Student upset

Page 7

An open letter to Prime Minister Jean Chretien

Dear Sir:

I am a Native student who has just completed high school and is entering a B.A. program this fall at university. This spring I applied through the Public Service Commission for a summer student position in the Native Internship Program. After waiting until mid-June without getting a reply, I contacted the PSC who indicated that it had no record of my application.

Imagine my surprise when I received a call the next day from a federal office that had my resume in hand, to inquire if I was still interested in a summer position. After replying that, indeed, I was, arrangements were made to travel out of town for an interview. I'm afraid that I was a bit disappointed in the results. The position was to mow lawns.

Forgive me if I am mistaken, but "Internship" brings to mind something a bit more career-oriented and learning-oriented. Indeed, the dictionary states that it is a condition of training leading to an advanced standing.

I can scarcely envision cutting grass, picking up litter and hauling garbage as training leading to an advanced standing in anything.

Interestingly enough, the same type of position was offered last year. At that time, my father chose to complain. This year, I feel I need to do so myself.

If that is your government's idea of making available valuable training opportunities and jobs for Native peoples, then you are sadly disconnected from the real world. Such positions are a dime a dozen in the newspapers and at the Student Employment Centre. Such jobs are available from any employer who usually does not give a damn if you are Native or Martian, as long as you work. We do not need an expensive government program to tout employment/training positions that it can not deliver. If you can't deliver a decent program, then don't pretend to.

Cutting grass is scarcely an internist position. I started doing grounds maintenance 10 years ago on our motel and lodge at the age of 17. I don't need to move 150 miles from home for the summer just to cut grass. I can have the same job just down the block.

Having had many years background in history, cultural history, museums, visitor service and office work, I had expected that something more in line with this background might be available, especially considering the terrible programing in Native history and culture that exists in most park interpretive areas. Though I would have preferred some government experience, I do have, in fact, a standing offer from a private museum to join their summer staff as interpretive guide, with training to be provided in research, display development and sales. THAT, I consider to be an internist position. It is regrettable that your government seems to be unable to meet the competency of private enterprise.

Sincerely,

Odin V. Fromhold