Protection lacking on reserve

Page 5

Dear Editor:

re: Editorial February 2003-What's wrong with inclusiveness?

I read your editorial with interest and absolutely agree with your comments and noted that you have forgotten a large group of us out there, status Natives who live and, in a few cases, work in a First Nation that is not our own. We have no rights at all in another community.

My situation is that I work for an Aboriginal organization whose offices are situated in one of the member First Nations of the organization. About five years ago, this particular community built a senior's complex with an extended care section, as well as independent living apartments. As is often the case, the independent living apartments were not being snapped up by the local community Elders. First the age limit was lowered to entice community members and when this didn't work, the apartments were opened to Native Elders from other communities.

Four years ago, I was lucky enough to get one of these apartments. I have been a model tenant, quiet, not complaining and always paying my rent on time. Now that the community Elders see the activities and benefits of living in this complex, they are now wanting in.

Last fall, the first indication that I was no longer welcome was that the First Nation substantially raised the rent of the off-reserve members. Now I know that I will be given the boot within the next couple of months.

If I lived in the town, this could never happen. I would have rights. As things stand now, I do not have any recourse and no one to take this to.

It is a sad state of affairs when I have more rights in a non-Native community than in a Native one.

Lorraine Big Canoe