Davis Inlet just a symptom of chronic problem

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As media attention moves its roving eye back to the troubled community of Davis Inlet for a second time in less than two years, it's important to be reminded that what is being seen there today is only a symptom of the chronic problems that continues to plague all Aboriginal communities across the country.

The governments of Canada and her provinces are collectively out of their league in dealing with the needs of this country's first people and turn a blind eye and deaf ear to those people who can show them the way.

Davis Inlet is resisting attempts by the Newfoundland Justice Minister to force the return of the provincial court to the community. The Innu say the Canadian system of justice, with its emphasis on judgment and punishment, is alien to their people. Witness this system's failure in the court. See the results of the prisons.

In its place the Innu have submitted to their own justice system, a system which promotes not only healing, but reconciliation and harmony in the community. The Innu want to reclaim jurisdiction and responsibility over their own lives, but the Newfoundland government denies them this.

Newfoundland insists that only one kind of law can be effective all the people of Canada. It refuses to negotiate on any terms but its own. Petty in his dealings, Justice Minister Edward Roberts turns his back on discussions concerning the implementation of Innu justice, because former Davis Inlet Chief Katie Rich is at the negotiating table. Rich ousted the provincial court from Davis Inlet in December. Not satisfied with the people the Innu community has chosen to represent them, Roberts discontinues the process.

The justice minister then chooses to flex his muscles and threatens to force his way into the Innu community to enforce his will. He musters his army of RCMP officers and trumpets pretensions to the press. His tune rings with the sound of paternalism.

What results is no longer the issue of justice, but a lack of respect and acceptance for the distinct and differing natures of Canada's Aboriginal peoples.

This lack of respect can be seen each day across this country. It can be seen not only in the faces of the forgotten and disregarded children of Davis Inlet, but in the muddy waters of Pukatawagan, Man., where the drinking water is mixed with sewage. Their effects can be caught in the shining eyes of our angry Mohawk brothers, and heard in the desperate cries of suicide echoing from Pikangikum in northwestern Ontario. It has got to stop.

Here in Davis Inlet, it's a case of having nothing to lose and everything to gain, so why not dig in? How much worse can it get for a people who are struggling to survive with next to nothing? They've decided it's time to make a stand.

The people of this country should be rushing to support this courageous endeavor. Public censure should come down and come down hard on the Government of Newfoundland. This is not a time to sit back and watch the unfolding drama. It is no place for spectators. What this country needs now is participants. Davis Inlet is prepared yo do it alone. They shouldn't have to.

Time is moving quickly for Davis Inlet residents.The nights are growing longer and the icy grip of winter will soon become a major influence on the community's willingness to fight the good right. This may be our only real chance to make a difference for these people. Let's not miss the opportunity.