Matthew will be missed

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Re: Windspeaker editorial, August 2003 edition

Thank you for your editorial. Matthew is a good man, a great leader and an inspiration to many young people, including myself. When I came back to B.C. from my attendance at the assembly, I had many young friends and colleagues asking me what I thought about the recent decision by the AFN chiefs. I asked in return, who my young friends were hoping would win, and all around, I heard them respond with 'Matthew'.

This is because he has taught us to not forget what we started fighting for in the first place. It's all about the land and the resources. It's all about the fish, the moose, the ocean, the trees, the soil. Matthew constantly reminded everyone of that. If we are going to win the original fight taken on by our grandfathers, we need to continue on with their agenda. It's not about money or programs. It's about the land. It's about the resources.

Matthew said this again and again, and it felt right in my heart. I knew that this man is a leader my late father and grandparents would be proud of.

I believe the Creator has a path for all of us, including the Assembly of First Nations. Maybe Matthew's place right now is to take some time for himself, his wife, his parents and children, and return to us in the future to champion his message, his story.

He has a plan for our future, and I know he has many friends who will continue to support him in his important work. The land needs our attention and immediate action, not governance or programs. Matthew believes this in his heart, and so do I.

Your editorial touched on his being human, a great man who walks amongst us, side by side. He is funny. He is brilliant. He is one of us. His presence at the AFN will be missed, but I'm sure we'll be hearing from this good man again.

Ginger Gosnell