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FlamesAddiction · 06-12-2015, 01:09 PM

Here is a good read from a non-aboriginal doctor that lived and worked in remote reservations for 43 years. It's a little dated and doesn't get into specifics about his proposed solutions, but as someone who also spent substantial time working on and for reserves, I can relate to some of his experiences.

http://news.nationalpost.com/full-co...e-for-43-years

The thing that always stood out for me was that I never met a FN person that felt the reserve system was good or beneficial, that is until people talk about changing it. The communities, many of which have internal feuds on how money is spent, quickly close ranks. I think the fear is that if you take it away, it has to be replaced with something good. I believe that native rights are inherent (the government affirms them, but doesn't give them), and they simply don't trust us enough to put that ball back in the government's court. I really can't say I blame most of them either as I don't trust the government to not screw it up again..

That is why these commissions are important. Favourable results for FNs are the only way to win their trust. I feel that the country has to be more generous at least until the next generation can be built up, but that simply can't happen without serious reform (which can't happen without trust). It's a conundrum to be sure.

06-12-2015, 01:09 PM	#105
FlamesAddiction Franchise Player Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Vancouver Exp:	Here is a good read from a non-aboriginal doctor that lived and worked in remote reservations for 43 years. It's a little dated and doesn't get into specifics about his proposed solutions, but as someone who also spent substantial time working on and for reserves, I can relate to some of his experiences. http://news.nationalpost.com/full-co...e-for-43-years The thing that always stood out for me was that I never met a FN person that felt the reserve system was good or beneficial, that is until people talk about changing it. The communities, many of which have internal feuds on how money is spent, quickly close ranks. I think the fear is that if you take it away, it has to be replaced with something good. I believe that native rights are inherent (the government affirms them, but doesn't give them), and they simply don't trust us enough to put that ball back in the government's court. I really can't say I blame most of them either as I don't trust the government to not screw it up again.. That is why these commissions are important. Favourable results for FNs are the only way to win their trust. I feel that the country has to be more generous at least until the next generation can be built up, but that simply can't happen without serious reform (which can't happen without trust). It's a conundrum to be sure. __________________ "A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can." Last edited by FlamesAddiction; 06-12-2015 at 01:13 PM.