Treaty rights are here to stay

Page 7

Dear Editor:

I would like to set the record straight on what the difference is between domestic fishing and so-called poaching. We the treaty people were given the right to fish and hunt, because our forefathers negotiated with the federal government for these rights in exchange for land.

We, the Natives, were here on this land even before it was called Canada, and we, the Cree and other Native bands, are the first Canadians. When the first whiteman came to this great land he was lost and bewildered because he didn't know how to hunt and trap. It was the Native who showed these people how to survive in Canada.

We are very proud of our heritage and culture and we intend to keep our rights, even if the fish and game association doesn't think so.

These are the ones who want to break our treaties and the will of the Native people. If the fish and game association is so concerned about the fish, why don't they monitor the anglers on the Grouard, Alta. bridge? If they want to see poachers, that's the place to be. These anglers kill more walleye than domestic fishermen. There is no comparison at all.

I have never heard any positive things about the fish and game association when referring to net fishermen. Most of these guys run over our nets and slash and take fish. They never say anything about that. Who's calling the kettle black here?

Wm. A Willier

Grouard, Alta.