A dilemma of our young -To forge ahead despite the cost, or not

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I've been recently hired at a new job. Since coming to work here, I've been disturbed by the reason for my employment. I was chosen because I am an Aboriginal person.

Firstly, it is a certainty I was hired because of my skin color. My employer has told me as much. I am unsure if this is a good thing or bad. My life has seen enough prejudice, and I've heard enough racist remarks, as I'm sure we all have. It's not even the cruel ones that hurt as much as it is the ones said out of ignorance and foolishness that cut deeply. Now I find myself faced with another dilemma, a racial issue that works in my favor.

If the situation is odd, my take on it is worse. At least with the stinging and generalized prejudiced remarks I was armed and ready for such an assault. Now I find myself faced with an awkwardness and suspicion in such a position.

I have to be careful. Sure, it does play to my benefit, initially, but I know I will become another example used by ignorant non-Aboriginals who claim reverse discrimination.

With this in mind, I remind people of the purpose of government putting our people in residential schools-to assimilate. To absorb and make us a part of working society. Is this not a continuation of the process? Is this not what was in mind when we had our traditions and language forcibly stripped away. This is one point I wish the general population would take into consideration when one of our people tries to better themselves.

To examine this issue fairly, I am forced to admit a degree of reverse discrimination. Despite the fact that this will put me ahead, I would be damned upset to find someone placed ahead of me because of his skin color, just because of the past wrongs. But frankly, I'll be damned if I am going to be the one to turn down an offer to put me, my family, and my people another step ahead. The better I do for myself, the better I do for my people. I did not ask for my people to be forced through the schools or to have our lands stripped away, just as "they" didn't do the past wrongs to our people. Familiar argument? I hope so.

To further this old argument and venting, if you will, I didn't ask for this 'us against them' mentality either, nor for the thousand of other things that have gone wrong in the past. In the end, 'you're sorry. I'm sorry. We're all sorry, but it doesn't change a damn thing. In terms of a moral situation, I will acknowledge that, yes, it is a matter of reverse discrimination. Yes, I am being afforded better opportunities now, but that's all I can do is acknowledge that.

In terms of a practical situation, does anyone honestly think that I'm going to turn away opportunities? Especially when it may afford me the chance to set up a better future for my children?

I'm a product of a system torn against itself. Bound by the rules of treaties signed long ago and yet burdened by the monetary demands of economies today, the present ruling body of government is beside itself. Being young, I am still aware that such opportunities will not be here forever, and I grow fearful for the future and the future of our people. If ever there was a time to seize upon such chances, it would be now.

To Aboriginal youth, I implore you to seek more. There are ample chances for those who apply themselves. Corporations and companies are lining up grants and funding in abundance, waiting to throw it at the next young Aboriginal who has done his homework.

A time of change is upon us. No longer are we strangers to this new system. No longer do we fight for equal opportunities. Now we face the challenges of a new millennium where the possibility of self government becomes more and more real with each passing day, and we are on equal footing with non-Aboriginal groups with great opportunities afforded to us. We can look over the last 30 years to the great Indian movement of the seventies and realized how far we have come. And we can smile, for we have come far. Our grandfathers and fathers have set up muh for us and given us tools of knowledge to continue the fight.

In conclusion to my repetitive tirade, I must reiterate the fact that I have a new job, a job because of my skin color. You may ask how such a small event can influence such big thoughts, and, in response, I can only say that big thoughts are made out of small occurrences. So while I may have a job based on circumstances I didn't choose, I will accept it. I will strive for a better future, with my future children in mind and continue to do well. As I hope we all shall.