Aboriginal people and the collective

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In my first column for Sweetgrass, I wanted to introduce myself in a way that whoever is reading this could get to know me, however my Aboriginal inclination towards shyness gets in the way. So read if you wish and form your own opinion.

I once heard a high profile Aboriginal person give a speech to university students, and say "Aboriginal people can no longer afford a collective society." The speaker said Aboriginal people need to contribute more to the economy by becoming educated. We are naturally competitive because of the rigors of nature that were imposed upon us. But then he had just finished reading a book by John Raulston Saul. I have also heard Elders say Aboriginal people must become educated, but not to lose sight of the values of their people.

In the latest legislation to be introduced in alberta, a law that claims it will protect children who are involved in prostitution, some Aboriginal people say they were not consulted on how the legislation would work for the Aboriginal kids apprehended under that law. If more than 50 per cent of the children on the street are Aboriginal, as is the speculation, some consideration should be given to the people who understand them.

As I stood on a well-known northeast avenue in Edmonton one night talking to some Aboriginal teens who are involved in prostitution, I wanted to understand who they are and why they were there. As I listened and observed them, I saw they embodied aspects that all Aboriginal people and all people of any color embody - they had the same wants, needs and desires. These young girls protect each other and, in a small way, they have their own collective. I heard their stories and I decided not to tell them because so many other journalists have capitalized on the suffering of Aboriginal people.

Instead the situation raised questions about the original collectivism of Aboriginal people. Aboriginal societies really can afford to go back to being a collective, in the sense that we need to stop our children from dying. I do see the value of being competitive in this world, but not at the expense of people.

Some Aboriginal leaders proclaim only a collective Aboriginal society will be able to resolve the poverty many Aboriginal people face on reserves and Metis settlements. During the time that Aboriginal people were truly a collective, several hundred years ago, I believe the leaders would walk beside the people and not ahead of them. Maybe the true leaders of Aboriginal people are those who may have triumphed over a situation with the odds heavily against them, but have not forgotten to walk beside the people.