Family value system differs

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Re: Two days pay deducted because I went to see immediate family member in a serious condition.

Seven months ago there was an accident in Saskatoon involving my niece's baby. I notified the school administration, and I made all the necessary plans, and I did everything that was required. I felt it was my duty to go see my niece's baby and I considered this baby as my immediate family.

The ones who made the decision to deduct my pay are both non-Native. They told me that this child was considered not my immediate family, which therefore warrants that my pay for two days be deducted; and that my being away, they considered as taking two days holiday. I found out that my niece's baby did suffer serious injury due to the accident, and her surviving through the accident was uncertain.

I believe that the Native and non- Native values in the definition of relationship is totally different. I believe we as Native people still value the extended family system. I consider even my first, second and third cousins as my immediate family. It would be my duty and responsibility to leave work and go see them.

One Elder wrote down, "those in the camp were considered all of your family members, and it was the duty of everyone to share and care, and make sure no one lacked anything."

I feel that I am a victim of "misinterpretation of the immediate family," as looked at by the non-Native society. I would be happy to get feedback from Elders and other professionals that are in the same situation I am in.

Yours truly,

Arthur Janvier

Loon Lake, Sask.