GuelphToday has received the following letter to the editor from a First Nation person with some thoughts on the coming year.
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2017 marks the 150th anniversary of Canada. I suspect that there will be many events marking the occasion. On the second year following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report, I wonder how cities, provinces and federal governments will incorporate those recommendations into their planning?
Will Guelph move beyond the territorial acknowledgement to include First Nation, Métis and Inuit voices from our community in planning events? Or will we be token figures invited to participate but not really have a voice?
Will the province act to bring indigenous voices to provincial boards such as Conservation Authorities. Are they not a natural fit for our Indigenous water protectors to be better involved?
Has anyone considered ensuring our representation on the police board? Our local LHIN has made that effort by engaging with the local community and asking our elders for direction. Will this be the year that Ontario begins its own research on Grassy Narrows, instead of relying on Japanese experts?
At the federal level, I hope that our MP will ask questions on our behalf.
My status card says that I expire in 2022. How can I lose my status just by aging, and why does the government need to make re-application as cumbersome as it is?
Do we still need the Indian Act in 2017? If not, let’s see movement, perhaps it is time to recognize the many Indigenous people who are not on reserves and have no voice under the Assembly of First Nations.
I hope our elected officials will reflect on these and other issues as they make their New Year resolutions. May it be a truly celebratory year for all of us!
Tehotsienhate Bruce Weaver UE
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