Elders of tomorrow should teach children well today

Page 4

Dear Editor:

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal People Report had some of its contents addressed by Indian Affairs Minister Jane Stewart, whose statements satisfied some and insulted others.

It took her only a few minutes to grandstand with her tears and quivering "regrets," while it took years to break and erode our Native cultures, languages and lands.

We, the survivors of the residential school system, have a legacy of pain, but we who have survived have emerged stronger in spirit because of the injustices we have suffered.

We have a responsibility to our ancestors to right the wrongs of the past.

We have a great opportunity to heal and, with our children, take our "distinct" and rightful place in society.

From today's vantage point we must acknowledge that we are the Elders of tomorrow who must guide our grandchildren with the wisdom of the Elders of yesterday into the next millennium.

Our Elders teach us that kindness, fairness, and sharing go hand in hand with honesty, integrity and respect for all who walk on Mother Earth.

I strongly urge all our elected leaders, both Aboriginal and mainstream, to adhere to these values when making decisions that affect our Native lands and people.

Thank you for your consideration and publication.

Norma Hiltergerke

Cote First Nation