Concerns raised with leaders

Page 2

Dear Editor:

As a Wikwemikong band member, I have always honored and appreciated our belief systems, our language, our healers and herbalists, our customs and our way of life on Manitoulin Island. In our community of Wikwemikong, we have various beliefs and practices including our Anishnawbeh way of living, of which I have always maintained my respect for. I have never relied on any healers (imported) to do what our local resources have traditionally undertaken.

Firstly, when the Ecuadorian healers came to our community around September 2001, I wrote a letter (dated Sept. 26, 2001) to our health director, and provided a copy to our Wikwemikong leadership. My letter specifically asked if certain procedures were followed and if there was any support, follow-up, medical procedures adhered to before the commencement of the Ecuadorian healing ceremonies. To date, I have not received a reply to my concerns.

Secondly, the comments by one of the organizers of Association in Support of Indigenous Medicine International, who claims the present court case with the Ecuadorians is an attack on Indigenous medicines. I believe this information is inaccurate and there is no proof to substantiate these statements. I personally have not seen any written material from any level of government to change, legislate or regulate or Indigenous medicines anywhere in Canada. I do believe the comments mentioned by this person is solely intended to justify their fundraising efforts and further their claims to the above. According to Kathy Wakeford, manager, Ontario's Aboriginal Wellness Program (April 2002 Windspeaker), "there is a recognition of traditional medicines that has not changed." There is no mention to regulate or legislate our medicines in these comments.

The public has to know these Ecuadorians have been charged with very serious criminal offences, including using foreign substances that are illegal in Canada. All in relation to the passing of one of our respected Elders during her participation in these Ecuadorian-held ceremonies in Wikwemikong. I think people forget very easily why these people have been charged and why they are going through this judicial process.

Thirdly, contrary to what has happened, it is my belief that it is our community that has been assaulted. This has happened through negligence, lack of leadership intervention, disruption and disrespect to our communities [sic] belief systems, ceremonial practices and way of life. I am clearly disappointed there was no accountability or intervention with this situation. I will be expecting justice to be served towards these individuals and nothing less than that. I will welcome any public inquiry relating to this incident at the conclusion of the court process.

In closing, there has not been any accountability where this incident has occurred, and I believe this situation has discredited the viability of our local herbalists and healers, not only in Wikwemikong, but at the national level as well. I will continue to support our herbalists, medicine people and our spiritual advisors who have sustained and maintained our way of life wherever they might be.

John Fox

Muqwa, Loon Clan

Wikwemikong band member