Fontaine likened the lives of some native communities to those of Tibetans under Chinese rule.
"We find the Tibet situation compelling," he said. "The Tibetans are disenfranchised people. The situation here is similar, but it's different in this sense - the poverty we're talking about exists in Canada's own backyard."
然后“网络暴民们”奏开始鸟
写道:
COMMENTS ON THIS STORY
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Skeptic1
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:11 AM
I fail to see how the situation of the First Nations people is comparable to that of the Tibetans. Some take advantage of the favourable financial opportunities give to them and succeed at integrating themselves into the general workforce, contributing to the social and economic good. Others, however, wallow in self-pity and lay blame on a strawman for causing their people 'desperate conditions.' So as a Canadian I should be outraged at what is being done to First Nations? Outraged at whom? Perhaps it is time for those that complain to take some accountability instead of demanding to be fed with a silver spoon.
frank
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 09:08 AM
It's ridulous to think that the First Nation people in this province or across Canada are treated like the Tibetans. At least Canada is a free country. I would suggest that Fontaine try to live in Tibet and then make his comments. Its just another money grab, whats this government going to pay so this will go away.
Jim
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:05 AM
I think they have more up their sleeve then protest. There is only one main major highway to get to these events?
Ron
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:05 AM
What a bunch of crap. They are two faced in a big way. Lets make a bunch of money off of this and protest all at once. What is there toprotest anyways? They pay no taxes and get money for doing nothing. We supply money for all there needs. Some of them use it to supply drugs and booze so that is are fualt as well. Everything that happens to them is the fualt of the whit man. Stop bitching, I did not come over to this land and change there life styles. I was born in Canada and raised in Canada. Get on with your lives and be responsable for your choices in life. Stop blaming the white man it has been a few years since the first whit man came over to this country.
Toni
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:11 AM
I think they need to give their heads a shack, they cannot actually think that they can compare themselves and how they are treated to what is happening in Tibet, that is ridiculous - how about protesting how they don't support their own people and especially women - I don't see them going to east Hastings trying to rescue other natives who have fallen on hard times or who are now addicted to drugs and alcohol, no they expect everyone else to take care of them while they reap the money that they receive from the federal govement - perhaps its time they stepped into the 21st century and started acting like the belong in a society of people and not excluding themselves from it.
Custer, GC
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:16 AM
So a signed treaty must be about as good as a signed agreement with Vanoc? More first nations treachery. Talking out of both sides of their mouths. Phil Fontaine has to be about the biggest s**t disturber that has ever come along. Why is it that first nations expect to have the world handed to them on a platter? Never satisfied ! Then you start to understand the inner workings on the reserve where the chief and his friends and family are the only ones who share in the government handouts. That's why the rest of them are so easy to stir up because they blame the white man their problems instead of the chief and his family. Stop the reserve system and cease the handouts. Let the 'first nations' people become truly self reliant and follow the law like the rest must. Canada is a shattered nation with each individual special interest group 'demanding' its own rights, etc. We're doomed !
In Other Words
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:29 AM
John Furlong is only going to be nice to you until the games are done,they will pack up the circus tent with their booty and high tail it out of dodge.Mean while the taxpayers are left holding the bag ,AGAIN,the Squamish First Nations will be left pretty much the same,improvished.
Ryan
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:34 AM
We have the highest rate of people incarcerated, the highest rate of children dropping out of schools, the highest rate of children in the child-care system and I could go on and on," Williams said. And this is to be blamed on the Canadian government? The native population has more opportunities in this country than any other Canadian and should consider themselves lucky. Their history is recognized and taught in our schools and the government provides a ridiculous amount of opportunities to maintain "their way of life" as well as helping them off-reserve. Protests, but even more so with blockades will only server to unite Canadian non-natives against them.
protest now
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:37 AM
lets all protest, lets all get serious about making canada listen!!!!!!!
Ed Baynton
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:43 AM
'Natives speak with forked tongue' should have been the headline. How can the natives sign on for their support and then start the political gamemanship. It is high time for natives to start being Canadians and help to build this country instead of always trying to tear it apart. It is not like the natives have not gained from this one sided partnership and it is high time that they lose the ' Oh whoa is me' attitude and do something productive. Who on this planet has the right to blackmail the rest into trying to accept that they have to perpetually provide everything to the other party forever......except the natives. Heck their unborn have this perpetual right also and that is wrong.
Hockey mom
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:50 AM
I think we expect Vancouverites to protest the Olympics even though their mayor supports it. What's the difference?
Paula
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:51 AM
Here we go again, another story about how whitey has let down the native people. Can't we for once have something positive happen in our city? Let's take away all things that have the potential to not only be fun, but to increase tourism and bring in millions of dollars. I can't wait for all these protesters (native or otherwise) to stop acting like spoiled children. (insert whiney voice) "it's not fair!!"
Buck
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:53 AM
Once again these people want eveything and sit on their idle rears with their hands out and not do anything to earn it.Just GIMMEE GIMMEE GIMMEE!!
Zoey
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 10:57 AM
"We have the highest rate of people incarcerated, the highest rate of children dropping out of schools, the highest rate of children in the child-care system and I could go on and on," If this is true, why not do something about it? Education is free for natives (so I've been told) Why wouldn't you take advantage of this & get a degree in something so you can get out of your 'poverty'? I'm getting so tired of people blaming everyone else for their problems...try looking in the mirror & fix yourself.
Bal
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 11:05 AM
I am really upset. They get everything. The get land, money, dont' pay taxes. What a bunch of ungrateful loosers. Get a job buddy and stop winning. Life is not fair. Deal with it.
Bob
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 11:06 AM
And here we go once again putting up with hard done by first nations folks or so they think. The sooner this country gets rid of the Indian Act the better why first nations are treated any diffierent than the rest of us is a joke . They can learn to work and pay their share just like the rest of us. Not that I support the waste of money that the Olympic games will be also.
Al
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 11:17 AM
What are we supposed to think? We have a bunch of jerks blaming every failure they have on whitey parading around with masks on their faces and calling themselves WARRIORS???? .
Jennifer
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 11:28 AM
Good for Natives I say.
Mr. Big
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 11:31 AM
I think Chief Fontaine should consider the facts before commenting. How can you agree with the Olympics yet allow for protest? With regards to kids dropping out of school, perhaps he or his members should impliment their OWN plan rather than blaming or waiting for the government to act. They pay no taxes and education is free - no excuse why anyone under those circumstances cannot educate themselves. People of ALL walks of life need to to start looking themselves in the mirror rather than blaming society for their issues. Yet again, the only one to blame are the Provincial and Federal governments. You give any one an inch and they want two.
Nick
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 11:31 AM
"...[Canadians] should be just as outraged, if not more so . . . with what is being done to First Nations here." What exactly is being done to First Nations here? other than all the tax breaks, college tuition subsidies, and land treaties? These people have more opportunity than me, but because they make certain choices in life they end up poverty-stricken and on the streets or in jail. How exactly is that anyone's fault but their own?
Delta J
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 11:48 AM
What's up, guys? Got a little free time on your hands? Instead of blaming the government for all your problems,why don't YOUR people pick up the ball? Maybe you could make YOUR Chiefs accountabe for the billions in aid (tax dollars) paid out annually.Maybe your children could access the many government doors and programs available to them..How is it OUR fault that YOUR kids are dropping out? Maybe try living in 2008 instead of 1698....Newsflash: EVERYONE'S "good ol' days" are GONE....
len
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:02 PM
I agree with the natives human rights start at home, if we want to portray ourselves as a caring, and just society, (downtown east vancouver) (child poverty) while we celebrate. can you blame anyone who wants to bring these problems to light as we try to sweep them under the rug. I am a supporter of the olmpics, but disruptions should not come as a suprise. Len graham
Michell Smith
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:06 PM
I sure get sick and tired of First Nations always complaining. Get over it, you are 3% of the population. Learn to live in cooperation and harmony with the rest of everyone. No one was around hundreds of years ago when the injustice was done. Here's an idea, get a job, pay taxes, and enjoy your Canadian way of life. There are millions of people around the world who would gladly switch positions with you. MIchell Smith
Jane
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:09 PM
Two faced
Stephen
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:13 PM
If the Indians choose to extort economic sanctions upon us- I would expect the Govenment of B.C. and Canada to withold their welfare payments and treaty monies.
chris
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:17 PM
All i can say is this makes me so sick every time i hear of stuff like this. What makes natives any different then myself blacks whites asaians or anyone. i do not understand why anyone thinks differently what makes them different?????????
Caledonia says !
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:18 PM
Well Canada,welocme to our world.Having been part of ilegal and dangerous circumstances for almost two years, haveing been subject to threats, violance, and outright lawlessness, this dosnt suprise me one bit. Our govt due to their weak kneed, political corectness BS has empowered some FN/SN people to push and push and push without any fear of being held accountable. We are seeing those now applying or implying that they will do the same in 2010 !. IMO its disgusting that any FN person would compare their plight to that of Tibet, I say go to Tibet and see how you are treated, they dont seem to get that. Shame on FN and shame of this Fontaine person for even going there. No reason anyone living in our coutry cant improve their lifestyle, men and women gave their lives for what we have so to FN people who feel this way, grow up, get on with life and stop complaining about the past, its 2008, not 1708 !.
Gail
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:19 PM
Thanks for the mess Gordo!
Deb
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:28 PM
There's only a few reasons that i should be outraged at what's "happening to the 1st Nations people in our own backyard". 1 I'm outraged they don't pay taxes at a VERY stressful time of year for a LOT of Canadians,2. subsidies,3 free univ. education,4. tax free cigaettes or FREE quit smoking aids (I spent a fortune trying to quit smoking)....on and on. Quit the damn whining; there's millions of poor "white" Canadians out there not getting anything handed to them. And don't sign on to the Plympics with one hand and decide to protest at the same time. Doublefaced!
Jonathan Kimble
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:29 PM
The First Nations need to take some responsibility for their own conditions and stop finger-pointing. I imagine if I sat on my behind and abused substances on a regular basis, I would likely be living in poor conditions as well.
Tony
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:31 PM
Wow... why can't some of these people keep one thought in their head long enough to realize that they are hypocrites? How do you support and protest something at the same time? I have several friends and acquaintances that tell me while some reserves are better run than others, many of the problems they face are from poor leadership and poor attitudes of the people. The people that can make a difference never make it to the leadership roles and usually leave the reserve in frustration. These reserves do need help but what they need is better leaders and organization, not more money and land.
Ray Trandall
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:34 PM
Hey .. If they don't sign an agreement that binds to a specific term kick them out of ALL events and ceremonies - they are FAR too large a component of the Games ceremoniesa it is. Canada is about so much more than skidoos! Stop the crap .. Make them pay taxes like all the rest of us .. Why is it everyone with an axe to grind sees the Olympics as a vehicle .. Whaaa whaaaa whaaa STOP WHINING!!
Jeff
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:36 PM
What a bunch of BS. First nations are honoured to highest degree in canada, and especially the west coast. They are given break after break and opportunity after opportunity. its noones fault they squander these chances they are given but themselves. Comparing themselvs to tibetans? are you kidding me? WHAT A BUNCH OF BS. im sick of hearing thier complaints. its on deaf ears to me.
Bill
Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 12:38 PM
Jennifer should live in Tibet for awhile. Maybe then she might change her tune.
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俺倾向于支持加拿大愤青，对任何two faced in a big way, speak with forked tongue, blaming every failure they have on whitey parading around with masks on their faces and calling themselves WARRIORS的bunch of ungrateful loosers进行谴责
What a bunch of crap ... why can't some of these people keep one thought in their head long enough to realize that they are hypocrites? They need to take some responsibility for their own conditions and stop finger-pointing.
I am sick of having hear the same old rhetoric from Native Leaders. Quit looking for handouts and move forward like the rest of us. I have a mortgage, car payments etc and I have to work to pay for them. Do likewise, If you want ot live like your forefathers and continue their traditions, then hunt with bow and arrow from canoes and kill whales with harpoons, not from motorboats using machine guns, and live in teepees. Otherwise, assismilate yourselves into our melting pot society and start providing for yourselves. I am sick of paying for mistakes/injustices that occurred many generations ago. Get over it and show your future generations the way without using lawyers and the media to line your pockets with little personal effort!!!!!!!!
Northern SpiritFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:01 PM
Its easy to slam others for their short comings. and remain anonymous ..Its also easy to sound like two year olds talking about oh I mean griping about something you don't know half the story about. Headlines spark interest but you don't get the whole picture of any issues involving First Nations People. Why do you think the government (s) are in this position? What do you know of the Rights? Sounds to me that some people are speaking at face value level.
DonFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:03 PM
I guess it would be dreaming to think our politicians would grow a back bone and stand up to these guys. But I am sure Gordon (I want to please everybody) Campbell will bend over backwards and give them everything they want.
JeffFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:06 PM
What a bunch of BS. First nations are honoured to highest degree in canada, and especially the west coast. They are given break after break and opportunity after opportunity. its noones fault they squander these chances they are given but themselves. Comparing themselvs to tibetans? are you kidding me? WHAT A BUNCH OF BS. im sick of hearing thier complaints. its on deaf ears to me.
Hey WhiteyFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:12 PM
Get your middle class heads out of your overfed asses and wake up to genocide. There's plenty of Indian sell-outs who will go to bed with Gordo, the ones who won't are dying of your ignorance and hate. You people are so far behind, you think you're ahead.
tyFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:13 PM
This is why we should stop giving natives a break.... the more we give the more they want. Pretty soon natives learn that sittin on their ass and whining about how they drop out of school and abuse alcohol that they will get everything handed to them.we've conditioned them to this point. they have learned that if they themselves don't improve their own living standards and situation that they can blame it on something that happened 200 years ago and use it to get a silver spoon in life.... i mean if i was native i probably would do the same... push and push to get as much free money and breaks as i can
TimFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:15 PM
Good lord. What a pack of ignorant, racist scumbags you people are. If this is what passes for political discourse in British Columbia you deserve anything you get in the way of protest. I hope they shut the Games down.
Hardy HarHarFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:15 PM
Maybe these Indians should quit there bloody whining and do something for themselves for a change.
BAFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:27 PM
We spend $80,000 of our tax dollars per year, per each reserve Indian! What do they do with all that cash and how can they be impoverished?? AND they pay no tax on that to boot! The fact the 132-year-old Indian Act is silent on issues of accountability means we've been kept in the dark about where the bucks go -- $80,000 a year per each reserve resident household, according to federation statistics. Band councils are not required to disclose these budgets, not to the government, nor their own members.
BillyFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:42 PM
This is total crap, everything is already given to them! With all that is given to them for free they should make the most of it. Yet all they do is misappropriate the money they get. I wish I could have had my schooling paid for, and been given land. I'd would have made myself I to a millionaire with that opportunity. While it's tragic that they have the worst "quality of life" i think if you look it up, as a people the also abuse the most substances and work the least.
SeashellFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:51 PM
What a bunch of ingrates! I am so disappointed to hear that First Nations groups are planning protests at the Olympics. The logo is Inuit. The mascots are First Nations. First Nations groups are being consulted every step of the way. And this is the way they say thanks? What a great way to gain the sympathies of the rest of Canadians.
DaniFri, Apr 18, 08 at 01:52 PM
Here we go, the red necks are getting redder again! Natives standing up in protest. Sure it has been a century or more since ol whitey came in an occupied our land, trying to strip away our rights and cultural heritage, take us away from our families, suffer years of terrible hidden abuse by the churches. Hmmm, I wonder why alcoholism is so high with natives. The governments and the Crown tried to wipe us out with sickness and disease. And just because you are native doesn't mean you get free housing, free cars, free money. Do you think we would be suffering on the freakin skid row if we did? do you think myself and my son pay RENT, Work Hard because we get everything free! Give your head a shake. Natives have been put down and beat up! But we are still alive and kicking! We are standing up for our rights and yes the Big old REd Necks don't like that. Because First Nations people are still frowned upon and made to look like we are all drunken bums. I and my family are First nations we have worked hard all our lives and NO we have not been fed with a silver spoon. Why do you think we are hardworking individuals. Crap I wish I could get a free handout and retire in a luxurious downtown apartment overlooking our LAND as Far as the eye can see.!
DaveFri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:05 PM
And you think the native signatures on treaties mean anything? We will be doing all this again like we did already in the 20's.
Jack HiltonFri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:06 PM
I'm beginning to feel more anymosity to natives because they insist on being a separate people and at the same time insist on "Canadians" helping them in every way. They can start helping themselves by abstaining from alcohol and drugs and their problems will decrease. Canadians can't control the alcoholism and dysfunctions of natives. It's up to natives to change their "distinct" society. I'm sorry for future generations of "Canadians" who will inherit a balkanized country.
trevorFri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:09 PM
as usual they prove once again, even rich bands like this are completly nuts!!!
Solution to the First Nations? Buy them out. Give them a large sum of money in exchange for dropping the indian act. They become regular canadians and must integrate with the rest of society. The diaspora will be good for them, because what is bringing the first nations down is themselves. Canada is a story of cultural transplants and survival. It will be no different for them.
ByronFri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:33 PM
Always the victims. I'm sure if everyone knew the amount of money spent on First Nations they would be shocked. As long as government is going to sit on their hands and the rest of Canada wishes to remain political correct by saying nothing,then things will just keep getting worse. They will never be satisfied and will always blame the white man for all the problems. They say the rest of Canada looks down on them? This is why, if you insist on being a burden to society instead of contributing to it. In this country everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you choose to waste it, accept how your life turns out and stop looking for everyone else to support you.
MSFri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:34 PM
It should be apparent after all the money that has been used to improve the plight of First Nations people that this strategy does not work. If you treat people like children they will act like children and when is the last time you saw a 5 or 10 year old that could make decisions focused on long term gain instead of short term gratification. Giving people unending, unaccounted for handouts will always result in lazy, whiney people. First Nations People will never be in a positon to govern themselves until they learn to look after themselves.
TyanaFri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:36 PM
I can't believe it. The injustices to the native people happened many, many years ago. I am truly sorry it happened but guess what, nothing is going to change history. The native people living TODAY should have no complaints. They get money handed to them over and over again and they do nothing productive with it. It should be up to them to look after their children, elderly and women but they choose not to. The money is given to them but they choose to blow it instead. What about the rest of us CANADIANS -- we don't get even close to the benefits of natives yet we work hard and try to do the best we can for ourselves and our families. To the natives -- quit complaining and make something of yourselves for yourself and your families. The opportunities are there they just don't take advantage of them. Why should everything just be given to them based on their race. Frankly I'm sick and tired of hearing about the "poor natives". Get off the booze and get a job!
RobFri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:44 PM
Here is some points that you seem to be missing 1. B.C. Nations nevered signed any treaty for one therefore the land was stolen = no treaty money 2. First Nations pay income tax and federal tax - Not provincial tax 3. The amount of First Nation youth whom go to who go to post-secondary schools is next to none 4. First Nations are only 3% (Racially and sexist membership provision + fastest growing population in Canada) 5. Native rights are not under mobility rights therefore the only get benefit if they live on reserve hence Canada's refusal to change poor conditions 6. Canada refused to sign UN declaration for equal rights for First Nations 7. Treaty money is only 2-5 dollars a year per person 8. The ratio of money that makes it to the reserve vs. money spent getting it there is about 1 for every 15 dollars 9. First Nation people are the only people in the world who are wards of the crown 10. Indian Residential Schools closed in mid 1990's - not 300 years ago 11. Unfortunately First Nations poeple do not write on blogs like this or they would tell you the same things 12. Over 300 000 people are denied legal status under the membership provision of the Indian Act 13. Phil fountaine is not forked tongued - he just has no real power over his people in BC and Southern Ontario 14. Black, Asian and Whites have a homeland (Africa, Asia, Europe) vs. the country of Canada 15. tax free cigaettes or FREE quit smoking aids ????? - Listen tobacoo is sacred to Native people therefore abusing it is twice as bad. The cigaettes are tax free to everyone ***Agreed the situation in Tibet is different as it is not Colonialism but First Nation people never argue about religion
joshFri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:52 PM
i guess there is more racist people than i taught
HenriFri, Apr 18, 08 at 02:53 PM
I agree with most post about First Nations. Everything is free for them. Billions of $$$ handed out but for what!! So the so called FAT CAT Leaders and their familys can have nothing but the best, while their own kind starve and live in poverty. Don't believe me? Go to a reserve near you and you will see what I mean. As for the WARRIORS, (so called masked bandits), why do they hide their faces? Because most of them are not from BC. Imported shit disturbers from the east and US. Also you see many WHITE Indians amongst the protestors. Guess when you marry into the clan, you get new rights. In all its all about$$$$$$ get all we can from the gov't. That's called blackmail, but it works.
Allan FrankFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:06 PM
This is simply the Indian Industry at its finest. Its all about White Guilt and wringing as many guilt dollars as possible from the pockets of the governments. The methods are of little consequence, riots, roadblocks, extortion, and harrassment are just a few of the tools at their disposal. The laughable comparison of these indians to the people of Tibet is simply further evidence of the intellectually bankrupt and specious nature of their arguments. I can't remember the last time an indian was dragged out of his or her home and shot. Its a farce pure and simple. All of these Indian bands are left to their own devices. Yet the gross incompetence of the "Chiefs" and band managers who line their own pockets is somehow our fault. Mismanage funds and fail to invest in clean water, healthcare and eduation and then come screaming to Whitey with a pointed finger and shrill tongue. It makes me sick. Free education, free land, free health care, unlimited hunting and fishing at all times during the year, unlimited subsidies and "grants". Special treatment at all levels of government. Special treatment in prisons. No taxes and still the whining and howling continues. Like spoiled little children, its all about them. Drug Problem...blame Whitey, Incest Problem...blame Whitey, Can't hold a decent job?....blame Whitey, Drunk all the time...Blame Whitey, Piss all your money away and leave your family starving...must be Whitey's fault. Well one day Whitey is going to wake up and turn off the tap. That day can't come too soon.
CHelseyFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:06 PM
WOw! I am amazed by the ignorance displayed in the comments here. I am not first nations but anyone who thinks that they have it better than us should really consider reading the Indian act. It isn't hard to find, It is on the government of canada's website. They trade rights for those tax breaks. It is in our own backyard, and it is not something that happenned a hundred years ago... the last residential school closed in the 1990's . the government still weilds the power to forcefully send native children to a school of their choosing. Please Please do some research and think objectively about this and stop perpetuating a false opinion that these people have it good. read the current INDIAN ACT. think for yourselves
velcroFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:09 PM
It is too bad that instead of blaming the natives for the atrocities that have happened to them the general public should do more homework themselves. Ask the governments to be accountable to them, ask to be truly informed and learn what treaties are about. Non natives encroached onto the lands in droves, tried to murder us all off and separated families from each other and abused them in ways that you will never hear about. Yeah silver spoon all right. We are tired of being treated like second class citizens. First Nations people are a proud people were are not all drunks and druggies. Get a reality check! How many white people are flopping around skid row? Do we see their faces plastered all over and put down. These people are there for a reason, reasons that you and I probably will never understand, does that mean they are less a person than you or I. I don't think so; OUr world is becoming more and more dispassionate every day to our own citizen's who are addicted, who are homeless, there are no racial boundaries when it comes to dire circumstances. Yet we can funnel billions and billions of dollars in foreign aid dollars, while our people sleep in the cold damp streets.
PatriciaFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:13 PM
I think it is terrible what the natives are doing, yes it was their land, and we BOUGHT THE LAND and they insist on being paid many times over for the same. Why spoil the olympics by protesting, it only shows the people of the world what the natives are truly about and not how they cooperatre with ongoing celebrations or anything else for that matter.
AngelinaFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:23 PM
It is unfair for people to assume that all Native People are jobless, addicts, and selfish! I myself am a proud, successful Aboriginal woman with a great career and find it absolutely unfair and ignorant of people to assume the worst of us. I agree that sometimes there are situations that arrise and are blown out of proportion, like protesting the olympics, and it makes me wonder why so many of our people continue to stay focused on the negatives, but many of our people have suffered a lot and for you to assume the worst of us before knowing the facts is what makes you label First Nations people negatively. Yes we do have a lot of great benefits and there are many, like myself, that appreciate all that is given, but for ignorant people to stereotype all First Nation people is completely unnecessary, if you don't know the facts then don't voice your opinion! As for the protesters, my message to the First Nation People that are gathering at your "protest the olympics committee" meetings, please give it a second thought....we are supposed to be a welcoming nation that welcomes and respects all nations which is what the olympics does. Times have changed over the past few centuries, we are not so naive, we are proud and should set a positive example to other third world nations that you can overcome all hardships, it may take centuries like it has us, but our grandchildren will remember us for the positives and appreciate us and all people of the world!
JohnFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:26 PM
Typical nonsense.
VivianFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:34 PM
So I really don't understand what kind of help the Natives are still asking for? They get free education, free land, pretty much tax free or low tax on everything essential. So what else do you want? Even more money for drugs and alcohol? I work at a manufacturing plant and I know a lot of Philipino, Asian and South American. A lot of them immigrate to Canada when they don't have much education and money with them. They don't even speak English well and have like 5 kids to feed. So what did they do? They didn't complained that they didn't get help, they just work hard! And a lot of them actually managed to own a house now and have a hard but happy life! So I really don't understand what exactly do the Natives still want. Can someone from their point of view say something specific instead of just saying they need help and money? I can't believe they even have the guts to compare their lives with people in Tibet and say it out loud on the newspaper! Shame on you! Do you know how hard they tried to have a better life? They didn't just get drunk and complain about the government! I think maybe the only way to wake them up is to take everything away from them and leave the finnest to survive!
ReggieFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:35 PM
I think First Nations people have held up Canada for ransom long enough! When is this going to end? They pay no taxes, have a lot of other perks, and all the rest of us hard working Canadians hear is gimme, gimme, gimme. I for one am heartily fed up with them. Let them get off their collective butts and make an honest living and clean up their reserves. Most on their places are a blight on the landscape! As in every culture, there are those who work hard and don't ask for handouts. Unfortunately, we never hear of those, only the gimme kind. Sad, really!
JamesFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:40 PM
WOW! Several, if not all, the comments made on this site are full of anger and hostility towards the aboriginal communities. Furthermore, they are full of ideological ranting, ignorant of what truly is going on in the heart of our society in regards to difference of values that is present between non-aboriginal and aboriginal communities. Please people, understand that a lot of what is going on here represents the divisiveness that has been historically caused, and that is still present in the manner of our thoughts and actions. Take a deep introspection of your own thoughts and your own prejudices and realize that they are constructions formed in you from the time you were babies, i.e. our cultural attitudes represent deep ingrained systemic racism taught into you, not as overt racism but as an inability to accept and work with other differentiated values in other peoples. Canadians everywhere have the right to protest the Olympic games regardless if their aboriginal or not, you cannot commit individual actions i.e protesting, to the collective identity of a people, if you do then you become the problem not them. And I think the words stated above me in this column represent that fact.
Hard working Fri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:48 PM
As a 2nd generation offspring of european immigrants who were extremely poor upon arrival in this country, i had to gow up with nothing, but got myself through childhood, and university (paid for by hard-working mom) and great job, now with my own family and home. Never got money given to me to buy a big truck, top of the line electronics, start a business, open a casino... and the list goes on an on. The difference between wealthy First Nations people and poor ones is leadership, management of millions of dollars in handouts and whether you're well-connected to the ones in charge of the money. I feel really sympathetic to new Canadians who come here from their far-away home nations, having experienced the trauma of war, rape, death, families torn apart - try asking those folks to have some sympathy for our hard-done-by First Nations people.
WWWFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:54 PM
Sure! I say, PROTEST!!! Bring the whole band and make a day of it! Show the world how badly you, the 'first nations', are so hard done by. If you're lucky, maybe some foreign government will see your plight and come to your rescue! They might invade our country and do everything in their power to help you out of the hellhole that we, the Canadian white man has placed you in against your will, or, IF YOU'RE REALLY LUCKY, they might bring you over to live large in THEIR country. We can only pray that it's the latter. I'd host the biggest going away party Canada has ever seen. Good riddance once and for all!
Freedom for ConvenienceFri, Apr 18, 08 at 03:55 PM
Double standard? two-faced? We should take a good look at ourselves! Just exactly what is the difference between here and tibet? They call it "cultural genocide" or whatever in Tibet, but look what happened to First Nations culture here. Before we start jumping up and down and ranting about "free tibet", we should free the natives first and give the country back to them. What? just because it happened a few hundred years ago, instead of 50, it's ok? Validates these barbaric act? We are a $%@ joke!
JWFri, Apr 18, 08 at 04:09 PM
You have large numbers incarcerated because you have large numbers committing crimes. You have high drop out rates because you fail to institute the importance of education in your children. You have a high rate of children in the child care system because you fail to provide them with their basic needs. Take some personal responsibility. Canada is a country of opportunity and the native population has as much opportunity, or more due to government programs, than most of the population. Those bands that have been successful have educated themselves, hired competent managers, and taken advantage of the opportunities available to them. While there are some geographically secluded bands that require more help, the disparity between rich and poor bands in BC is due mainly to the choices those bands make. I believe it was Chief Robert Louie who said "our ancestors worked; so should we". And look what his band has accomplished!
KatFri, Apr 18, 08 at 04:16 PM
If only you all knew what First Nations people have been through for years and years. Choices for the FN people were made for them and taken from them. They were forced from families and traditions take away and unimaginable things happened to FN people for years. Now that FN people are educated, FN people are now taking action on what they know now was taken ore being done to them when they didn't know any better. Half the things being said I think you should get your info. strait some of the info. being stated is not correct. FN people are taking action helping FN people that are in need such as drugs & alcohol there are many programs everywhere for this help. Just like any other it is not going to happen over night. So all I am saying is if you don't know what FN peopl have expericnced for years and years and for generation after generation don't put them down. There are many FN people that are doing very well and are working with all FN people in regards to interprevention. Obviously there are reasons whey things are tax free and FN get SOME support for education and the Government has made some sort of arrangement and that's why it is happening the way it is. So before opeing your mouths about whining please know your facts, don't even say anything unless you have experienced what a lot of FN people have gone through. There is good reason for why FN people are standing up for themselves, and that is what it is STANDING UP FOR THEMSELVES.
DonnaFri, Apr 18, 08 at 04:52 PM
I have read the majority of the comments to this article making it obvious to me many of you do not know the history of "indians" since contact...and yes it has its impacts on us today. We were placed on reservations (which are for animals which tells you right there the opinion of us as less than humans) and the implementation of the "Indian Act" definining Indians as anything other than a human, then the implemetation of the residential schools which without consultation took all of the children and placed them in these schools where they were beaten for speaking the only language the knew, told they would never amount to anything, that everything about them was wrong, where the staff hired were did not have the training in education to teach them the basics of reading, writing etc. and where most of the day was spent cultivating the land to produce vegetables and raising farm animals yet they the children, remember they were children, they did not receive adequate food, or educated and to top it off they were physically and sexually abused. The last residential school did not close until 1980 so it was not so long ago. As far as get free this and that, that is far from the truth, I had a mortgage like anyone else however, my house has no value because even though I had a certificate of possession all of the on "reserve" are considered to be held in trust under the Indian Act. Further if we wanted to develop economically there were so many hoops to jump through as a result of the Indian Act economic development was virtually impossible. As your tax dollars been going to us, Canada has not honored any of the treaties in other parts of Canada and is still "negotiating" treaties for most of BC. I look at all of the resources Canadians have benefited from I will say from our land because we have not ceded the rights to this territory, the money coming into our communities are a down payment for those resources. Secondly to that all the free money you say come to us for years and still in some cases today goes to the Department of Indian Affairs which is a huge beauracracy. You tell me get on with it and make a life for yourself and your people, and contribute to this country. That this is not your burden to bare, however, all of the injustices of what this country has come to be and you have come to benefit from has been at the expense of us. If you think about what I have shared, ask yourself if your parents, grandparents and their children were taken without your consent and placed in the institutions beaten, told they were worthless, been relocated again against there wishes, placed on "reserves" where they have to ask the "Crown" for permission to do everything from creating a "dog by-law" to economic develop how fast would you or your parents, grandparents have moved forward. You must understand recovering from one trauma after another and your leadership being disempowered by having to go to someone for permission to move forward how far would you get. You may not believe their is a correlation to what is happening in Tibet but we have and are suffering from many of the same issues of disenfranchisement. It took 10 years before government would finally acknowledge the impacts of the residential school and is taking years to address the issue of settling treaties. We are working hard to address all of these issues but it will take years to undo all of the damage. Research has shown the devastion to children who have been traumatized as an early age to recover. Hopefully some of you will read my whole message and gain some understanding of what has happened to us since contact and continues to this day.
JudyFri, Apr 18, 08 at 05:16 PM
I cannot believe the comments I am reading. This is 2008. For all of you who have no concept of how socio-economic conditions affect people's life, have no concept of the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal people, and make a comment like demanding to be fed with a 'silver spoon', that more than makes me outraged. Indeed there are some people who have the means to move ahead in this free country of ours, but there are others who do not have this means. All Aboriginal people do not get a tax free life, and as an Aboriginal I most certainly do not have access to a life of free this and that. You people make me outraged and all the more reason why I will stand up for First Nation's people. White people were the same then as they are now.
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