[FlamesAddiction]

People say that they "waste thousands of dollars just thrown at them", but 1000's of dollar is not much when you have nothing to invest in.

Part of the problem is just the lack of hope in many native communities. I'm not sure what the solution is, but I do know it is not something that "thousands" of dollars just thrown at them will fix.

Our governments need to stop just throwing money, but instead use the money to make real difference. They need to create an infrastructure on reserves that helps keep successful natives in their communities, and help integrate native communities into mainstream Canada. In the end, it will likely cost more, but it would be more effective. Right now, most aboriginals have little opportunity in their communities, but don't feel comfortable leaving.

At the same time, successful aboriginals need to make the effort to improve their communities and stay there. Show the young people that there is a point to education and healthy lifestyles (ie. avoiding substance abuse). Right now, I think that the lack of role models in native communities is a big problem that just contributes to the cycle of poverty and substance abuse.