No need to rush into treaty agreements

Page 5

Dear Editor:

I am in strict agreement with this [Taiaiake Alfred's] views and beliefs [regarding Time to kill the treaty process]. I find all the talk about treaty negotiations frightening and, sure as God made little green apples, we are going to get shafted again. It is definitely another stab at assimilation.

If any British Columbia nation thinks they are on the winning side in any treaty process with the federal or provincial governments, then they are living in a fantasy world. Haven't our people learned anything from our history? What would make anyone think that it will be any different today?

It is sad that there are many "assimilated Indian" leaders out there negotiating in the "best interests" of our nations. There are some who can't see beyond the almighty dollar.

My perception is that many of our educated young people who have not had the opportunity to be grounded in their families and culture (often through no fault of their own) fall victim to the false flattery of government officials. They wine them and dine them and eventually convince them they are "bettering" their communities by ensuring "equality" with other Canadians through the treaty process.

I have to believe that deep down these Native leaders know that it is not true, but once they get in too deep they are reluctant to lose face with their "benefactors."

It is not difficult to identify Indians who have become truly assimilated. You check out their values and principles. If money is their motivator rather than the people, you know they are truly assimilated. I have no problem with anyone who chooses to adopt a foreign value system. I just ask that they go live within that foreign country that supports that value system. Greed and ego have no place within the Native culture.

Respect for the land and all living things (yes, even those who are working against us) needs to be at the forefront of all of our daily actions and interactions. We have proven throughout the last couple of centuries that we have the strength to survive against all odds. The fact that many young people are seeking out the old traditions indicates that we will once again be a strong people.

My thoughts on the treaty process is that we leave it until these young people are grounded in their strengths, values and traditions as they will be clear thinkers and will have their priorities straight. We have a long way to go in order to be effective self government in our communities. I cringe when I see the hierarchical system being adopted by our leaders and in our own governing offices. This becomes a system where we have our own people enforce inappropriate government policies that promote racism and injustice on their friends and families. This is a system that provides "power" to a few individuals, promotes failure and poverty, divides and conquers, and will eventually fall because it always ends up being top heavy.

The traditional "circle" system is a system of equality, and a circle can never get top heavy; the leaders within the circle are at the same level. It is harder for the ego to take over if everyone is perceived as being at the same level, and decisions are based on "consensus."

The "treaty process" talks about equality with the rest of "Canadians." I wonder which ones? The ones that are down on the streets in the big cities? The homeless? That segment of society that lives in abject poverty? To whom do they see us as being equal to? You can be sure it is not Adrienne Clarkson living in the governor's mansion!

I have been rambling on here, but so many thoughts went through my head as I read this article I just had to add my comments. These are strictly my own thoughts and perceptions.

Keep up the good work with the Aboriginal news media.

Catherine Jean Wilson