Relocation not the answer

Page 4

Canada boasts of having one of the highest living standards in the world. I guess someone should tell those people living at Davis Inlet that they're not quite making it as Canadians. The living conditions of the Innu people are absolutely appalling and it's a disgrace that it's happening in Canada. These conditions are to be expected in Third World countries. It must be very embarrassing for the Canadian government when tragedies like the Innu incident make national headlines.

Tragedy is nothing new to the Innu people of Labrador, nor is it isolated to the

off-coast retreat. Tragedy has become a way of life in many isolated Native villages. Alcoholism and substance abuse are widespread in poorer communities, where coping is best done with numbing. It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that it takes the attempted suicide of children before the government takes notice of the solvent abuse problem that has persisted for years.

The Creator has instilled in every living creature on the earth the instinctive will

to survive. Suicide is an alternative to coping. Coping in a desperate situation is very difficult where there are no means of support. Sniffing gas is a means of escape. Is death the only escape for these children?

Low self-esteem and self-evaluation is not uncommon among the young Native people of Canada. The future doesn't promise much to these young people. Many will never leave the reserve or achieve any more than an elementary education. It is a constant battle just to survive in the environment that many Native people are subjected to.

It's very convenient for the government to propose moving the village to another location. Perhaps a little farther off the coast? Moving the village doesn't solve the problems and empty promises don't pacify the people for very long.

Education and self-improvement projects may better serve the Innu people,

rather than relocate them and shift the problem to different grounds. How long can the government of Canada turn a blind eye to the realities of the Native community? Do protest demonstrations create awareness of the situations or is it necessary to stage demonstrations and standoffs like the one in Oka across Canada?

Years of bullying tactics have dented the spirits of a proud nation. Our children

are crying out for help and our government two-steps around the problems.

Next week the Innu incident will be old news and the headlines will be back to Mulroney and the boys.