'Big Eddie' takes Rocky to task

Page 7

Opinion

Dear Editor:

The road to neglect is paved with good intentions. For months I have wanted to write a letter in praise of the work of Windspeaker, my tardiness disappeared with the arrival of your current issue.

Rocky Woodward's column taking "Big Eddie" to task for a recent broadcast on CHED and a column in The Sun prodded me into this letter.

Like many Native people, Rocky was upset over my detailing of a number of problems. Too negative, why dump on us whitemen, we are having enough problems.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my 35 year career as a journalist has been witnessing the developing maturity and independence of our Native peoples. The progress made since the days when I played pool with Stan Daniels in my hometown of St. Paul has been nothing short of miraculous.

Maturity means being able to handle criticism and I'm certain Native people do not want me (nor Rocky) simply to be publicity hacks pretending all is well when it is not.

The fact Rocky has a medium in which to express his opinion is a concrete example of the progress of Native people, it's not fast enough, but better than no progress at all.

Rocky's column was excellent except that I would never use the term "Murky Metis," that was his creation, not mine.

Windspeaker is a fine paper doing a service for Native peoples by investigating rights and wrongs. Unlike Rocky, I have no intention of cancelling my subscription but look forward to receiving each issue and urge you to continue.

Sincerely,

Eddie Keen

CHED Radio