=thaumadzo

PS...I am using the new dA system to post, and it appears that my last journal went through. (There were errors, so I backed out...I guess the new system is not working perfectly yet...I will have to report a bug). I apologize to at least one person who got and responded to an empty journal.

This Weeks Topic:

An Apology to the PEOPLE

Yesterday our federal government made a formal apology to the original peoples of our land. The apology was for the many abuses that have been perpetrated against the aboriginal people of Canada. The intent of this policy is to begin reconciliation and the healing process.

Many of you will not be aware of the issues, so please let me try to briefly explain. In my country, our rulers signed treaties with the original inhabitants (Some of them are more than 100 years old). However, our government failed to fulfill these treaties and the problems have been compounded by outstanding land claims. But perhaps the most poignant issue, was the policy of 50 years ago, that all native children must attend residential schools.

Under this policy, our government attempted to assimilate aboriginal cultures by forcing their children to leave their families and attend residential schools. In the process, languages and whole social structures were destroyed. Children were not allowed to speak their own tongues, and all vestiges of their way of live were vigorously discouraged through verbal and physical abuse. This, coupled the sexual abuse by the care givers, has created generations of people who have lost their religion, their heritage, their social structures, their languages and even their ability to parent in the traditional ways.

However, even though this was a major effort of the crown, and the elected officials of the day, this experiment was a failure. Our native brothers have thankfully continued to struggle, and have gained strength in their efforts.

My question to day is this: Do you think that an apology will have any real impact for the aboriginal peoples of this country. Please consider that there are many land claims settlements still outstanding, that the treaties have been broken, and even new initiatives are not being fulfilled by our government. I would also ask, that if you choose to respond, please do as if you are speaking to the Canadian Government in consideration of the respect that they, as our elected leaders, are due. (So please be respectful, but honest in your opinions). If possible, please think about what might need to happen for success and if you feel it will not work, please try to explain why. And remember, it is not the ordinary people who controlled these situations in the past but rather the politicians and bureaucrats of that day, and it is the present bureaucracy and political structure that continues to control it in the present.

Thanks for your honesty and careful consideration.