A typical anti- aboriginal comment today goes something like this:
“Mike Doe
February 11th 2010, 9:55am
The aboriginals want us to pay for everything, right? They want self government, right? Well, let them set up their own health care system, (like their child and family service), and educate their own to be smart lawyers, good doctors, and nurses. Then they wouldn’t have this problem. But then, that would take initiative, wouldn’t it? Initiative is something most of them lack.”
Many of the haters are actually arguing for the same system that First Nations are struggling towards. This highlights the public ignorance that continues to poison the image and true nature of the majority of aboriginal peoples. While I am disgusted by the assumptions and lies made by “Mike Doe”, it is the prevalent attitude of a particularly vocal segment of society.
From what I have seen, every objective of self-government is being hindered by federal and provincial governments. Their allies are the misinformed public.
At the same time, we must also acknowledge that in order to achieve self-governance, responsible self-scrutiny and oversight also must take place. The current situation at the First Nations University of Canada only serves to provide ammunition to critics including Strahl and INAC. Questionable excessive salaries and perks to some chiefs and councils unfortunately also taint the image and growth possibilities of all communities.
While “Mike Doe” is an inadvertent proponent of self-government poor, and sometimes greedy, government within the communities and aboriginal organizations generate opposition to those goals.
In going forward we will never quell all the naysayers but prominent publicity and awareness will correct the understanding, bringing many to realize that self-government is good for all of us.
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