Copyright © 2000 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

To The Editor:        

In the course of the last month, Natives and non-Natives have been replaying an all-too-familiar and painful historical scenario.        

Who would not be impatient after 2.5 centuries of being relegated to marginal lands, deprived of the right to benefit from the country's resources and having treaties diminished and in some cases invalidated by the successive governments in power?        

The Marshall decision as declared by the Supreme Court simply validated what the First Nations have always maintained. That is, that the representatives of the First Nations were possessed of foresight and intelligence when they entered into treaties with other nations. They did not intend to give away their land and livelihood to the new colonists to the detriment of their children's children.        

Due to the total dismay of Canadians and politicians, who did not want to recognize the decision of their own highest court, the case was again referred for clarification: that is, would you please narrow the scope of your interpretation.        

The day-to-day application is now even more narrowly interpreted by the politicians and applied by the force of law. The interpretation by the current government is to the right of center, more in line with the Canada Alliance Party. What we have is a response based on fear of lost votes and not necessarily based on good government, human rights or the long-term economic and social well being of the Native and Non-native communities.        

At the recent Pow Wow at Burnt Church we enjoyed partaking of the celebration, but what was most impressive was the 3rd and 4th generation family sitting against the background of Miramichi Bay, their own land, their own bay. In the background we didn't see large fishing boats, longliners or trawlers, but a dozen small dories.        

We also observed young children and teenagers in ceremonial dress dancing and enjoying the day. I wonder if confronted with the same choices if we would do less for our own children to assure them a better life?        

To the proud men, women and children of Burnt Church, the words of a philosopher from the Old World comes to mind: "What does not destroy us, makes us stronger."

Alonzo Leger,
Alicia Leger,
Riverview
(Via e-mail)