[Derek Sutton]

something has to bee done to reform the current situation. Times were different when these agreements and treaties were established, the Indian leaders and government officials had no way on knowing or forecasting where the reserve culture would lead. Obviously drinking beer, watching TV and teen pregnancy were not issues 150 years ago. Aside from huge oil money many reserves are receiving, there is no end to government funded education and employment programs.
I started college in Lethbridge, the first month I couldn't believe all the Indians in school, well by Thanksgiving, once they received the majority of their funding, the Native enrollment was cut in (at least) half. I also started to work retail at this time and the boss' thought it would look good so they started to hire some Natives at the store......Well yes everyone wants a job but the concept of punctuality, 8 hrs of work and regular attendance was lost on many of these people. I've got many a stories but I hate typing.