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Interesting to see Native Issues as a forum topic
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Author:  jet11 [ Thu Jul 18, 2013 2:08 am ]
Post subject:  Interesting to see Native Issues as a forum topic
So, still looking around on this website and like that there are so many topics/discussions/news/media etc. But I am surprised to see that there is a Native Issues section.

I would like to state that I am a Native/First Nation/Aboriginal/Indian.....whatever floats your boat because I have no problem with any of those. Sometimes I think that I do not like the term ''indian'' but it is used within the Native people. Laughter is like healing. I've noticed everytime Natives are brought up in any discussion it is always the same and comes down to one thing ''MONEY''. I agree, the money is not used where it should be or how it should be but only to gain power & status. I have worked in the band office for a short time and have seen and still see how things are done. My gran raised me part of my life, put me to school and took care of me. As I have mentioned in another post, I am married to an Austrian and we have a son with a Canadian citizenship.

People assume that Natives have an easy life with getting money for doing nothing. Well that is not true. It is a hard life. I am not even 30 yet and I almost drank half my life away. It's sad but true. There is nothing I can do about that but look forward and do better for myself and my family. But Residential school is a big factor to the issues that Natives have. I know, a lot of you mentioned that this happened 100's of years ago but it is still passed generation to generation. My mom was in Residential school, my gran was in residential school. But not just them, almost the whole family from my mom's side of the family. Although my dad did not go or nor did his siblings. Because they did not have a ''status card'' at the time. He still to this day, tries to say ''it didn't happen''. The effects are still present of Residential School and will continue until people are ready for a change. Change is hard though and it is not easy.

I quit drinking 3 years ago. I am not saying I am better than anyone because I was close to rock bottom. I don't like to see anyone go through what I went through. I have a big family, 4 brother & 4 sisters (same parents) and to see them start the same cycle is heart breaking for me. Things will not stop until something opens their eyes. But it is so normal for this kind of lifestyle. I have moved away 3 years ago and have been living in Europe with my Husband. I will not move back to a reserve ever again. I haven't really lived on a reserve. I've had summer jobs since I was 13. I graduated, not with high marks but I stuck it out. I now try to convince my parents to move off the reserve to give the kids a better education. The education here is horrible.

I've also noticed that people have suggested that people move off the reserves for a better life/education. Well that is easier said than done. My mom for example, will not move no matter how many times I or my gran have suggested it. For her, it is like a comfort blanket. I have taken the responsiblity for a short time to some of my siblings to attend school. It's hard when it seems like there is no hope. My mom has applied to treatment centers but was rejected so now she won't try anymore. People think that Natives are rich because of the residential money. Or some don't even know why but they assume all natives are rich. My family is far from being rich but what they do have is each other. I grew up with this and seeing how my Husbands family is, is completely different. My family will do anything they can to help one another whereas my Husbands family barely keep contact with each other.

I will do anything for my son to have a better life than I did. It is sad to see my cousins continue the path that they do and their kids will probably do the same. This cycle won't end. Like I've said residential school happened years ago but will still be a problem in the future. What I don't understand, and agreeing with some, is why some bands want Treaty. I for one will say, I don't know why when we're still really dependant on the Goverment. I have no clue what step or process my band is on neither do I really care. I've expressed to my family on how much I don't like the band (staff/policies). For example, my cousin has recently finished her ECE and went back to work for the band. Well, she got minimum wage even with completing her course. Whereas some people have no education at all, and have everything. So, she moved away and worked for another reserve and is happy. That is what I don't understand, people are willing to move back to work and get treated like that. I've also seen that posted, so I agree that once people see the world outside the reserve they won't go back.

Well, I really hope I made sense with this random post. As it is really past my bedtime but I am enjoying my quiet time while my son is in dreamland. I am sure I was all over the place with useless information :D But I just wanted to put my two cents in.

Thanks!
Author:  Thanos [ Thu Jul 18, 2013 5:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Interesting to see Native Issues as a forum topic
Most of us here respect Natives and want to help. Most of us are also sick and tired of the status quo. We're also sick of the criminals and grifters like Theresa Spence that end up in control of reserves and make things worse for their people while making themselves richer.

It's not racism, although one clown here at CKA will pop in and say it is. It's just that a lot of Canadians are tired of paying for a system that doesn't work. It's not sustainable and should be replaced by something better if it can't be fixed.
Author:  jet11 [ Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:28 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Interesting to see Native Issues as a forum topic
I agree, I think money should be used a lot better. The problem with that, I've mentioned a lot don't have the right education for their job position. People get the job because of ''who'' you know which is usually a certain family within the community. Racism is a big part of everyday life, not just within Natives. Although someone has mentioned that Natives are against Natives. Well that person is right. I'm from an area that is like that and it's been like that for ages and ages. I'm the type of person that will be friends with people who I shouldn't be friends with. My Husband is from Austria, so I am sure people have stared at us while living here. In Switzerland it seems that there are a lot of inter-racial married couples. But going to Austria, the people stare because they are not used to it I guess? To tell you the truth, I have not noticed it because I don't care what people think.

Racism is dealt with everyone and everyone all over the world. I grew up in a small village with racist people and I did not like it. I think that is one reason I like to keep to myself. But I just thought it was really interesting to see a Forum topic about Native Issues even though a lot of it seems to be negative.
Author:  Freakinoldguy [ Thu Jul 18, 2013 8:42 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Interesting to see Native Issues as a forum topic
jet11 jet11:
So, still looking around on this website and like that there are so many topics/discussions/news/media etc. But I am surprised to see that there is a Native Issues section.

I would like to state that I am a Native/First Nation/Aboriginal/Indian.....whatever floats your boat because I have no problem with any of those. Sometimes I think that I do not like the term ''indian'' but it is used within the Native people. Laughter is like healing. I've noticed everytime Natives are brought up in any discussion it is always the same and comes down to one thing ''MONEY''. I agree, the money is not used where it should be or how it should be but only to gain power & status. I have worked in the band office for a short time and have seen and still see how things are done. My gran raised me part of my life, put me to school and took care of me. As I have mentioned in another post, I am married to an Austrian and we have a son with a Canadian citizenship.

People assume that Natives have an easy life with getting money for doing nothing. Well that is not true. It is a hard life. I am not even 30 yet and I almost drank half my life away. It's sad but true. There is nothing I can do about that but look forward and do better for myself and my family. But Residential school is a big factor to the issues that Natives have. I know, a lot of you mentioned that this happened 100's of years ago but it is still passed generation to generation. My mom was in Residential school, my gran was in residential school. But not just them, almost the whole family from my mom's side of the family. Although my dad did not go or nor did his siblings. Because they did not have a ''status card'' at the time. He still to this day, tries to say ''it didn't happen''. The effects are still present of Residential School and will continue until people are ready for a change. Change is hard though and it is not easy.

I quit drinking 3 years ago. I am not saying I am better than anyone because I was close to rock bottom. I don't like to see anyone go through what I went through. I have a big family, 4 brother & 4 sisters (same parents) and to see them start the same cycle is heart breaking for me. Things will not stop until something opens their eyes. But it is so normal for this kind of lifestyle. I have moved away 3 years ago and have been living in Europe with my Husband. I will not move back to a reserve ever again. I haven't really lived on a reserve. I've had summer jobs since I was 13. I graduated, not with high marks but I stuck it out. I now try to convince my parents to move off the reserve to give the kids a better education. The education here is horrible.

I've also noticed that people have suggested that people move off the reserves for a better life/education. Well that is easier said than done. My mom for example, will not move no matter how many times I or my gran have suggested it. For her, it is like a comfort blanket. I have taken the responsiblity for a short time to some of my siblings to attend school. It's hard when it seems like there is no hope. My mom has applied to treatment centers but was rejected so now she won't try anymore. People think that Natives are rich because of the residential money. Or some don't even know why but they assume all natives are rich. My family is far from being rich but what they do have is each other. I grew up with this and seeing how my Husbands family is, is completely different. My family will do anything they can to help one another whereas my Husbands family barely keep contact with each other.

I will do anything for my son to have a better life than I did. It is sad to see my cousins continue the path that they do and their kids will probably do the same. This cycle won't end. Like I've said residential school happened years ago but will still be a problem in the future. What I don't understand, and agreeing with some, is why some bands want Treaty. I for one will say, I don't know why when we're still really dependant on the Goverment. I have no clue what step or process my band is on neither do I really care. I've expressed to my family on how much I don't like the band (staff/policies). For example, my cousin has recently finished her ECE and went back to work for the band. Well, she got minimum wage even with completing her course. Whereas some people have no education at all, and have everything. So, she moved away and worked for another reserve and is happy. That is what I don't understand, people are willing to move back to work and get treated like that. I've also seen that posted, so I agree that once people see the world outside the reserve they won't go back.

Well, I really hope I made sense with this random post. As it is really past my bedtime but I am enjoying my quiet time while my son is in dreamland. I am sure I was all over the place with useless information :D But I just wanted to put my two cents in.

Thanks!



Trust me you're preaching to the choir. Alot of us try and understand the issues that face the natives today including the poverty, disenfranchisement and anger but when push comes to shove it's pretty much a consensus that some of the native leadership is more to blame for the natives woes than any outside agency or peoples. After years of putting money into programs that don't work or become corrupt it's pretty apparent that money isn't the problem and that it's leadership on both sides of the equation. The people in Indian Affairs don't want their Iron Rice Bowl broken and the native leadership has a personal vested interest keeping the tap turned on.

You have a small percentage of natives getting rich off the backs of the Canadian Taxpayer and the people they are supposed to be representing but, when this is pointed out to some people they get defensive, irritated and antagonistic which shows they understand there's a problem but for whatever reason, be it personal or political don't want it dealt with.

Those are the people who want to keep the status quo which goes along way in keeping the natives like your mom basically locked away on Reserves where they can be controlled both financially and politically.

Most of us believe that the only way the rank and file Natives are going to get ahead and make a better life for themselves is if we start giving them a hand up not a hand out and while that may sound cliché it will work because, there are documented cases of where it has worked. Those reserves were well managed, democratically run and financially viable. All things which went a long way to bringing the native community into mainstream society on an equal footing. Earned money is a great equalizer when it comes to social status.


It'll be good to hear your take on the issues and arguments but, as with all sensitive topics alot of passion will be displayed by both sides, so as long as you don't take it personally you'll do just fine.
Author:  andyt [ Sat Jul 20, 2013 8:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Interesting to see Native Issues as a forum topic
jet11 jet11:
So, still looking around on this website and like that there are so many topics/discussions/news/media etc. But I am surprised to see that there is a Native Issues section.

I would like to state that I am a Native/First Nation/Aboriginal/Indian.....whatever floats your boat because I have no problem with any of those. Sometimes I think that I do not like the term ''indian'' but it is used within the Native people. Laughter is like healing. I've noticed everytime Natives are brought up in any discussion it is always the same and comes down to one thing ''MONEY''. I agree, the money is not used where it should be or how it should be but only to gain power & status. I have worked in the band office for a short time and have seen and still see how things are done. My gran raised me part of my life, put me to school and took care of me. As I have mentioned in another post, I am married to an Austrian and we have a son with a Canadian citizenship.

People assume that Natives have an easy life with getting money for doing nothing. Well that is not true. It is a hard life. I am not even 30 yet and I almost drank half my life away. It's sad but true. There is nothing I can do about that but look forward and do better for myself and my family. But Residential school is a big factor to the issues that Natives have. I know, a lot of you mentioned that this happened 100's of years ago but it is still passed generation to generation. My mom was in Residential school, my gran was in residential school. But not just them, almost the whole family from my mom's side of the family. Although my dad did not go or nor did his siblings. Because they did not have a ''status card'' at the time. He still to this day, tries to say ''it didn't happen''. The effects are still present of Residential School and will continue until people are ready for a change. Change is hard though and it is not easy.

I quit drinking 3 years ago. I am not saying I am better than anyone because I was close to rock bottom. I don't like to see anyone go through what I went through. I have a big family, 4 brother & 4 sisters (same parents) and to see them start the same cycle is heart breaking for me. Things will not stop until something opens their eyes. But it is so normal for this kind of lifestyle. I have moved away 3 years ago and have been living in Europe with my Husband. I will not move back to a reserve ever again. I haven't really lived on a reserve. I've had summer jobs since I was 13. I graduated, not with high marks but I stuck it out. I now try to convince my parents to move off the reserve to give the kids a better education. The education here is horrible.

I've also noticed that people have suggested that people move off the reserves for a better life/education. Well that is easier said than done. My mom for example, will not move no matter how many times I or my gran have suggested it. For her, it is like a comfort blanket. I have taken the responsiblity for a short time to some of my siblings to attend school. It's hard when it seems like there is no hope. My mom has applied to treatment centers but was rejected so now she won't try anymore. People think that Natives are rich because of the residential money. Or some don't even know why but they assume all natives are rich. My family is far from being rich but what they do have is each other. I grew up with this and seeing how my Husbands family is, is completely different. My family will do anything they can to help one another whereas my Husbands family barely keep contact with each other.

I will do anything for my son to have a better life than I did. It is sad to see my cousins continue the path that they do and their kids will probably do the same. This cycle won't end. Like I've said residential school happened years ago but will still be a problem in the future. What I don't understand, and agreeing with some, is why some bands want Treaty. I for one will say, I don't know why when we're still really dependant on the Goverment. I have no clue what step or process my band is on neither do I really care. I've expressed to my family on how much I don't like the band (staff/policies). For example, my cousin has recently finished her ECE and went back to work for the band. Well, she got minimum wage even with completing her course. Whereas some people have no education at all, and have everything. So, she moved away and worked for another reserve and is happy. That is what I don't understand, people are willing to move back to work and get treated like that. I've also seen that posted, so I agree that once people see the world outside the reserve they won't go back.

Well, I really hope I made sense with this random post. As it is really past my bedtime but I am enjoying my quiet time while my son is in dreamland. I am sure I was all over the place with useless information :D But I just wanted to put my two cents in.

Thanks!


Most people don't assume that most Natives have and easy life. We know that many Natives live in misery. What we do assume is that a lot of money is spent on natives, but most doesn't seem to actually reach the Natives living in misery.

And that Natives need to do their part to move out of the misery. You use the example of your mother, who won't leave the reserve. Many reserves are totally economically unviable. That means Natives there will never generate their own incomes, but always be reliant on handouts from the government. Claiming that they are owed more and more handouts because they were here first just isn't going to cut it - they'll always be stuck in economic misery. Natives need to do what other Canadians do - work and pay taxes, if they want to participate in the economic life of Canada.

There is no doubt that the residential school system, the reserve system, and the kind of racism shown by the nutritional experiments that have come to light has left a lot of Natives damaged beyond repair - they will always have to depend on the government, same as damaged non-Natives do. But we need to break the cycle where these damaged people raise more damaged kids, refuse to take any steps to help themselves and just keep the cycle going. Sounds like you managed to break out of it. The greatest thing you could do for your people, if you have the wherewithal, is to show other Natives how they can do it too.
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