Natives in the new millennium

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There's only 85 days left until the year 2000.

It's the end of the century and the beginning of a new millennium. As for Native people, we can't help but look at the positive changes we have made during the past 10 years and the depression we have faced in the last 100 years. We have come a long way and shown the world how successful we have become in many different areas. However, not all of us can live a good life. There are still many of us who are living in the streets, living on welfare, living like we're in a third world country and trying to survive in a world of greed, degradation, and racism.

In the new millennium, Native people must be ready for change, especially Native youth. It is up to the leaders of tomorrow to decide how our people will survive in a society that will rely on technology and education to drive the workforce and its people.

There are many different perspectives on the new millennium, the Christians see it as the time to finally meet God. Computer hackers see it as a perfect opportunity to hack into the systems of powerful companies. Panhandlers see it as a way to rob people at the ATM machine, "I'm sick of asking for change, now I'm gonna demand it!"

The National Enquirer sees it as the 'End of the World.' Did I mention the deadly year 2000 computer viruses that all the hackers are planning? The people involved in the marketing of sales and rip-offs see it as a way to sell the public anything from Y2K calendars to Y2K survival guides. I just bought a Y2K dream catcher last night to protect me from dreams of the world ending.

As for Native youth, we see it as a responsibility that we must take upon ourselves. The pressure is on us to lead our people in the next century and we will succeed, no doubt about it.

Ten years ago there were almost no Aboriginal role models for the youth to look up to. But there was Buffy Saint Marie, Chief Dan George, Graham Greene, and Kashtin. Out of them all, Kashtin must have been the best one hit wonders. They were kind of like the New Kids On The Block, except they were over 30. Buffy Saint Marie has a great history as well, but I don't know any of my friends who say, "When I grow up I want to be like Buffy."

Graham Greene is a cool guy, but I mean . . . don't you get sick of seeing him and the same cast members in every single Native movie ever made? You gotta give Chief Dan George his props, he was a old man who knew how to act with class.

The 90s have seen more Aboriginal role models succeeding in other areas. For example, all the actors from North of 60 played a positive role, like Gordon Tootoosis, Tina Keeper, and Tom Jackson. Gordon Tootoosis acted on high profile movies such as Legends of the Fall, and the recent CBC drama, Big Bear. Tom Jackson went on to pursue a music career. And Tina Keeper . . . what ever happened to Tina Keeper?

Also in the 90s we saw John Kim Bell create the National Aboriginal Achievement Awards, an annual awards show that pays tribute to the highest Native achievers in Canada.

The 90s saw a new generation of artists, musicians and movie stars, such as Fara, Don Burnstick, Adam Beach, Irene Bedard, Susan Aglukark, and Lorrie Church. Indian Country was also alive with the evolution of powwow music. Native record labels such as Sweetgrass Records and Turtle Island Music put the singers in the national spotlight and made groups like Red Bull, Whitefish Jr.'s, Stoney Park, and Flyin' Eagle largely popular in Indian Country.

Probably one of the most underrated labels is Noon Records. Producer John Noon, the brains behind every album that is released, is known as one of the best producers and promoters in Indian Country when it comes to powwow. Noon Records, the label responsible for hits like The Boyz, Blackstone, High Noon, Wildhorse, Sweetgrass, and most recently, Big Bear, has taken Indian Country by storm with its modern powwow mixed with traditional background.

Indian Country has never seen such a change in its meda relations as well. Before their really was no way of communicating except for smoke signals. Today, we have our own TV channel - APTN, the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. We have radio stations across Canada. We have our own newspapers and magazines that reach our people in all parts of Canada. Things have changed for the betterment of our people and now the youngest generation has all the pressure on them to continue this tradition.

Next month, I'll continue this youth column about Natives in the new millennium with Part 2 of 3, where we'll profile the leaders of tomorrow, which is the generation known as the Native millennials. The group of young achievers who are being pushed to success by their peers and parents, such as Alika Lafontaine, Dana Lafromboise, and Michael Linklater. We'll also look at the people who have made outstanding achievements and positive differences in their communities.

Until next month, keep it real, and e-mail me Gen-X@Canada.com