Idle No More, Assholes Far More

I have not had many experiences with Native people here but a few that I had was pleasant. There was this guy that I worked with for a short time and he was an OK guy. Once saw him outside and we said Hi. Then a few times I ran to a few people how were all nice people. This lady that I have been to a few times for my banking needs is a Native and has been OK.

Nevertheless this new Idle No More has not impressed me a lot. First of all why are they thinking it is the time that they should be more involved in the country's management. And if they think they should be, do they also believe that they are qualified in terms of education, experience and expertise? A found a couple of interesting comments about this new movement called Idle No More that I would like to share with everyone:

 

1- Attawapistat received nearly 80 million dollars last year to support its 1500 residents. nearly half came from the Canadian taxpayers and the other half came from 51 million in contracts from a nearby diamond mine. In addition, 20% of the employees in that mine (likely in well paid union jobs) come from, live and take their pay cheques back to Attawapistat. And before you say it, the situation is the same or strikingly similar on most reserves in Canada.        

The city of Edmonton, population over 800k, has 12 aldermen and 1 mayor. Why would a community of 1500 people need 12 counsellors and 3 chiefs? As well, each of which has a higher salary than the aforementioned Edmonton city counsellors by at least 50%.

INM: I don't doubt your claim of rampant illiteracy and poverty on reserve. But here's a simple question. If you feel you need more money, where did last year's money go?

The time has come to realize that the people that are screwing you is not the rest of us; it is YOUR OWN LEADERS. They live in mansions, own vacation properties and drive BMWs. THAT is where your money is.   

 

2-

This is how a conversation of proper questions would go if someone with quizative questions were talking to a “suppressed Native” individual:

 
Individual: How does it make you feel that your chief makes over $300,000.00 a year and you are living in a rundown shack on the reserve?
Native: White people stole our lands and raped our woman for hundreds of years.
Individual: OK?? So don’t you think the chiefs should put some of the money back into the reserve communities and provide proper support to your people?
Native: White people pollute the air and used to beat and kill our people
Individual: Umm that’s not what I’m asking…. Don’t you wonder where millions and millions of dollars went that the Canadian government gave to your small reserve of only 2000 people? 
Native: The Canadian government and white people don’t respect our traditions and our people
It’s unfortunate but it seems like the SOME native people have been brain washed to blame all their problems on the white man.

   

This is sad that people with thousands of years history and tradition has turned mostly to homeless, akcoholics and drug addicts. But I think that is the cas ewith many other nations although they are not as bad as the Native people of Canada. Look at the Greeks, Egyptians, Iranians, etc. They all inheret civilizations which goes back thousands of years ago but are struggling really had these years.

(Photo: Chief, a work displayed in Glenmore Museum)