders in their own respective communities and most could give a fuck about their people. They only care about the opportunities that their position affords them and their families. Most of these leader end up running the community into the ground... which you see heavily discussed in news outlets and the general Canadian media.
There are some truly good leaders that I have met... they want to bring their communities forward in time. Be involved in all things that affect their land and their rights. They have dreams of bringing education systems that help the youth become better leaders.
The problem is that when a good guy comes along... it is the political setup that hinders any progress.
The people ultimately decide who the leader is... and most often it will be someone who is corrupt. These corrupt leaders will use every dirty trick in the book to gain leadership. Most
corrupt leaders view it as a jackpot.
The Canadian government could not give a shit about FN/NA, it keeps them employed, creates jobs for Indian Affairs and whatever they call it in other areas. It also provides the government an alibi to blame FN/NA leaders for all that ails Canada. They will often pull funding for health and education services and so on.
The political system sucks in these communities... most communities are left in the dark on how they can change it. The system was imposed by the Canadian government back in the heyday.
This FN political system also serves as a backdoor for any enterprising organization who might want to exploit a weak willed leadership/people into signing away their rights. Especially where, provincial/federal roads, mines, and so on would be on the table... the FN leaders suddenly end up with fancy houses in the city or trucks.
Anyway, I've seen and heard a lot of bullshit from one side or the other. Let me tell you one thing though, Canada does have a racism problem and it has gotten worse.
I cannot even begin to tell you how many uncomfortable conversations I have had with non-First Nations people about "Indians". Most assume I am not from there and am like them... just working there so the prejudice will surface. Its unfortunate but that is what I have experienced in my lifetime so far. Mind you... not all of these non-First Nations workers have been as prejudiced, most have been pleasant and wonderful to work with.
So, when I see someone wanting to defend themselves and demand to be recognized as a human being... I think its good to support them. Regardless of whether its their 15 minutes of fame or not.
