Better off without

Page 5

Dear Editor:

As an Indian who has lived in this area for half a century I have seen and been through many different experiences. As a grandfather I would hope that my grandson would have a better community and place to grow up in than I have had. I grew up on a reserve where there were many bad things happening to us. This came from all sides and the sad part about all of this is that it still happens.

I have hoped for many years that the so-called leaders of our Native communities would do something constructive with their time. By that I mean that if they have the power they should have the will and desire to help our people. It seems like a majority of them are only in the political game for what they can get to line their pockets. It is a sad thing that many of the Native people in Canada live below the poverty line, except for the so-called leaders. They always seem to have plenty and judging by the size of their bellies and their big houses they have more than enough.

When it is reported in the newspapers and other media that Native people have gotten money for treaties or land claims, I would like the non-Native people to know that there are a majority of the Native people who do not see one penny of this. It is like some parts of society that the rich get richer; it is the same in Indian country.

When thinking about what it means to me and my children to have a land claims resolution, I think that it is going to cost me something. There was a time during my father's generation when the reasons the leaders fought for rights was to benefit their children and grandchildren. These rights that we have as Indian people are here as a result of the dedication and hard work by others before us. When I read or hear of how the national Native organizations are getting together to fight for our land claims, it saddens me that it is just talk. What are we benefiting from if not making work for the privileged few and the non-Native lawyers and advisors. People are getting rich off of our future and what they will leave for our children is debt and discord.

When greed is the primary motive for these people to stand there and spout off drivel then we are better off without them.

In the spirit of our traditions,

Donald Prince

Prince George, B.C.