Hope exists for end to Native tragedies

Page 6

The aftermath of the Peerless Lake tragedy offers some hope that its six victims have not died in vain.

A special hope lies in the fact that it coincides with the growing impact of the success achieved by the Alkali Lake Band in B.C. in battling alcoholism on their reserve.

One clear problem in solving the severe problems facing communities like Peerless Lake is in enabling the people involved to believe that it can be done. The film on the Alkali experienced, and the impact the people of Alkali make as they travel with the films, can certainly inspire that belief. It is impossible not to be moved and motivated by them.

As was the case with Alkali Lake, all it takes is the commitment and dedication of one individual to begin the process of transforming a community from despair and defeat to vitality and victory. The impact of one unrelenting individual can spread like ripples on a pond to engulf everyone else in the community and turn their lives around. Without the personal commitment of individuals in the community, no amount of political rhetoric, no abundance of special programs, no generosity of financial assistance will make the difference.

As the Dion Report has clearly shown, even the resource-rich reserves have the same problems of violence and alcohol and drug abuse problems, despite a variety of programs and facilities, and despite the money to ensure good housing and food and clothing.

For those reserves, just as it is for the poor and isolated reserves and Native communities, there is a vital component missing - the belief of individuals in their own worth, and their determination to fulfill their potential as human beings.

It is not just a matter of individuals making a choice to do the most they possibly can with their lives; it is a matter of them truly believing they have a choice, and believing that the commitment and effort required to make their choice a reality is worthwhile

True, more and more Native people are overcoming their situation, setting goals and achieving them. But the few who succeed are just that - only a few - and their success is of little comfort when so many are hurting and dying and facing a dead end.

Since politics and political leadership have failed to make a significant difference in the lives of many Native people and the way they feel about themselves, confederation should be given to other initiatives. (And so as not to interpret political activity as totally useless, we must acknowledge that political action has helped to establish a framework in which other initiatives are possible.)

Maybe we need a new kind of messiah (or messiahs) who can inspire people to believe in themselves, and motivate them to make choices which result in their fulfillment of their potential.

In the past, Elders, working within the structure of traditional Indian values and ways, fulfilled that role.

Unfortunately, the impact of non-Native society and activity has removed the resources which supported the way of life in which Indian traditions flourished. As a result, Elders often appear quaint, if not obsolete, to new generations. That feeling has been reinforced by the intrusive impact of modern distractions - from improved transportation to radio and television.

A few Elders and their dedicated followers and supporters have been able to prove that they and their teachings are just as valid today as they used to be, and just as wise and useful in the modern context.

Hopefully, their opportunity to assist in transforming the current desperate situation will continue, and they, along with others who offer other valid solutions, can put an end to the tragic waste of lives plaguing the Native community.