Part of the problem

Page 5

Dear Editor:

An elected Member of Parliament said "I don't think it's a secret to anyone that in Aboriginal societies and in Kanesatake society there is a level of violence that is not found elsewhere."

Quebec's Minister of Public Security Jacques Chagnon also told the newspaper that "when a crow flies by (in Kanesatake) and someone isn't happy, they pull out their 12 (gauge shotgun) and fire at the crow. We don't see that anywhere else."

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) says "... violence within Aboriginal communities is fostered and sustained by a racist social environment that promulgates demeaning stereotypes of Aboriginal women and men and seeks to diminish their value as human beings and their right to be treated with dignity. (RCAP, 1996:54-56)

I have been wondering why there has been no public outcry at Minister Chagnon's comments? Why isn't mainstream media gathering people's thoughts and comments? Is the public not outraged?

Two months ago almost everyone in Canada was in an uproar because a crazy old man who wears funny suits said hockey players from Quebec were wussy because they wore helmet with visors. Cries of racism were heard loud and clear. Demands for Don Cherry's head on a silver platter was heard everywhere. Every radio and phone-in talk show was talking about his comments. Somebody went out and did a quick study of the numbers to prove Mr. Cherry wrong. Heck, I was even stopped by a CBC reporter for an "on the street comment" regarding the issue. Don Cherry's show was put on a time release and his contract with CBC may not be renewed next year.

Calls from the opposition demanded Minister Chagnon resignation, but he says he doesn't need to apologize, let alone resign, because his comments are based on fact. Still not a burp has been heard from the public and not much more is heard from media sources. I think that Minister Chagnon and his "facts" are only part of our problem.

Jennifer Sinclair,

Ojibway Nation, Ottawa