To the Editor:
The federal government is politically and financially obligated to the economic and social realities of our First Nation community. Once federal monies trickle filter down through Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, last but not least, our Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN) community is left with a budget unable to address the lack of housing for our people. Blaming the NCN leadership, as everyone is now aware, may be actually the main hindrance and is unfortunately a successful tactic, to actually stop us as a people from addressing the housing situation. Listening, communicating and working together in unity is by far an enlightening and sacred way of empowering a people. Continuous shunning, displaying lateral behaviour at band meetings, discriminating against those who speak out, those who ask questions and are within their rights to be concerned about their community are constantly being “bullied.” Violation of human rights by those who stand in political righteousness may very well result consequently in just cause for removal by a people who will eventually no longer tolerate authoritarian behaviour.
One cannot say, “She did this to herself.” Absolutely unfair and selfish to say such a thing to a person who is homeless. There are many factors to consider. There are a handful of people in our NCN community who have ventured, who have lived outside and know the realities of living and surviving in the outside world. Many of our people do not even know the beginning of paying rent, taxes, water bills and many everyday responsibilities. If anyone dares to say, “Get them off welfare,” be prepared to take them on a process of learning, and this takes years. Do not expect a people to shift from assimilation, colonization, government control, educational control; do not expect a people to survive from a reserve to a municipality within a short period of time. Just because a handful of us experienced and lived out there does not give those few the right to inflict this upon our people. Show some compassion. Set up a strategic plan, prepare education and independent living without prejudice, without giving up on those who fall through the cracks, without only selecting those who are “favoured.” Provide day care for young women. Leadership must listen to the people. Our people are “conditioned” to living day-to-day. Being homeless is not a fault, it’s a cry out for help. How can one budget on a supplement of less than $400 monthly? At times this is all one has to look forward to. This reality was not “chosen,” it was all part of a plan not created by our own. Our people do not play victims either, how dare anyone imply that. NCN people are a vibrant and intelligent people. Give them the tools to live, trust that they will prosper.
Carol Kobliski
Nelson House
