He gave his life to people

Page 6

Dear Editor:

Re: David Ahenakew, RCMP investigation.

I have been around the Native movement all my life (50 years). I have been involved in Native politics and it is always the same story.

It goes like this: A young leader puts his life on the line, because he loves our people. He or she gives everything for their people. After years of hard work and toil, they are taken out by young leaders with no respect for this past work. They are rejected and thrown away as used goods. And they usually die disillusioned and broken-hearted, a life in vain.

Ahenakew has given his life. He spoke out when it was not popular to do so. He came close to prison at times, his family suffered from his absence at home. David Ahenakew made a mistake. He is human. Those of you without sin should cast the first stone.

Give David's honor back. Let him retire in peace. He has suffered enough. Most of you young, so-called leaders cannot even clean his boots.

Stand and defend this Elder now.

Robert Sebastian,

Gitxsan and Wet'suwet'en tribe,

British Columbia