Let's put the blame where it belongs

Page 5

Dear Editor:

Enough already: I am appalled by the ongoing character assassination of Aboriginal people. In reading the newspaper and hearing the radio news broadcast May 26, it was once again affirmed that I, a Mohawk woman of Kanhesatake, must endure the omnipresent, institutional racism that exists in Canadian society.

Since 1990, many public figures have taken many privileges in making racist comments and judgments. Here I shall take privilege in naming the problem by making confrontational comments.

Once again, an arrogant, white privileged male has made ignorant remarks concerning the state of affairs in our community. The Minister of Public Security Jacques Chagnon made the following comments:

"We find high levels of criminality in places where Aboriginals live for a very simple reason: more than 55 per cent of the population is under age 25. To put it simply, it is easier to run a seniors' residence than a comprehensive high school. And we are faced with people who are obviously more likely to have less civil attitudes."

It is not a 15-minute drive through the community that will give a person insight or the authority to make such comments. Only one who has internalized superiority can make such blatantly racist remarks.

Since January, the minister of Public Security, as well as other leaders in government, has continuously exploited Kanehsatake with their political posturing to gain public attention.

There is not another place in Canada other than another Aboriginal community where it would be acceptable for the burning of a home. If the mayor of Montreal's home or the mayor of Oka's home would have been set afire, within days legal action would have been taken to bring the perpetrators to justice. Here we are five months later and not one single person has been charged with the burning of Chief James Gabriel's home.

Right now I think the most harmful damage has been done in terms of the social aspect. The interpersonal relationships have been so damaged, I wonder how long it will take to heal. Our strength has been in our kinship. This latest crisis has attacked the very foundation of our kinship. There is no way for a successful political or economic system to function if the social fabric is wounded and trust in one another is misplaced. Once the kinship has been hurt, the oppressor's tactics are successful.

The legacy of Kanehsatake has been one of resistance to oppression and assimilation through determination, strength and the fight to maintain our identity as a Mohawk community. Among the people I have seen amazing creativity, a strong commitment to revitalizing our language, a resurgence in cultural teachings and sharing. Notably also is the shift away from alcohol consumption, with many individuals joining the red road to sobriety.

Additionally, many people have broken free from the cycle of domestic abuse and have left abusive relationships or couples have gone into healing together.

The optimistic side of me believes that the legacy, infrastructure, strength and positive influences will bring our community back to a safe and peaceful place. However, this will not happen until the oppressors take responsibility for their institutional racism and begin to make genuine efforts to co-exist on an equal footing. Colonization and oppression is not a thing your white ancestors did. It is something that is ongoing today throughout all institutions. I ask that before any arrogant white leader speaks again about Aboriginal issues, be humble and walk at least 100 miles in our shoes or at least engage yourself in some cultural sensitivity training.

Wanda Gabriel