NAAF founder told to get with the program

Dear Editor:

In regards to your guest column by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation, and the letter from Buffy Sainte-Marie, I agree with Buffy wholeheartedly.

Mr. [John Kim] Bell owes an apology to those Aboriginal cultures he has commercialized for the sake of entertainment. If Mr. Bell has the power he does, I suggest he use it and respect the cultures he presents in the shows.

Mr. Bell's support of Aboriginal people must be respected just as much as that from the sponsors. If we're the people, then treat us and our cultures with just as much respect as you do the sponsors.

I am shocked that Mr. [Tom] Jackson and Mr. [Graham] Greene participated in this show to the extent they did. Wake up! We, the everyday Aboriginal people, have to live with explaining this show, more than you do!

As for Windspeaker. Don't give in to the pressure the NAAF is asserting in its letter concerning the 'paid insert.' Journalism and opinions must not be affected by big money!

Where is the line drawn on giving sponsors what they want to see? The reality of Aboriginal people can not be colored over by fancy sets from the "imagination" of Mr. Bell. The reality of our cultures, beliefs, values and ceremonies are not for sale, Mr. Bell.

No one gave you the authority to dehumanize our neighboring First Naitons to the south and to speak as you did.

I work with our Aboriginal youth where they live. I, too, don't get paid for work and have to put up with the criticism.

Many of these youth are dealing with a reality, Mr. Bell, that you and I have never seen, and would not want to. It's a reality that must be dealt with before they can even concentrate on or in school.

I wouldn't use my power to disrespect them and their cultures. They get that enough as it is from the dominant society.

Mr. Bell, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Greene, apologize. Learn a lesson. Do it right the next time. Be real role models for our Aboriginal youth.

Karen Pelletier

Burns Lake, B.C.