On the road to the future perhaps one of the harshest obstacles has been alcohol and drugs. Although not restricted to aboriginal peoples, they have been more susceptible to the devastating personal and social effects, particularly when combined with poverty, a dysfunctional family structure, and depressing living conditions.
The life and death of Tracie Owens is tragic and not unique. But the organizational and financial problems of the communities involved aggravated her chances for proper treatment. No, there probably could not have been any happily ever after scenario but there could have been a more manageable situation and a positive quality of life outcome.
One of the observations in a 72 page inquest report in 2008 concluded that
“keeping kids in the community, a community with resources, and to provide support to the family is the longterm answer. Parallel with this, obviously, is the need for the necessary community development – economic, housing, education, training – to make the community well so it can raise a healthy child.”
Report on Inquest of The Honourable Judge John Guy, January 11, 2008
It takes a lot of conscientious organization and a lot of funding to provide not only Tracie Owen but the hundreds of other children that face similar threats in society. For that professional and well administered programs are vital.
A further major concern comes from a more recent review this past Thursday. The report indicates that in addition to the complexity of treating those at risk, there was lack of proper oversight and diversion of funds by members of the Southeast Resource Development Council. At this point the tribal council chiefs are reported to be split on findings of the review and how they will respond needs to be clarified
Regardless, it is clear that the system was lacking at the time and any suggestion that funds vital to such a complex program is to be taken seriously by the members of the community. Underfunding is almost a given, as with most aboriginal programs but was there questionable management and misappropriation of resources away from their intended purpose?
The lives of our children, all of our children, are too important to allow them to be used as fodder for internal power struggles. The aboriginal peoples cannot allow their future be sacrificed as a result of poor organization and management. Without responsible behaviour by chiefs and councils, there can never be a strong self-government, either at the local or national levels.
The issues that led to the loss of Tracie Owen reflect a broader need for focused oversight and, more importantly, disciplined and responsible leadership.
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