Call to arms from reader

Page 5

Dear Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to applaud the First Nations leaders across Canada who have taken a firm stance against the Canadian government and its legislative agenda in regard to First Nations people, including the First Nations Governance act (FNGA).

The dedication, passion, and overall character that has been shown by our leaders since this act was conceived, has left an impression that my words cannot express. The Elders, chiefs, vice-chiefs, grand chiefs, and councillors should all take a bow for the battle they have been engaged in against a colonial Canadian government for the past days, months, and years.

The hard work consists of, but is not limited to, taking First Nations political action, lobbying government officials, educating their own people, meeting with each other and sharing information and creating public awareness of the situation. All these actions have been recognized and very much appreciated.

At this time, however, these great leaders should not be waging this battle alone. It is time for the First Nations peoples, the grassroots, to step up and take a firm public stance opposing the FNGA and the Canadian legislative agenda in regards to First Nations peoples. This action will strengthen the leadership, taking them to a higher level, and weaken a Canadian government that is cut from colonial cloth.

To further the understanding of my position I would like to engage in a metaphor, using words to paint a picture of my opinion in respect to this grave issue that will affect all First Nations people now and for generations to come. Picture in your mind a path.

This path represents the life journey that all First Nations people are on. All First Nations people are on this journey, searching for the inherent right to self-determination that will result in prosperity for all nations on Turtle Island. While embarking on this journey, the First Nations peoples have been met with resistant in the form of a colonial Canadian government that acts in its own interest.

This Canadian government has placed a ball and chain on each First Nations person, making the journey almost impossible. This ball and chain represents the colonialism, assimilation, and racism that the Canadian government has inflicted on Canada's first peoples. However, this resistance has only helped to foster the characteristics of pride and determination in these First Nations, pulling them together and making them stronger, adding fuel to their fired up spirits.

After seeing the failures of the weight of the balls and chains, the Canadian government has been the architect of a 10-foot thick brick wall in the form of the Canadian legislative agenda in regards to First Nations people.

The purpose of this wall is to prevent First Nation people from finishing their journey. On one side of this brick wall exists the inherent right to self-determination, prosperity, and equality. On the other side are the proud First Nation people and their leaders breaking down this wall, a wall made up of the colonial FNGA, with the foundation built on the 126-year-old Indian Act.

A Canadian government that is determined to assimilate, disrespect and ignore the first peoples of Canada is simply rebuilding the FNGA wall just as fast as the First Nation leaders are tearing it down. First Nations leaders cannot destroy this wall of legislation alone.

All First Nations people must embark on this task to destroy this wall of assimilation. If all First Nations peoples, the grassroots, join with our leaders to bring the FNGA wall down, the wall, along with the Canadian government, will weaken and one day will fall. When this day comes, all First Nations people will prevail and carry their children, the seventh generation, on to their inherent right to self-determination and a bright, long-lasting future.

To act on this the First Nations people can first, if they have not already done so, educate themselves on Canada's Fist Nations legislative agenda, including the First Nations Governance act, and then, form their own opinions on the act.

Next, go to chief and council to inform them of your opinions. Also write a letter or meet personally with your local member of Parliament, informing them of your opinions. Demand that your voice be heard in Parliament. Organize a grassroots rally with other members of your First Nations who have the same opinions on the FNGA as you do.

The Minister of Indian Affairs has sent the FNGA to the Standing Committee on Indian Affairs. This committee will conduct public consultations across Canada to gather input into the FNGA, as well as other bills on the Canadian legislative agenda. Take this opportunity to voice your opinions.

By using this forum you have a chance to let the government know that First Nations people are opposed to this piece of legislation. You will be fulfilling your duty to protect the First Nations children.

By doing these actions, you will be making a public statement to everyone in Canada that you are opposed to Canadian legislative agenda in regards to First Nations peoples.

During the days of the 1969 White Paper and the Constitutional Express, First Nations people had the spirit and strength and with a unified voice told the government of Canada that we will not be assimilated, we will not be involved in a colonial government system.

The outcome of this public outcry by First Nations people resulted in the Canadian government taking a step back in regards to their assimilation policy. Today, that same spirit and strength must be regained to ensure the survival of First Nations culture, traditions and way of life for all First Nations peoples and ensure the respect and honor of First Nations children, the seven generations.

Nathan Wright

Six Nations of the Grand River

Tuscarora Nation