I still intend to get a series of posts out clarifying issues like First Nations housing, health-care, education and so on, but I have a confession. I haven’t been staying away from the comments sections of articles about Attawapiskat.

I know. It’s not healthy. There are so many racist rants and outright ignorant responses that it can bog you down. Where do you even begin, when the people making these comments do not seem to understand even the bare minimum about the subject?

Well, I try to answer questions with facts. Here are some of those facts, if you’re interested.

Harper said Attawapiskat got $90 million, where did it all go!?

Yes, Prime Minister Harper is apparently scratching his head about where $90 million in federal funding to Attawapiskat has gone. Many commentators then go on to make claims about lack of accountability, and no one knowing what happens to the money once it is ‘handed over’ by the Federal government.

Let’s start simple.

First, please note that $90 million is a deceptive number. It refers to federal funding received since Harper’s government came into power in 2006. In the 2010-2011 fiscal year, Attawapiskat received $17.6 million in federal funds (PDF). The document linked to shows the breakdown of federal funds in case you wanted to know how much is allocated to things like medical transportation, education, maternal health care and so on.

Thus, $90 million refers to the total of an average of about $18 million per year in federal funding since 2006.

[As an aside, you will often see the figure of $34 or $35 million in funding given to Attawapiskat a year. This actually refers to total revenues. As noted, federal funding was $17.6 million, and provincial funding was $4.4 million. The community brings in about $12 million of its own revenue, as shown here. So no, the ‘government’ is not giving Attawapiskat $34 million a year.]

Okay fine, but where did it go?

Attawapiskat publishes its financial statements going back to 2005. If you want to know where the money was spent, you can look in the audited financial reports. This document (PDF) for example provides a breakdown of all program funding.

Just getting to this stage alone proves false the claim that there is no accountability and no one knows where the money goes.

But $90 million could have built the community 360 brand new houses!!

Assuming, as Grand Chief Stan Louttit of the Mushkegowyk Council has stated, that a new house costs $250,000 to build in Attawapiskat (with half of that being transportation costs), then yes, 360 new units could have been provided by $90 million.

However, this money was not just earmarked for the construction of new homes.

An important fact that many commentators forget (or are unaware of) is that section 91(24) of the Constitution Act of 1867 gives the Federal Crown exclusive powers over “Indians, and Lands reserved for the Indians.”

You see, for non-natives, the provinces are in charge of funding things like education, health-care, social services and so on. For example, the Province of Ontario allocated $10,730 in education funding per non-native pupil in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. For most First Nations, particularly those on reserve, the federal government through INAC is responsible for providing funds for native education.

How is this relevant?

It helps explain why the entire $90 million was not allocated to the construction of new houses. That $90 million includes funding for things like:

education per pupil
education infrastructure (maintenance, repair, teacher salaries, etc)
health-care per patient
health-care, infrastructure (clinics, staff, access to services outside the community in the absence of facilities on reserve)
social services (facilities, staff, etc)
infrastructure (maintenance and construction)
a myriad of other services

These costs are often not taken into account when attempting to compare a First Nation reserve to a non-native municipality. In fact, many people forget that their own health-care and education are heavily subsidised by tax dollars as well.

What’s the point here?

How much money was actually allocated to housing in 2010-2011? Page 2 of Schedule A (PDF) shows us that out of the $17.6 million in federal funds, only $2 million was provided for housing. Yes, even $2 million would be enough to 8 brand new homes, if those funds were not also used to maintain and repair existing homes. The specific breakdown of how that money was spent is found in Schedule I.

Now, I admit I am confused about something. The Harper article states:

According to figures providing by Aboriginal Affairs, the Attawapiskat Cree band has received just over $3 million in funds specifically for housing and a further $2.8 million in infrastructure money since 2006.

That is actually less than I estimated it would be, going by the 2010-2011 figures. I estimated $10 million for housing, but INAC (now Aboriginal Affairs) is saying it was $5.8 million.

Anyway, that isn’t too important. The point is, if INAC is correct, only $5.8 million has gone towards housing for Attawapiskat. At most that could have built the community 23 new houses, if Attawapiskat had merely let the older houses go without any repairs or maintenance for 5 years. Letting existing homes go like that is not a great strategy, however.

The point here is, $90 million sounds like a huge amount, but the real figures allocated to housing are much, much smaller.

Fine, they got $5.8 million for housing, surely that is enough?

Again, assuming 23 new homes were built, and all older homes were left without maintenance and repairs, and the people in charge of housing worked for free and there were no other costs associated with administering the housing program, Attawapiskat would still be experiencing a housing crisis.

It is estimated that $84 million is needed for housing alone to meet Attawapiskat’s housing needs (you’ll find those figures in a small table on the right, titled “Attawapiskat by the numbers”).

The Feds are just handing that money over and the Band does whatever it wants with it!

Many people seem to be labouring under the misapprehension that First Nations have self-governance and run themselves freely. This is far from the truth, but given that most Canadians are familiar with the municipal model, the confusion is actually understandable. It isn’t as though Canada does a very good job of teaching people about the Indian Act.

CLARIFICATION AND CORRECTION, Dec. 7

I am going to quote the following so that what I originally said is still viewable here. After the quote I am going to correct a factual error and clarify the issue. My apologies for not getting to this sooner!

Section 61(1)(a-k) of the Indian Act details that: “With the consent of the council of a band, the Minister may authorize and direct the expenditure of capital moneys of the band” for various purposes.

What this means is that Ministerial approval is actually a requirement before any capital expenditures can occur on reserve. In practice, a Band will generally pass a Band Council Resolution (BCR) authorising a certain expenditure (say on housing), and that BCR must be forwarded to INAC for approval.

CORRECTION:

First of all, I was actually quoting section 64(1)(a-k) of the Indian Act, not section 61. This section allows the Band to empower the Minister to make capital expenditures on behalf of the Band, and does not require the Minister to okay all Band expenditures. My apologies for this error, made in haste when this was initially posted.

CLARIFICATION:

The above does not mean that there is not federal oversight, however.

Federal control of expenditures is exercised through a variety of very restrictive funding mechanisms, a major one of which is contribution agreements.

To give you a sense of what contribution agreements are and how they work, I’m going to use Health Canada Contribution Agreements as an example. The following quote explains what the contribution agreement is and what the requirements are: (bolding my own)

It is the basis on which Health Canada will monitor your progress and assess your claims for payment;

It specifies the maximum federal contribution and what activities are eligible for funding;

It outlines the objectives of the project and how they will be measured and identifies the deliverables;

It tells you how often you must submit progress reports and claims; etc…

Please also note this quote:

When you receive a cheque depends on when you submit progress and financial reports

Health Canada cannot issue a payment until you properly account for expenditures through a claim submission and progress report.

Similar spending restrictions and reporting requirements exist in contribution agreements between Bands and INAC as well.

That’s right. Most First Nations have to get permission before they can spend money. CLARIFICATION: This does not equate to individual approval for each separate expense, but rather involves very specific expenditure restrictions laid out in formal agreements. Not only that, but Bands must submit regular and detailed reports in order to continue to receive funding. That is the opposite of ‘doing whatever they want’ with the money. Bands are micromanaged to an extent unseen in nearly any other context that does not involve a minor or someone who lacks capacity due to mental disability.

Any claims that INAC has no control over what Bands spend their money on is false.

I would hope by now you’d ask the following question:

If INAC has to approve spending, why is Harper so confused?

There is a tendency to believe that our government officials do things in a way that makes sense. This, despite the fact that most of us don’t actually believe this to be true. We want to believe. I know I do.

So upon learning that the federal government is the one in charge of providing services to First Nations that are provided to non-natives by the province, we might assume that the provision of these services are administered in a comparable manner.

Not so! And it actually makes sense why not, when you think about it for a moment. Have you ever seen a federal hospital, for example? No, because hospitals are built, maintained, and staffed by the provinces. Thus, when a First Nations person needs to access health-care, they cannot access federal infrastructure. They must access provincial infrastructure and have the feds rather than the province pick up the tab.

If only it were as easy as federal funding via provincial structures.

The Auditor General of Canada speaks up.

The Auditor General of Canada released a report in June of this year examining Programs for First Nations on Reserve. A similar report was published in 2006. This report identifies deficiencies in program planning and delivery by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), Health Canada, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

The reports also provide a number of recommendations to improve these deficiencies. The 2011 report evaluated the progress made since the 2006 report, and in most areas, gave these federal agencies a failing grade.

Don’t worry, there is a point to this, stay with me.

The 2011 report has this to say:

In our view, many of the problems facing First Nations go deeper than the existing programs’ lack of efficiency and effectiveness. We believe that structural impediments severely limit the delivery of public services to First Nations communities and hinder improvements in living conditions on reserves. We have identified four such impediments:

lack of clarity about service levels,

lack of a legislative base,

lack of an appropriate funding mechanism, and

lack of organizations to support local service delivery.

I know this is going to look like mumbo jumbo at first, so let me break it down a little for you. This will help explain why millions of dollars of funding is not enough to actually improve the living conditions of First Nations people, particularly those on reserve.

Lack of clarity about service levels

As explained earlier the federal government is in charge of delivering services that are otherwise provided by the provinces to non-natives. The Auditor General states:

“It is not always evident whether the federal government is committed to providing services on reserves of the same range and quality as those provided to other communities across Canada.”

Shockingly, the federal government does not always have clear program objectives, nor does it necessarily specify specific roles and responsibilities for program delivery, and has not established measures for evaluating performance in order to determine if outcome are actually met.

What!?

That’s right. The federal government is not keeping track of what it does, how it does it, or whether what it is doing works. The Auditor General recommends the federal government fix this, pronto. How can a community rely on these services if the federal government itself isn’t even clear on what it is providing and whether the programs are working?

Lack of a legislative base

“Provincial legislation provides a basis of clarity for services delivered by provinces. A legislative base for programs specifies respective roles and responsibilities, eligibility, and other program elements. It constitutes an unambiguous commitment by government to deliver those services. The result is that accountability and funding are better defined.”

The provinces all have some sort of Education Act that clearly lays out the roles and responsibilities of education authorities, as well as mechanisms of evaluation. There is generally no comparable federal legislation for the provision of First Nations education, health-care, housing and so on.

As noted by the AG, legislation provides clarity and accountability. Without it, decision can be made on an ill-defined ‘policy’ basis or on a completely ad hoc basis.

Lack of an appropriate funding mechanism

The AG focuses on a few areas here.

Lack of service standards for one. Were you aware that provincial building codes do not apply on reserve? Some provincial laws of ‘general application’ (like Highway Traffic Acts) can apply on reserve, but building codes do not. There is a federal National Building Code, but enforcement and inspection has been a major problem. This has been listed as one of the factors in why homes built on reserve do not have a similar ‘life’ to those built off reserve.

Poor timing for provision of funds is another key issue. “Most contribution agreements must be renewed yearly. In previous audits, we found that the funds may not be available until several months into the period to be funded.” This is particularly problematic for housing as “money often doesn’t arrive until late summer, past the peak construction period, so projects get delayed and their costs rise.”

Lack of accountability.

“It is often unclear who is accountable to First Nations members for achieving improved outcomes or specific levels of services. First Nations often cite a lack of federal funding as the main reason for inadequate services. For its part, INAC maintains that the federal government funds services to First Nations but is not responsible for the delivery or provision of these services.”

The AG also refers to a heavy reporting burden put on First Nations, and notes that the endless paperwork often is completely ignored anyway by federal agencies.

Lack of organisations to support local service delivery

This refers once again to the fact that there are no federal school or health boards, no federal infrastructure and expertise. Some programs are delivered through provincial structures, while others are provided directly by the federal government, with less than stellar results.

As the Auditor General states, “Change is needed if meaning full progress is to be realised“. There is extreme lack of clarity about what the federal government is doing, why, how, and whether it is at all effective. No wonder Harper is confused!

Tired yet?

Don’t worry, the commentators aren’t finished, and neither am I.

The Chief of Attawapiskat made $71,000 last year while her people live in tents!!!

Apparently we are supposed to be outraged at the excess involved here. This of course follows on the heels of a report by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation about ‘jaw-dropping’ reserve salaries. It’s become fashionable to rant about Chiefs making more than premiers (though no one could make that claim here).

Attawapiskat publishes its salaries, travel expenses and honorariums (again, nothing being hidden here). Chief Theresa Spence was paid $69,575 in salary and honorariums in 2010-2011, and had $1,798 in travel expenses for a total of about $71K.

If you are like most people, you don’t spend a lot of time looking at what public employees actually make. What number wouldn’t shock you in the absence of such context? $50,000? $32,000? I suspect any amount would be offered as some sort of proof of…something not right.

Well okay. Why don’t we take a look at some other salaries? But first, note that Ontario Premier McGuinty made $209,000 in 2010, and apparently over 100 public service executives made more than he did.

It is difficult to do a really accurate comparison of salaries, because Ontario’s Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act (doc) of 1996 only requires that salaries over $100,000 be reported. (in addition, if the salaries are reported elsewhere, they are not necessarily included in this report) However, the annual reports are a fantastic resource. Here is the list of various public sector employees making over $100K a year. I offer this merely in order to ask…were you aware these people were making this amount of money?

I sure wasn’t. These are salaries paid by tax dollars too. I have no idea if the Director of Quality Services for the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation should be paid $147,437.58 a year (sorry to single you out, sir, I chose randomly). If this Corporation were in the news and having financial difficulties, I have no doubt this salary would be brought up as somehow relevant…but is it?

I don’t know if it is. That’s the point. I don’t think the people bringing it up know either. I haven’t been able to find a source listing the salaries of mayors of municipalities in Ontario to compare to Chief Spence’s salary. Then again, I doubt anyone would seriously claim that if she worked for free, the housing crisis in Attawakpiskat would be over.

A good comment was sent to me recently on the issue of salaries that I’d like to share. “Whenever one is talking about the salaries of say a [premier or a] prime minister versus someone else, two things: 1) parliamentarians get very good pensions and for a relatively short time of service; 2) more particularly, a post like the prime ministership or the presidency of the United States opens up all kinds of doors for later life. So even if the salary is $200,000, the person is virtually guaranteed a very comfortably post-office life. Counsel in a big law firm. Paid corporate director. University professor. Etc. etc. I don’t think we imagine that the Barrick Gold Corporations of the world will be banging down the door of a past chief of Attawapiskat in a comparable way.”

I wonder what kind of pension Chief Spence can count on?

The more you know…

I’m sure I’m forgetting some of the common accusations and arguments being made about Attawapiskat on various forums and comments sections of online news articles. I might update if necessary to address them, but I think you now have at least a base to begin with, whether you honestly just want to understand the situation a little better, or want to fight those comment battles.

If you would like an on-the-ground perspective, please check out Smoke Signals from Cree Yellowlegs. (a song starts playing automatically so have your speakers turned down 😀 )

Update: December 2, an article by Michael Posluns sheds some light on what third party management means in practice.

Chief Theresa Spence has published a press release on the imposition of third party management in Attawapiskat.

Above all, my relations, don’t let it get you down.

You will see people call for the abolition of the Indian Act, for the abolition of reserves and the ‘assimilation’ of First Nations into ‘Canadian society’. You will see horrible things said about aboriginal culture. What you will rarely see are people responding to facts. Don’t be discouraged when facts are brushed off in favour of accusations. We do have the power to educate those around us, and even if we can’t reach the most vocal of bigots, we can reach the ‘average’ Canadian who is merely unaware rather than necessarily outright hateful.

A note to those taking the time to comment

I am trying to keep up and answer your questions, but the amount of views and comments this post is getting is unbelievable! Wow! Thank you so much for reading and taking the time to say a few words or ask questions!

I will try my best to get back to you as quickly as possible, but there may be delays. Please be patient:)

Update and personal request: I wrote this article so that I could get out of the adversarial environment of the comments sections referred to. Please help this comment section avoid descending into more of the same. I do not want to censor people, but if your comments are only angry accusations and you show no willingness to engage in a dialogue, I am not going to give you a platform to engage in this. Keep it classy, nitôtêmitik.

NEW! (December 8, 2011) Do you want a (corrected) print version of this article, with footnotes rather than hyperlinks? Send me a request via the comment section with your email, and I will send you a Word document. I will edit out your email address before your request is posted publicly.

Categories: Aboriginal lawFirst NationsINACInjusticeJames Bay CreeRepresentation of natives

Tags: AttawapiskatAttawapiskat third party managementAuditor General June 2011 reportCanadian Taxpayer FederationFirst Nations housingHarper upset about AttawapiskatHousing crisis First NationsSalaries of First Nations Chiefs

âpihtawikosisân

Chelsea Vowel Métis from Lac Ste. Anne, Alberta. Currently living in Edmonton Author, freelance writer, speaker

1,044 Comments

Andy in Vic · November 30, 2011 at 7:27 pm

Madam, you are a voice of reason making a case for sanity. Keep it up. Never quit!

O.B. · December 1, 2011 at 10:13 pm

Can’t figure out a way to make my own post – sorry for not being techno-savvy!

Thank you for this!! Hearing the numbers in the absence of context can be horribly misleading. I’ve been wondering why no one has actually compared the numbers spent (per person) on non-native Canadians. 90$million (or 17$million) sounds like a lot, but who knows what the cost is to support the infrastructure for an individual living in, say, suburbia. If you factor in the astronomical cost of anything in remote Canada – whether you live on or off reserve – the numbers actually seem rather small to me.

Just one tiny note though: there are, in fact, Federal Nursing Stations on some remote reserves (the hospital in Att is provincially run). These nursing stations are not hospitals, but my understanding is that they are largely funded by the federal government rather than the provincial government (of course, as you mentioned, it’s not quite as simple as that because many of the resources are still provincially subsidized). However, there can be significant discrepancies between the resources available at a Fed. nursing station and those available at a provincially-run hospital on-reserve, and the Feds usually don’t offer the same number of services.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:48 pm

There are also federally constructed and run schools in some communities. In general, however, federal infrastructure for things like health-care and education simply can’t match up to provincial infrastructure. This makes sense, given that these are areas that are primarily a provincial concern.

anna · December 4, 2011 at 1:26 pm

Amazing read! Thank you for writing this article to educate. (I also was unable to create my own post.)

shelley · December 4, 2011 at 9:20 pm

I wonder if it had anything to do with world war two. had anything to do with it…Cause I know people who went to war in world war two and lost thier Indian status rights….And from my understanding ” Anything that has to do with ” war” is always at a” fredal ” level not provincal level cause our groverance goes by fredal then provincal levels .weather you are at a provincal level or at a fredal level …Makes me wonder when vets meaning both non status and indain staus went to war everyone one that went to war was it at a ” fredal level ” or ” provincal level “or was it at a fredal level at all …oh yeah I forgot thier rights were taken away just not in a provincal way. You would think fredal would be in charge or are we just following a American way .In America they have csi etc.. this is thier fredal way well how about our canadian fredal way..or are we just followers of the american way…cause I remember in grade 8 ..the teacher let us know when travelling to the other countires, make sure you don’t joke about where your from..cause if you travel around the world …Candians were always best know for being the nicest people on earth and not the americans …At this day and age you would think the fredal level whould be on top of this subject…Since thier the ones with all the brain power..

Erika · December 1, 2011 at 10:55 pm

Thank you so much for writing this. It is so clear and well formulated. I really appreciate your positive message as well. Ay hay.

Keetha · December 2, 2011 at 8:33 am

Wow, thank you so much for making sense of the insanity. I teach College First Nations Social and Economic Development and live relatively close to Attawapiskat so it hits close to home. Also well aware of the fight for a decent school there as well.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 10:06 am

That’s another important point…the housing crisis is just a small part of what this community has been facing for years.

MC · December 7, 2011 at 11:36 am

Thank you for this. I often wondered what it is that people don’t understand (or pretend not to understand – we all know that the media and politicians will only share what is congruent with their own understanding and what ‘atmosphere’ they want to promote in Canada). Uneducated Canadians then feed on the misinformation – a scary frenzy sometimes. I was almost 100% convinced that Canadians in general were wilfully ignorant and ‘outright hateful’. Thank you for pointing out that may not be the case even though those are the types of people we do have to deal with on a very regular basis (daily?). Your article has wiped the smug smile off some people within our own community. Thank you for going down to the basics and summarizing it all AND providing links. I think I am going to use your writing for my first “First Nations Peoples” class next time around and go further in depth with the legal aspects, requirements, etc., as well as the fed/prov battle regarding money and the conflict of laws on reserve. This is an excellent starting point. I am a member of the Attawapiskat FIrst Nation and because of this maybe, felt a sigh of relief that someone took the time to sit and write this all out. Meegwetch ntotem!

Old Geezer in Markham · December 4, 2011 at 7:35 pm

Thanks to the author for this explanation of how the system works (or at least part of it). I found this site from a link in the National Post. It would be very valuable for this information to be part of a W5 or Fifth Estate program so that the population at large can be provided with an understanding.

I find it frustrating that with seemingly good intentions, the Feds, the Province of Ontario and the FNs can’t reach a workable solution. Maybe all FN lands (I guess for now that would have to be defined as the reserves plus whatever other land claims have been settled) should be a province of their own and the Assembly of FNs be the “provincial government” – – there must be dozens of alternate structures that can be worked out. Maybe once and for all, with enough media attention, an agreement can be reached.

This has been going on now since before Confederation – surely we have reached a national maturity that will allow a solution. I truly believe that the majority of Canadians want the FN peoples to be treated fairly. Everyone deserves an equal chance at the opportunities the country has to offer.

Chris Brown · December 4, 2011 at 8:57 pm

Making native land a “province on its own” would cause some very interesting problems all over the country – starting with Parliament Hill, which is unceded Algonquin territory, along with most or all of Ottawa. I’m not opposed to the idea, just putting that thought out there 😉

Old Geezer in Markham · December 5, 2011 at 2:13 pm

I was trying to read and understand some of the on-going land claims on the Govt website for AADNC and am astounded at the size and complication of them. I had always considered myself reasonably well-informed about Canada – I had no idea things were such a mess. As for the Indian Act – reading it makes me cringe – imagine if the word “Indian” was replaced by any other name of a group of people.

Trouble is, I guess this isn’t a vote getter, is it? Not much hope that things will get better. Maybe the Indian Act should be subject to a Charter of Rights challenge?

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Land claims, holy moly. I’ve been considering writing a piece that looks at a single land claim, tracing it through the years and the different legislative regimes set up to deal with it…regimes that change, new rules created, new hoops to jump through. I’ve dealt pretty intensely with land claims and the history of them shocked even me…and I was expecting some shady stuff! The fact that so many communities have doggedly pursued these claims for decades, even centuries, spending countless person hours on research and advocacy, on negotiation meetings, on petitions and so on…and yet STILL do not have a settlement of the claims? It’s mind-boggling.

Just detailing the various land-claim regimes that have been created over the last couple hundred of years is enough to fill a full blog post. You’re not alone in finding it complicated!

Rhoda · December 5, 2011 at 10:24 pm

Couldn’t agree more.

shelley · December 10, 2011 at 12:54 am

I don’t think you would want our country ( canada ) considered as a provincal state..compared ( mirror) to the americans..cause it seems were like were the blue collar of the states government and they want to stay and take whatever they can from canada means oil….and the states want to extract that from alberta…and the pay grind in the 80’s from what i remember..the futher you go north meaning n.w.t….the more money you pay..this means rent, food, ice roads , so the truckers import the material to these remote places ,,mostly businessmen hire the truckers and whoever else is involved in drilling…now we have these other place like ontairo who don’t have much work up there and we don’t have anyone that wants to invest in that area besides ( mine ) so roads and expencies are more costly . Cause there is no oil up that way ..so no infrusture..my thoughts on this subject 🙂 p.s edmonton is the capital city and calgary are the white collars and we are the blue collars…and the usa have been here infrusrture our roads and jobs here in alberta meaning catering camps ..not too many canadian owned companies. To me i think if you don’t have progress happening in that area then you have to suffer the price and it’s all about the money . You would think the government would have known this before you know the ( pay grid ) . The status of canda are not looking good in my eyes..They should of thought about this when they did the enfriasment..

jeff slack · November 30, 2011 at 7:39 pm

Wow, the most clear, detailed, informative thing I’ve read on Attawapiskat by far, and on Federal-First Nations relations generally. Thank you.

Laura · December 1, 2011 at 3:54 pm

Agreed.

spectator · December 1, 2011 at 4:38 pm

This is fantastic; I have been searching all over the internet to get a clear picture of what has been going on in Attawapiskat and this is by far the best I’ve found.
Honestly, I would not be discouraged by the commenters – many of them are like myself and just trying to untwist the media’s story to find the truth. It is very hard, especially when you don’t know much about the native people. I think we should all be optimistic now that these issues are being investigated and discussed, maybe this time we can make some progress and help mend the gap that exists between the native people of Canada and other Canadians.

spectator · December 1, 2011 at 4:42 pm

Also, Could you comment on the De Beer diamond mine near Attawapiskat?

Tanya · December 3, 2011 at 9:09 pm

Thank you for mentioning that. I would also like to know more about the diamond mine.

Harmony · December 1, 2011 at 5:28 pm

Agreed! I’m just blown away at how much nobody knows!
I have spread this article like crazy! Thx 🙂

E · December 1, 2011 at 7:20 pm

I just want to add people that the Ring of Fire is another important aspect to the lives of First Nations in The North. A multibillion dollar international project and this in the middle of it all. I don’t see how companies can exploit governments and overlook this horrible situation.

Laurel L. Russwurm · December 3, 2011 at 10:00 am

Companies exploit governments for the good of companies, not people.

lrunnalls · December 1, 2011 at 10:09 pm

helpful. thank you for your time and tone. I will definetely share this.

Allison Patterson · December 2, 2011 at 11:08 pm

Here here…well done!!!

Stephen Price · December 9, 2011 at 1:31 pm

Absolutely agreed. This post should be mandatory reading in high school social studies.

Jesse Desjarlais · November 30, 2011 at 7:58 pm

Wow, an absolutely excellent article!

Tom H · November 30, 2011 at 9:05 pm

Good information. What do you think of the general comment that such small community should reassess their geographical location as a population? That a small community of this size should try to prosper in a location more condusive to economic activities (employment and business opportunities) and access to other necessities such as education, health care, cheaper houses, etc. What is the main incentive to stay? That other citizens, would opt. for a mass exodus if faced with the same situations. i.e. Go where the jobs are, and where their children can prosper.

âpihtawikosisân · November 30, 2011 at 9:38 pm

I think that, as is the case with the ‘they pay no taxes’ argument, the ‘they should move’ argument only gets brought up in the context of aboriginal peoples. Like the tax argument, it ignores the fact that aboriginal peoples have a different series of relationships. With the Crown, with each other, with the land. It is clear that many non-natives do not understand the relationship with the land, or think it is some sort of excuse with no real meaning.

How do you get someone to understand this then? How could I explain to someone that my territory is a specific place on this earth, and that I am tied to that territory? That the land means something to us? That it holds our stories, our medicines, our histories, the foundation of our socio-political and legal structures? How can I possibly make someone understand these things when their cultural understanding relegates land to ‘something I can own and make money from’, and very little more?

Further…why should I have to make anyone understand this? These were our lands. If Canadians ONLY reocognise that the reserves remain our lands, why the hell would we turn the last bits of it over when we’ve fought so hard to keep at least this?

The reserves are postage stamp, throw away pieces of land that First Nations have been forced to settle on, but they form a land base. Without land, we have no homes for our children’s children, no community, no ties. Obliterating the reserves to scatter us throughout urban centres is no guarantee of increased living standards (as is amply demonstrated by the challenges faced by urban aboriginals) and would further deprive us of the cultural grounding that despite everything has been the main factor in how we have managed to survive SO MUCH for so long.

So what would I say? I would say that the people suggesting this don’t get it. And until this country commits itself to building meaningful relationships with us and with our communities, these people will likely never get it. That is a terrible thing to accept.

J.J. · December 1, 2011 at 12:01 pm

I thoroughly enjoyed your insightful, researched and educational response to this issue… and while I might be setting myself up for some flak I must challenge your question: “How can I possibly make someone understand these things when their cultural understanding relegates land to ‘something I can own and make money from’, and very little more?”
This negates a strong sense of place that many non-natives also experience. Perhaps the lens and understanding of place and land differ, but implying with one single brush stroke that non-natives have no attachment to land other than ‘something I can own and make money from’ is problematic.
There is plenty of literature about place attachment, cultural landscape and even urban change (ie gentrification) that will illustrate that a relationship with land exists broadly and that its loss has long lingering effects. These spaces also hold memories and histories. So, I totally agree with you about displacing people from their homes in the hopes that it would be more cost effective… I just think that this connection (or similar) is not exclusively one that aboriginal peoples have.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 12:34 pm

I was thinking about this after I posted it, and you are right. Not all non-natives are unable to understand what being tied to the land is like and I don’t want to give the impression that I believe non-natives just can’t understand. I do think that there is a general difficulty in recognising the validity of cultural differences however. And yes, generalisations are important to a certain extent. Our particular tie with our particular territories differ from nation to nation even, but still aboriginal peoples tend to share a belief that this tie is key. It goes so much deeper too, it is the source of our pedagogy, it is how we teach.

These are conversations we need to have, but they are a bit outside the scope of an immediate housing crisis. These conversations do need to happen in the long run, and when they do, I think we discover similarities and not just differences.

Gary Stuart Ross · December 2, 2011 at 9:20 pm

Joey Smallwood, Premier of New Found Land, tried this with the white kids.
Didn’t work did it.
It was a disaster.
I don’t know anyone in Attawapiskat but I do know a lot of people on the Quebec side
of James Bay and a few from Great Whale River.
They are noble people under great duress. It is easy to be noble with a silver spoon in your mouth. Try it on the mid Canada Line or above the 60th.
I was despised by my white “friends”, because I loved and respected the people.

Adrian K · December 1, 2011 at 12:06 pm

I think most non-natives, even if they can’t fully understand the relationship that aboriginal peoples have with the land, have some sympathy for it. But at the same time, can you not understand their point of view that they are essentially being asked to pay large sums of money, in perpetuity, to keep growning numbers of people in isolated, economically dependent communities alive?

Similarly, it often sounds to non-native ears that aboriginals are being selective with respect to the elements of non-native society they want to participate in, and which ones they should be exempt from. They want to have modern housing, vehicles, TV, electronics…but not pay taxes or be treated in the same way as non-natives from a public policy perspective. Can you not understand how this comes across as fundamentally incompatible with a society in which people are treated equally in law with zero regard to their racial or cultural background?

You talk of building meaningful relationships between non-native and native society but everything you’ve said just seems to imply non-natives should be quiet and pay out billions of dollars. Anytime any criticism comes of natives, it must of course be racist, or is just dismissed outright as “you just don’t understand”. How is that constructive to real dialogue? A real partnership involves give and take. What are native communities willing to change in exchange for change in approach from the government and non-natives? Would they accept that any new approach should have the ultimate goal of self-sufficiency for natives?

So what

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 12:53 pm

“Can you not understand their point of view that they are essentially being asked to pay large sums of money, in perpetuity, to keep growning numbers of people in isolated, economically dependent communities alive?”

No. I cannot understand this point of view, because it is so terribly inaccurate. It would take a series of posts on the things I mentioned wanting to cover…housing, health-care, taxation, self-governance, etc to really give you a full explanation of why this view is inaccurate. I want to do that, and I am going to work on it, so please accept that I recognise this answer is not going to be satisfactory.

As for non-natives being capable of understanding our tie to the land, of this I have no doubt. But capacity does not mean that understanding exists right now. Having this discussion requires a respectful dialogue, which is why it isn’t often possible to explain in the comments section of a news article, or even in a response to a comment on this blog. It’s a discussion better had face to face because it involves culture, and communication, and relationships.

“Can you not understand how this comes across as fundamentally incompatible with a society in which people are treated equally in law with zero regard to their racial or cultural background?”

No, I cannot understand this, because people are not treated equally in law with zero regard to their racial or cultural (or other) background in this country. Again, this is a topic outside the scope of this blog post, but there are both positive examples (accounting for differences that treated ‘the same’ would create injustice) and negative examples (system discrimination).

As for the mention of certain technologies, I would like to point out that there is a common misconception that ‘traditional’ First Nations culture means no accepting any technology. This is a strange approach. For example, when guns were introduced, First Nations took to them quickly and adapted traditional hunting values to the new technology. Living in a house with a foundation does not mean that you can no longer travel to the bush and hunt during certain seasons. Using the internet does not mean we no longer have traditional values of kinship, community, and so on. The values and principles of our traditions are not technology dependent, any more than yours are. Driving a new kind of car does not mean your traditional values have disappeared.

“You talk of building meaningful relationships between non-native and native society but everything you’ve said just seems to imply non-natives should be quiet and pay out billions of dollars.”

If that were my position, I’d not have bothered going through the work it took to put this post together.

I don’t want anyone to be quiet. I want people to not just assume things, and state things without looking into the situation further. It is a complicated situation and it takes some work to understand it. If non-natives are confused (and I think most are to be honest, because this stuff is not very well explained to any of us), I want them to have the ability to learn more. It is about more than just ‘money going in, nothing comes out’. I could sit with you for hours discussing this, but I am limited by time and by the fact that typing out responses is not the most effective form of communication.

Recommendations for relationship building are core to so many studies and proposals. The desire is there, and has been articulated many times…in the Royal Commission of Aboriginal People’s report, in the Auditor General’s report, in the negotiation frameworks between First Nations and various levels of government, and so on. I cannot answer all your questions at once, but I do urge you to look at some of the agreements that have been made to see for yourself where that ‘give and take’ occurs.

Craig B · December 2, 2011 at 2:05 am

“can you not understand their point of view that they are essentially being asked to pay large sums of money, in perpetuity, to keep growning numbers of people in isolated, economically dependent communities alive?”

And that, dear sir, was the deal. The simple fact of the matter is, when we stole Native land and built a country on it, we made an _explicit_ deal with these peoples that we would support them, in the land that is their home, in perpetuity. THAT was the deal. And we have a sacred trust to live up to it, not just in letter but also in spirit.

It is hard for most non-aboriginals to understand this. Canada – I mean this in the sense of the political collective as well as the state itself, the Crown – has taken everything from its aboriginal peoples, and given them a crust in return, and now we see people complaining about the price of flour. I know you very well may mean well, and you may well be genuinely confused. But make no mistake – if you really want a relationship of “partnership” with aboriginal peoples then we must treat them as being *equally* sovereign. THAT would be a place to begin a discussion of “partnership” – but to our state, that can never be. It can never (has never, and likely never will) admit that it cannot be the exclusive master in its own house. (Hence the painfully slow work of land claims, for example). And as a result, we as Canadians don’t have an equal partner – we have a trust we have imposed upon ourselves, one we must live up to.

It’s a small price to pay for having a country to live in.

Lawrence Hurtubise · December 4, 2011 at 4:28 am

very well put, and said with class

Alex S. · December 1, 2011 at 12:38 pm

First of all, I’d like to say thank you for this. One of my closest friends is native, and this really helps me understand where she/you are coming from. I had so many questions, and didn’t realy know where to turn for answers. I still don’t.

This article made it much easier to understand for those of us who admittedly know nothing of the Federal/Native dynamic.

That being said, I still struggle with understanding why people choose to stay. I fully accept that I really don’t get it. I would never suggest that people on these remote reserves just need to move to a city and integrate in to society. Native culture is important, and should not be abandoned. My question is NOT “Why not integrate”, but more specifically “Why stay?”.

Is there not some way these remote communities could relocate closer to the access to education/health care/employment opportunities/building resources? There is plenty of land across canada that isn’t so impossible to reach. Land that you can build a road/bridge to. Land that would allow the people living there to live better/healthier lives, while still preserving their heritage. I don’t suggest taking the land away from them… but couldn’t they keep it, while living somewhere more habitable?

It feels like $84 million is a LOT of money for so few people… especially when there’s no guarantee that it’d fix the problem. How much would it cost to help those people flourish where they are?

In my “ignorant” opinion, we shouldn’t be pouring so much money just to make life “bearable” for these people. We should spend it finding somewhere they could live where they can thrive as a community and as a people… and I don’t mean downtown Toronto.

And that is the part I don’t understand. If they’re so miserable / unhealthy… why stay. What is it going to take to make life better for them, or, worst case scenario, for them to accept that the land they have is not meant for modern living.

Nicole · December 2, 2011 at 12:15 am

As a non-First Nations member, I feel as if I understand the tie to the land…. at least in a way that my experience allows. I feel an emptiness in the deepest part of my soul because I am not really rooted anywhere, although I’ve been searching for it my entire adult life. Sometimes family, community and ancestral ties run stronger than the idea of a “nice” house and “nice” job and access to consumer stuff – wouldn’t this world be a better place if it was like that for most? Identity and values are incredibly important; they make us who we are and how we make decisions – and are incredibly complex.
Besides that, tell me, how easy is it really for someone to leave a place (and community) only to be thrust into a world that will treat them with systemic and systematic discrimination? Racism and stereotyping run rampant in this country denying people equitable access to jobs, services, housing and often dignity.

hh613 · December 2, 2011 at 12:52 am

I was born and raised on a reservation. I now live in the city, but I know the day will come when I can no longer afford to support myself here, and I will end up back on my family’s land on the reserve. I could NEVER afford to buy or build a house anywhere else. There was a time when I thought I hated where I was from, and never wanted to live there again. I couldn’t wait to get away. And, I come from a good family of hardworking folk who place a high value on respect, a strong work ethic, and doing what makes you happy. I would say I am lucky I had such a good foundation.

As rough as conditions can sometimes be on reservations, there is a real sense of community in my home territory. That is one reason why people stay. Family and community. People who share the same culture and understand you. Meeting new people who don’t say “WHY would your parents name you THAT?” as soon as you introduce yourself. There are a million reasons why people don’t leave the reserve.

Also, many people don’t have a choice. They can stay on the reserve where they have a better chance of getting by on a daily basis- and, if they’re lucky- they have a legitimate job. Jobs are few and far between. The alternative? Sure, you can leave the reservation, but unless you have a considerable amount of savings and a job and place to live already lined up, you might find yourself living on the streets.

It’s not all black and white, cut and dry.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 7:52 am

kinanâskomitin mistahi. What you say is very familiar to me. I went through a period of hating where I was from too, of not valuing it and wanting to be somewhere else. I was also sick of being viewed with such contempt, and I am certain I internalised some of it. After all, when everyone outside your community, including the ‘experts’ who teach you tell you that your culture has no value, and that your history merely sits as proof that you are little better than children, it has an impact. I focused only on the bad things, because it’s there no matter where you go.

It took travelling away for a while to even recognise that my culture is beautiful, that it does not have to be about anger or self-loathing. It took learning my language in earnest to understand the Elder’s English words, seen as ‘hippy slogans’ by so many non-natives, but with deeper meanings you start to see finally when the words aren’t in English anymore.

I haven’t left my territory for good. I’ve woven it into my hair, and I go back to renew my ties to it when I can.

Anyway, it was a nice way to wake up this morning, reading these words. I thank you again.

Hmmm · December 2, 2011 at 2:25 am

This question, and the fact that people are asking it at all, is really about attitudes and racism, I think. Canada is a northern country where everywhere is fundamentally “uninhabitable,” including Toronto, where winters would not be survivable without good housing, heating, a food-delivery system, etc. There are many colder, more remote communities that are white and relatively wealthy (Yellowknife?) but we don’t question their existence because they’re doing fine. It’s racist to equate native people with poverty and assume that the people in this community “shouldn’t” live where they want to live simply because it’s cold and they just won’t have the infrastructure to survive it. Also paternalistic. They get to choose where they want to live, and better support, in a way that works for the community, could ultimately change life there in ways that you can’t imagine now.

Or, using simple logic, there are native communities in equally northern and isolated climates that aren’t dealing with anything as terrible as this. Which should give you pause.

sharon rose fox · December 2, 2011 at 10:43 am

Hello Alex S.,

I would just like to chime in here. I grew up as a non-native in a remote farming community in Saskatchewan (45 min from the closest doctor, 1.5 hrs from the closest hospital etc…). It was not until I was 12 or 13 yrs of age that we reconnected with our Metis relatives. I write this post in hopes that other non-natives can relate to and understand that “picking up and moving” is not realistic for non-natives and natives alike.

My father and his father and his father before that were all farmers. In fact, my grandfather pioneered and cleared the land that we presently farm (only 65 years ago). I am sorry if the clearing of the land causes pain to the first nations communities in close proximity to us. However, the point of my comment is that, I know what it is like even as a non-native person to have a connection with the land. Our land is not prosperous. We have not made a profit from farming in over 17 years. However, my father goes out every year and plants, hays, and harvests because he is devoted to the land. It is really the only thing he has ever known. I know that even when he is too old and feeble to farm, he will not leave the farm and the land because that is his “home”, his place that he knows and is connected to.

Since leaving home some 10 years ago (I left when I was 17), I moved to an urban region where I am, in comparison to my parents, more “prosperous”. However, I miss the land, the smells of the forest in the morning, the pungent cleansing of the air after a rain, the smell of decay when the snow starts to melt, the smell of freshly turned soil in the spring and the smell of cut hay in the summer. A connection to the land is not something you can just “pick up and move”. I cannot re-create the stories, sensations, memories and history on the land that we steward if we were to just “pick up and move”. We cannot just “pick up and move” our farm. Each piece of land is unique and different just like each of my children is unique and different. I cannot replace one with the other. My dad for example, knows which corners of the field are dry and which collect water, he know which sections yield better and which do not yield at all. These are “connections to the land” that you cannot replace. To talk of just “moving natives into more prosperous areas” entails a plethora of social, spiritual, and political issues that fail to address the deep culture and history of first nations.

suezoo39 · December 2, 2011 at 10:17 pm

Why do the miners stay in Lynn Lake and Leaf Rapids where there is no mine? Why don’t they just move?

Why do all the people living in very remote fishing villages in Newfoundland, where there is no more fish, stay, why don’t they move?

Why do the black people living in slums in the inner cities in the United States stay? Why don’t they move?

Why do people [how many millions of people] live on the flood plain of the Red River. Why don’t they just move. After the flood of ’55 or ’57?, why didn’t the city of Winnipeg move?

Because. It. Is. Their. Home.

Literally, “their home and native land”.

Whose need were all the beaver killed for? Where did the buffalo go? Who is cutting down the Boreal forest and selling it? Who is mining the nickel? The diamonds? Where is that money going?

Who flooded how much of Northern Manitoba to boast to the world about our clean energy source and is profiting from the sale of electricity south of the border? Whose homeland is now at the bottom of a lake or a reservoir?

Who profits?

Troy · December 2, 2011 at 10:47 pm

In addition to what suezoo39 has already said,
I’ve left the reserve, numerous times. Usually because I’m trying to escape this poverty, get a job, or some education.
But I always end up homeless. I leave the reserve with nothing, and wherever I end up I’m still the same penniless bastard. I lived on the streets of Vancouver for about a month, and then somehow got into a low income building. Lemme tell y’all. East Hasting Street is like the rez. The problems of poverty remain the same. All the problems are exactly the same as on the rez, but! Family is even more broken apart in the inner cities.
And the problems First Nations are embroiled in are spreading to the other cultures within Canada, including the white one. How Canada is treating its First Nations is how it begins to treat its poorest and most helpless.
We can’t give up our land. It’s our last refuge from defeat of this pressure cooker society. If we’re not on the reserve, we might instead end up in the gutter. Transplanting problems won’t solve ’em.

Yvette · December 1, 2011 at 1:15 pm

@ âpihtawikosisân thank you for your courageous work!

@ J.J. I too struggle to imagine non-Natives being ‘connected’ to the land. Having a similar point of reference to further a dialogue is very important when trying to build a meaningful relationship, so thank you for the information.

@ Adrian K its not sympathy that is needed. This is not pity politics. Perhaps a bit of empathy, a release of ‘knowing,’ and a good book “Unsettling the Settler Within,” by Paulette Regan. If you happen to be so fortunate as to find yourself living in the beautiful unceded Coast Salish Territories there are information events put on by Settlers, for Settlers, to further Settlers understandings about their relationship to First Nations peoples and their lands.

Here is a link to their site that includes video (in case you don’t live here):
http://freeknowledgeproject.wordpress.com/

CogD · December 2, 2011 at 5:07 pm

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this blog (and the comments thus far). However, I am saddened (and irritated) by the assumption that non-natives may not/will not/can not understand the commitment and spiritual and cultural connections native populations have to the land. This is a gross overstatement and quite harmful towards reaching understanding. I would suggest that in the future rather than make such claims you ask them as questions (as I am curious whether perhaps you too may have a space of ignorance concerning cultures within Canada other than those you identify with?): “Do non-natives feel they can understand this? How do non-natives feel about this, as I am concerned that perhaps many do not get it?” or some such thing.

So, I’m writing just to add one more narrative to what I view as the lead authors most problematic (perhaps only problematic) statement. First, look at rural Canada! Canada has an incredibly large rural population, and in many many many of these communities and towns life is a struggle. Yet, people stay. Not only do they stay, but, when they go away for education or for employment (when unable to make it at home) they often return at the first opportunity.

Second – Newfoundland. I’m from Newfoundland, and while I left to pursue education (one I was unable to obtain at the university in Newfoundland) my soul aches for my homeland. I will never ever feel the same connection to a landscape/place as I do with Newfoundland. No other place on earth will ever bring the peace and centering of spirit that interactions with ‘my’ jagged cliffs & temperamental ocean provide. Many Newfoundlanders understand to respect and be grateful to the land & sea. Yes, our livelihood has, and to some degree still does, come from the bounty of the cliffs covered in partridge berries amid the tukamore, the fish in the ocean, the trout in the rivers, the moose in the woods, and the blueberries and bakeapples in the fields and marshes. But also, our spirits are made of the wind, salt air, waves and rock of ‘the land’ (Scare quotes – because I doubt many Newfoundlanders would distinguish their soul from the ocean – the ocean and land are somewhat one . . . married). Many Newfoundlander’s are like the tukamore trees that brazenly cling to those windy cliffs. They cling and spread and continue to grow – “stunted” by standards on the mainland – despite the pressure to leave. Bring me to the most beautiful and plentiful places in the world and show me bounties and cliffs and seas considered far greater than those in the Atlantic and you’ll hear me say, “It sure is beautiful, but it’s not my ocean and it’s not my cliff and a mango or a peach have nothing on my jiggs dinner and spotted dick pudding”. I, like many, have only temporarily left my home – I will die there as I was born there and yes, it is about more than the riches the land provides, it is a relationship and it is unique and worthy of respect.

I’m not at all trying to claim that our (or my) relationship with the land is the same as the relationships between the native people’s and their lands. I’m merely stating that a hierarchy among native and non-native peoples based on this assumed relationship is ridiculous, ignorant and hurtful – to us all. I know little of large city life, but I wouldn’t for a second believe that people in the city feel no connection to the landscapes that surround them, the parks they’ve preserved and the lands they travel to see nor the cement upon which they tread. I admire the tenacity of the native peoples to maintain their relationships and cultures . . . but I do not think their tenacity wholly unique (nor Newfoundlanders’), I see shades of it across this country in many groups…some shades are deeper and others lighter but the importance of their presence is beyond measure – I assure you.

Again, thank you for your fantastic blog post – I certainly will be sharing this information with others so their educational deficits can be more satisfied.

We are one people with various diverse needs and I hope that I am supportive of all people in obtaining their needs. My empathy and support is certainly focused on native populations at this time, so again, thank you for your strong and wonderful voice.

suezoo39 · December 2, 2011 at 10:37 pm

@ CogD – your third paragraph made me weep.

:-D:-D · December 1, 2011 at 1:25 pm

Thank you for doing what you do…keep it up! As to the issue of people who do not understand how people can be one with their land, I highly recommend “Wisdom Sits in Places” by Keith Basso. It worked for me!

JK · December 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm

This statement of “why don’t they leave?” comes up so much… Understand that the Mushkegowuk Territory is our homeland and our connection to our herstory! IT IS PART OF WHO WE ARE AS A PEOPLE! My grandparents, aunts and uncles are buried there, in Attawapisakt. My grandfather was Chief in Lake River in the early 20s and was an honorable man who ensured that his community was cared for! It was his home! We shouldn’t have to leave, besides where would you like us to go? We are here to stay!

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:05 pm

Exactly. Understanding this needs more than a Q&A in a blog comment section. It isn’t something that can be understood easily if it isn’t part of your own cultural understanding, and I think the ‘move away’ suggestions can only be addressed with more face to face dialogue.

Paul · December 2, 2011 at 9:14 am

Edit: accusation with no follow up.

Ethel Chynoweth · December 2, 2011 at 12:29 pm

I hear ya…“why don’t they leave?” put that back on their laps and say…“why don’t they leave?”??…wonder what they would say….??

suezoo39 · December 3, 2011 at 3:16 am

All of the people who are here now, who are not of Aboriginal descent, come from a long line of people who were facing severe hardship, deprivation, sometimes the brunt of racial ostracism and left their homes to make their lives and the lives of their children and grand-children better.

As you are descended from -this- land as home, we are descended from those who left their homes. Many of us were not welcome when we arrived either.

I think this is the root of the “why not move to a better place?”, it is who -we- are.

Then divergence happens to form yet another section of the “otherness”. Some new arrivals cluster in communities of like-minded individuals. My ancestors went the other way, led mainly by my grandfather who passed away 2 weeks ago, he was determined that he and his children would raise his grandchildren, me, as Canadians.

I grew up on moose, venison, pickerel and goose. We have a lake named after my grandfather who partnered with a band to harvest wild rice. I was the only kid in my school wearing moose moccasins in the winter. When I got my first paycheque from my first job, I bought my first [and only] canoe. Family legend says that I swam before I walked. As teenagers, my best friend and I would go into the bush “camping” for weekends at a time, on showshoes, in the winter.

But I’m of hardy eastern European peasant stock. I am very very blonde and girly looking, well, Ok, maybe not so much now, but y’know, in my youth and still in my mind.

Men, of any colour, see me and absolutely do not believe I can do anything in the bush, never mind feed and shelter myself, and him if it came to that. I grew up loving this land and water. Now that I am old and crippled and fat and grey with time on my hands I have a yearning to learn what you know.

Ach, I’m so involved in this site, I’ve now been up for 30 hours, the last 8 at least, here reading. I feel like someone gasping with thirst that’s just been given water. There’s so much to read, to learn, to ask, to fight for … I suppose the internet and the problem won’t disappear if I go sleep for 8 hours.

g’nite.

Sue-on-the-farm

M.S. · December 1, 2011 at 2:26 pm

Thanks for taking the time to educate Canadians and cut through the bafflegab surrounding aboriginal issues. I would like to clarify one point. Canadians have, in fact, argued that other (non-native) Canadians should move (Thomas Courchene at Queens believes that Atlantic Canadians should pack up and move where the jobs are) and we have a number of examples in our history which demonstrate that resettlement doesn’t work. (To name but two: the resettlement program for outport communities in Newfoundland in the 1960s http://www.heritage.nf.ca/law/resprogram.html ; and Africville in Halifax, NS in the 1960s http://www.africville.ca/ ) You cannot simply move people and expect that there will be no attendant problems. Moving to a new location doesn’t mean that there will be jobs available for your skills and even if you attain education/training it doesn’t mean that you will be given a fair shot at the jobs. The people already living in the area don’t necessarily greet the new arrivals with open arms. And when resettlement doesn’t prove itself to be the great panacea (as it has over and over) – the relocated (or dispossessed) no longer have the same community supports and the psychological, social, economic etc. impacts can be devastating. Resettlement is not a solution. We can and must do better than that.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 4:11 pm

When the conversation turns to ‘you need to move to where the jobs are’ I definitely think of Atlantic Canada. The number of people flooding into Alberta (and also the North) from Atlantic Canada is astounding. While this has created wealth for Alberta in particular, I’m not of the opinion it’s been wholly positive. Look at the ugly sprawl of Fort McMurray, and the way Edmonton has changed with so many young men just starting develop communities ties, with plenty of money to burn. Most folks I’ve met from the Atlantic provinces would love to go back if they could…they understand the longing.

Money isn’t everything. It is not the only part of ‘sustainable’.

patmcramsden · December 1, 2011 at 11:14 pm

Perfectly said!! This is an island in the sky..where are people supposed to move to? The Native/nonNative issue is so critically unimportant when people are suffering in real time. Education is the key to understanding but cold, undernourished sick and neglected people can’t learn .. they are only able to feel bad. We can talk about how the fire got started after we extinguish it …but unfortunately history tells me that aid and assistance offered and accepted is often used as a weapon to further denegrade recipients in discussions long into the future.

Some Canadian Guy · December 1, 2011 at 2:50 pm

First, thank you for your article.

Second, could you please elaborate on the different relationship between aboriginal peoples and the government vis-a-vis the ‘they pay no taxes’ argument.

Thank you.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 3:41 pm

Yikes, another issue that can fill an entire blog post and then some! Actually two, because you’ve asked about a Constitutional relationship and specifically about First Nations taxation.

Very quick, unsatisfying answer right now. There is a very narrow tax exemption available to First Nations on reserve in section 87 of the Indian Act. source: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/I-5/page-29.html#h-36

Income earned on reserve is exempt, but income earned off reserve is not. Goods purchased on or delivered to the reserve are exempt from sales taxes. Off reserve? Taxable. Services too.

Otherwise, First Nations pay those taxes, and no one is exempt from the various taxes folded into the cost of certain goods (recycling fees, ‘sin’ taxes, fuel surcharges, so on and so forth).

I often point out that there are many low-income Canadians who do not pay income taxes, do not pay full property taxes (assuming they are renting…some rental agreements split up property tax among unit renters, others do not) and get GST rebate cheques as well. Most people do not get angry about this, but will get angry when tax exemptions for First Nations are discussed.

I know that isn’t a fulsome discussion and I apologise, but a deeper analysis must wait.

patmcramsden · December 1, 2011 at 11:30 pm

I am a low income pensioner and pay almost no taxes. I spent many years working as a single mother to raise my children and working as a homecare worker. I am sixty seven year of age and spend half of my life in other countries away from my children and grandchildren because I can’t afford to live full time in Canada…and Canada is where I was born. There are many, many , many non-native Canadians trying to exist on $1300.00 per month where the housing is expensive and not within our grasp.. The native community is mostly in the same situation or worse. They often live in communities where the infrastructure is non existant…I have the option to travel volunteer in developing countries that most do not have.. thanks to my family who provide me with low income housing .. Paying taxes?.. I hope they are not required to pay taxes..

Luna · December 1, 2011 at 3:15 pm

It seems to me that many First Nations treat their lands in a way similar to the way some Christians treat their churches. As holy, sacred, and precious. Try telling a church member that the church is “only a building”. Then tell them to imagine that all of their ancestors for as long as anyone can remember went to that church. Now imagine someone coming in and telling them they can only use one pew. One with an obstructed view, that gets feedback from the speakers. And then, after all that, tell them that if they have a problem with that, it’s their fault. They could have gone to that synagogue down the street years ago.

It’s not a perfect analogy, but it might help get the point across at least a little, at least to the church goers.

Kelly · December 1, 2011 at 4:00 pm

to the initial poster: so how about moving all those farmers and towns that are dying, would you be in support of that as a fellow canadian? The government would never dare to force farmers or members of small towns out of there lands (even though they don’t pay taxes and can’t make a living due to lack of opportunities).

Don · December 2, 2011 at 3:31 pm

As a former farm kid from SW Manitoba I have seen no less than 6 communities within a 40 mile radius of Killarney MB completely disappear. 30 years ago they had schools, churches, rinks and stores. But with school consolidation, railway abandonment and farm consolidation they are no longer viable. I had to move away to get a career, move away from the land and all that sustained me. But I did it, much like my ancestors from Europe whose option was to move or die.
So I cannot for the life of me understand why a man or woman would stay in a place with no job, hope or reason to stay there. As a human being why would you allow yourself or your children to get sick and live in squalor while there is opportunity elsewhere.
Yes life delt the first nations a crappy hand. But to wallow in pity is doing you a worse disservice. All that is going to do is destroy your soul and all the other souls around you.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 3:36 pm

All of these ‘move away!’ comments forget that it is not a foregone conclusion that any of these communities are unsustainable. They are currently unsustainable, and there are a host of reasons for that, but it need not always been that way. Part of what we are fighting for is to change things so that we can stay on our territories and we aren’t forced to watch our youth leave year after year.

The biggest concern in these communities when looking to the future is exactly the issue that so many seem to think we need to just give up on, which is, how can we make sure that future generations can stay on their territory too?

We’re not giving up, and it’d be nice if you didn’t give up on us either.

Mick McIreland · December 1, 2011 at 4:01 pm

As an immigrant, this point makes perfect sense to me. These reserves are (what remain of) your homeland. If the solution is to move, then what happens to them? Your homeland will die off and disappear forever. This isn’t asking someone to move from Ontario to Alberta for a job. This is asking a nation to abandon its homeland, heritage, and history and let it die. I couldn’t do that to my homeland, and I cannot expect you to do it to yours.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 4:16 pm

I actually really appreciate your understanding. A lot of the ugly comments I (should avoid) read[ing] are from immigrants who argue that aboriginal peoples should have the same status. It is…confusing. When in Alberta this summer, I had a horrible conversation with a taxi driver from the Punjab region of India. He went on an incredibly offensive rant about First Nations, wouldn’t listen to my arguments, and told me how grateful he was that the British had brought civilisation to his people. Where do you even start with people like that? I could find no common ground and it made me sad.

patmcramsden · December 1, 2011 at 11:32 pm

Right!! so right.

Mick McIreland · December 2, 2011 at 1:52 am

Next time you’re in his taxi, ask him if Gandhi should have worked to get the British out of India? Ask him if he wants India to become tropical England and to have Indians virtually disappear from their land and be replaced by pale-faced, awful cooks. 🙂
It always bothers me when people who should know better (Indians, Irish, or anyone who had their land taken from them) complain about the situation in Canada. They’ve forgotten their history.

Libby Dawson, London, ON. · December 1, 2011 at 4:35 pm

I totally understand your ‘connection to the land’ assertion. Some groups have it more than others. About 1/3 of my ancestors came from Scotland and the rest from England, Ireland, Scotland France and the Netherlands. But my family 4 and 5 generations later still has a connection to the Scottish ‘land’. The hardships, the culture and the intense connection to the hills and glens has been passed down whereas the same connection with the other ‘lands’ has not.

I also totally get the difficulties that Attawapiskat faces. Everything in the history of their relationship with the Queen (Victoria) to the present day government has been a struggle for justice and trying to find ears that will listen. Everything they try to accomplish has a Catch 22 attached. I have nothing but admiration for this group of people who have been beaten down time after time, have seen little to suggest that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but continue to try to do the best they can.
I’m ashamed that my Scottish ancestors were part of the group which created that struggle. They should have known better. They faced the same put downs in Scotland.

bloomgirl · December 1, 2011 at 4:59 pm

Economic Activity? What about the De Beers Diamond mine near Attawapisakt territory? I am certain that this and other resources abound on these people’s territory, but, they perhaps it has been stolen from them/there hasn’t been profit sharing. I think Attawapisakt and other First Nations Communities should follow a model similar to the largely indigenous country of Bolivia under the Evo Morales goverment and take back “state” ownership of natural resources and take a significant share of the royalties from these resources. It’s like we have all of these pockets of developing countries within this developed country of Canada with similiar methods of exploitation taking place as those that rich countries (re: neo-colonialism) inflict on the developing world. Just my 2 cents.

Northern Nurse · December 1, 2011 at 6:08 pm

Thanks for your response. I am a nurse living in Attawapiskat and I like to ask Native people what to say in response to the question of geographically relocating to be less isolated. Every Native person I have spoken to states that perhaps white people don’t understand that they feel connected to their land. Their reserve is their home and they feel tied to their land. One Native person said that if he was forced to leave, he would lose a part of himself, would probably become depressed, and depression kills people (re suicide). He asked me why white people want him off his land and make him depressed.

Roxanne · December 2, 2011 at 11:13 am

I completely agree, as a Canadian born non-Native, I lived for 15 years in the States. It was a wonderful time, jobs were easy to find. However I always felt like something was missing. The rest of my family is still living in the States and are very happy but I never felt complete until I moved back to Canada. I live in Northern Ontario and every time I leave I can’t wait to come back home. It is a feeling that some people just can’t seem to understand. For some, the pull of their homeland is very real and such an important part of who they are. I do know what it feels like to lose that sense of community, history and family. It is not a life then, I was just passing time and that is not how anyone should have to live.

dawn secord · December 1, 2011 at 9:36 pm

As a “white” person, who knows lots of Aboriginals, I’m EMBARRASSED! And, have been for many years! That reserve is not the only one in trouble. It;s the old saying, “out of sight, out of mind”. I think what a lot of people don’t understand, is that, we basically STOLE their land. AND, we’ve abused the land, not taken care of it.
Our European ancestors stole their culture, tried to “assimilate” them, with no respect for the way of life that , brilliantly , sustained them for thousands of years. Once that was done, NOW WHAT? We’re past the point of sending them to “live off the land”, so, thus, we OWE them, BIG TIME! This requires a long term solution. No political posing. Those jokers in Ottawa need to have a history lesson, and grow a conscience!!!

Catherine (@cat_simmons) · December 2, 2011 at 2:24 am

Very well said!!

What is most definitely missing is “respectful dialogue” and it totally shocks me!
At the very least the Government should start there…

Nicole · December 3, 2011 at 9:17 pm

Thanks!

jofacilitator · December 1, 2011 at 10:23 pm

Thank you for your thoughtful and careful clarification, and for your passion for the truth.

I understand this as the aboriginal knowledge of “belonging to the (specific) land” or “the land owns us and we are responsible to it”, rather than the white understanding of “land belongs to me” or “we own land”. That simple but profound difference in perspective makes all the difference to the question of “why can’t you just move”. It would mean being deeply irresponsible.

ramona · December 2, 2011 at 12:45 am

This question, and response troubles, me too. In various ways. At a visceral level, I get the land attachment part; land is part of who people are. Its what makes people whole, and I think that’s evident everywhere, most poignantly in the general increase of mental unrest in cities and suburbia. But I think the question, coming from people living and working near services or economic centres, is an honest one, and something that can’t be explained simply by cultural difference. I wrestle with the question too. I am non-native, coming from a small-farm family that would fight tooth-and-nail to try and keep the farm in the family no matter how rotted out the barn has become, or how much debt the farm seems to be going in when crops fail and prices are low. But its part of us. I don’t live there anymore but I long for the place. I’ve also lived on a remote reserve for a couple years and worked at a school. And, honestly, when I left, I had less idealism and optimism, more confusion. Their were so many systemic hurdles for children and other community members to climb through, and decades of systemic racism and discrimination hanging heavy on everyone’s shoulders. I guess what I’m getting at, though, in my limited experience, is I don’t see how more money or new houses could, in the short-term, or long-term fix anything. Part of it has to do with history, and the destruction of culture, part with the remoteness, part with the importation of new gadget cultures, partly a culture of waste that permeates the whole world now, and a host of other things. But I just don’t see any of it as sustainable; in a way, conditions seem to be deteriorating.

So I guess my question is, and its an honest one, I’m not trying to frame it rhetorically: can a culture assert a meaningful, permanent relationship with the land, and seek an equally permanent dependency on economic support from outside the land, including the support of healthcare, education, infrastructure which is all part of that economic machinery. What are the sustainable options here? Personally, I really don’t know, and boundaries seem to have so many holes in them. As you seem both very knowledgeable and reflective about the situation, what are your thoughts? As some nations are talking about in British Columbia, is more land in exchange for less financial support an answer? (and by more land I mean vast, vast tracts). That’s the way I lean, personally. Cause, for better or worse, taxes and economic activity are all tied up in the housing and education and transportation and healthcare most of us have come to depend on. What is a sustainable, not-monetary dependent, way forward?

So I guess what my question comes down too

Catherine (@cat_simmons) · December 2, 2011 at 2:52 am

Sustainability is indeed a big issue, but why do so many people assume that it’s not possible. What’s needed is dialogue and some action that is solution focussed rather than blame focussed. It’s impossible to attend to the housing and infrastructure problems by just throwing money at them!

Over the past few days, after my initial shock concerning the situation in Attawapiskat, and my horror at all the talking about cash and no-one attending the emergency, I’ve spent some time looking at some of the fundamental issues.

At first I couldn’t understand what was going on with the pipework: both the broken fuel pipe that contaminated the school for so many years, causing so many health problems (and resulted in the school being demolished), and the sewerage pipework that contaminated so many homes with sewage.

The reason? Permafrost. This causes pipes to crack and break due to a frozen layer under the surface of the land that changes temperature during the year.
This also has an impact on the housing. Where floors are not insulated from the ground, heat from the people trying to keep warm inside causes melting underground and because this is uneven the structure of the home becomes compromised.

I’m sure there are those that will say that this is a good reason to move elsewhere, but this can be overcome…and has been, in communities in Alaska. The U.S. cold climate housing research centre has found ways to build sustainable communities in these conditions for native people to live in http://cchrc.org/sustainable-northern-communities-projects . There are also ways to protect pipework using insulation and other methods.

Human beings are very resourceful as a collective.

As my Mother would say “where there’s a WILL there’s a way”

What we need is the WILL…

Jean · December 2, 2011 at 12:48 am

Posters on news sites often say rural people should move if they don’t like —— fill in the blanks, whatever’s going wrong at the time. City people rarely understand the tie farmers feel to their land. If grain prices are bad or BSE has closed the US border to Canadian cattle, online posters say the farmers should move and get another line of work. So it does happen to non-aboriginals.

I think there are many people who understand the importance of identity and land–it’s just that so many people have already left the place they were tied to and have lost the feeling of connection.

Arya Lake · December 2, 2011 at 1:47 am

What efforts do the people of James Bay make to engage in traditional lifestyle like hunting, fishing and trapping? Is the possibility of a viable traditional economy sincere in the 21st century- the pictures of flat screens and laptops in their inadequate homes indicate a more modern recreation based focus.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 7:30 am

Traditional values are not technology dependent.

Many aboriginal peoples spent large portions of the winters engaged in games and story-telling. We, like most peoples, have always had a recreation based focus at certain times. The idea that ‘traditional lifestyle’ refers to the tools you have available to you is a gross misunderstanding of what ‘traditional’ means. It isn’t living like we did at some frozen point in time. It is about the fundamental values we hold as peoples, and technology is absolutely adapted to those values.

You no more lose your ‘traditions’ when you upgrade to a new iPhone than we do when we help maintain traditional ties to kin and community via the internet.

O.B. · December 2, 2011 at 10:27 am

Once again – thank you for your clear and insightful explanation. I can’t tell you how much this helps me.

D. S. · December 2, 2011 at 3:30 pm

Wow! You sure pack an impressive punch! I don’t think anyone could have worded or described an answer to such a emotionally provocative question as well as you just have. I have been moved. I wish I knew more about this subject in order to engage myself easier, none-the-less I find your writings very educational & impressive. Keep up the good work!!

Brown Cow · December 2, 2011 at 4:11 pm

That’s laying it on a bit thick isn’t it? The whole “the land binds us, defines us “, etc. History is rife with examples of human movement in the search to escape violence, famine, adverse weather conditions etc. Your people’s cultural self-definition clings to a past, a lifestyle which no longer exists and will never return, i.e., truly living off the land, etc.
That link is further degraded when some so-called “natives” are really nothing but white men or women with a tan. My father is the real deal from the Andes. But that does not make me an Inca or Aymara or whatever lives up there. Why would it? What would it profit me to go worship some Sun-god like a savage in this modern world. My father saw this reality and educated himself in order to escape the cycle of savagery. Residential Schools in Peru ran by the Oblate order were the tool to eventually come to Canada for post-secondary education and to get a high paying career back in Peru and to become part of the greater establishment and society; and then he moved us to Canada where – thanks to what he learned – we integrated seamlessly into the greater Canadian society. No, holding on to ancient beliefs about land, spirits, the Sun, etc are no replacement for progress. Hold on the the former and you will hold on to poverty, and poverty is not a badge of honour.

suezoo39 · December 2, 2011 at 9:53 pm

This is one area that I think is the saddest of them all.

“How can I possibly make someone understand these things” and “why should I have to make anyone understand this?”

How – by engaging,like you did in the article above; why – for the betterment of us all.

I have had a longing for such knowledge for most of my adult life and I am frustrated that I live literally surrounded by a people who have so much to teach that I am interested in, but few avenues to ask the questions.

I know that the area I live on has long been inhabited by First Nations peoples and I’m incredibly curious to know why and how. There are interesting things literally in my backyard that are not in any books. The books start with the Selkirk Settlers, I want to know why some things are here a thousand years before that.

I’ve also not asked a lot of questions of the First Nations peoples I’ve lived with because I don’t know the proper terms and the last thing I want to do is offend.

There is such a gulf between “us” and “them”. You and me. I think there are many on both sides that just want to reach out across the gulf.

I am interested. I am curious. I want to learn.

I want to say I want to help but it sounds patronizing in my head and, pffft, really I have little to offer.

Dylan McLernon · December 3, 2011 at 12:42 am

Thank you for this, I understand what you’re talking about with regards to ties to the land. The only time I feel at home on this earth is when I am in the forests, fields and mountains of Alberta or British Columbia. I was born in Canada to European immigrants, this is my home and I know it was the First Nations Home before it was mine.

Andrew · December 3, 2011 at 1:59 am

I just want to chime in on the “why don’t they leave” conversation.

There is (in my opinion) an unfortunate lack of emphasis placed on sense of place in our society. People are encouraged/expected to following the jobs, regardless of where they were raised, where their family is– in short, where “home” is.

I feel this leads to a situation where people have no real attachment to any geographical place. And when that becomes the case, you cease to care about what happens to it. Used up too much of one resource? Move somewhere else to use up another, that’s where the jobs are.

If more people committed to being where they are from, they may worry more about the long-term health of individual communities and geographies, and sustainable economies rather than boom ones. Constantly moving to where the jobs are can contribute to systemic, long-term problems.

Old Geezer in Markham · December 4, 2011 at 8:21 pm

At the risk of going off on a tangent, there’s nothing to stop us from practising good husbandry of the lands and environment as we move from each opportunity to the next – just like a good camper leaving the site as good or better than when entering.

Mowich · December 3, 2011 at 11:37 am

That is all fine and good but what do you propose is the solution to employment on some remote reserves. The Canadian government and the Canadian taxpayer are not in the business of creating employment.
I well understand your connection to the land but waxing warm and fuzzy about it does not negate the fact that decent jobs for all the people on this reserve will remain the number one problem well into the future.
So what is your solution to the problem?

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 12:01 pm

“The Canadian government and the Canadian taxpayer are not in the business of creating employment”.

Really? How many hundreds of thousands of Canadians are employed in the public sector, earning salaries directly paid for by tax revenue? The Canadian governments are in fact some of the largest employers in the country.

What is my solution to the problem? I give a few answers in the blog post, a big one of which is to fully implement the Auditor General’s recommendations. That is only part of a much larger need for a national dialogue on all the issues.

What is your solution?

Tanya · December 3, 2011 at 9:24 pm

I look forward to your posts covering Tom H’s questions. I am a non-native but I am a visible minority and have some slight understanding on where first Nations people are coming from.

On top of the reasons âpihtawikosisân pointed out, the people who leave the community could face obvious racism and more pressures to assimilate. Considering how much of First Nations cultures have been deliberately destroyed, I would imagine staying on their own land could help them keep what they have left of their culture.

Axiome · December 5, 2011 at 1:52 pm

Well, you would think that the Harper government and all those who voted for it would be perfectly capable of comprehending the attachement of a people to a specific place on this earth, to which they are tied to, a place that holds a people’s history and foundation of its socio-political and legal structures… they do support everything Israel does and that is a perfect example of a piece of land given to a people based solely on the fact that they claim it, that it is their God given land. How does that differ from the claims that any and all aboriginal peoples in all of the Americas? Well, I’d love to know.

Thank you for your excellent article. I will share it far and wide.

Rhoda · December 5, 2011 at 10:37 pm

This is just a thought worth considering, it could be that, similar to the people of Davis Inlet some years ago, this band was stuck there, in an isolated flood zone, not of their chosing with the ability to migrate seasonally removed.

The means to move and expense involved would/has only increased with every passing year and probably would mean separation of band members unless covered by the federal government. As pointed out the location is isolated limiting financial success with the exception being the recent Victor Mine and positive relationship with DeBeers. Other than that the world outside the reserve for most natives has been and often still is hostile to natives; witness the abusive and ignorant comments of the racist ranters and neglect of the adjacent (federal and provincial governments). Now one sees many more first nations working in the non-native community but, still there could be many more and what prevents this is that they are not generally hired, though they strive extremely hard to look for work for the most part.

E · December 1, 2011 at 7:30 pm

Well, I would tend to think that the is a great idea however there will always be opposition from Canadian Immigrants and caucasian’s when a whole reserves move into town. Then again the government will always find away or a plan to tear it’s people from the land and misplace them until they are happy. I think maybe that any immigrants that come to Canada should be put into communities where these reserves are and be provided the same services and the first nations be put into the high rise buildings and towers that they are providing these new comers. When you think it of that way people tend to get mad but what the heck dialogue is dialogue even if it means suggusting that immigrants are treated 1000% better than and typical First Nation person. But I believe that the Government will try to put this community and others near urban centres because where do you think these communities reside, IN THE MOST NATURAL RESOURCE RICH COUNTRY IN NORTHERN CANADA.DIAMONDS, GOLD, URAINUM, i WONDER WHY THE GOVERNMENT WANTS THEM MOVED. MONEY MONEY MONEY

E · December 1, 2011 at 7:36 pm

TO THE WEBSITE OWNER AND POSTER I JUST WANT YOU TO MAYBE START DIALOGUE ABOUT ALL THE FIRST NATION WHO HAVE OPPOSED THESE MINES AND THE MONEY THAT IS SPENT FIGHTING THE GOVERNMENT BIG COMPANIES FROM DEVELOPING ON LANDS THAT ARE TRADITIONAL, BURIAL, SACRED, HUNTING GROUNDS AND MOST OF ALL THE HOME OF THESE PEOPLE.

MILLIONS ARE SPENT TO FIGHT INJUNCTIONS, APPEALS TO THE COURT FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTS AND SOMETIMES EVEN FIGHTING THE HAND THAT FEEDS THEM; INAC IT IS A MESS BUT MILLIONS ARE SPENT AND PEOPLE FORGET ABOUT BIG BUSINESS INFLUICING GOVERNMENT FOR PROJECTS THAT WILL NET BILLIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND ONLY SHAREHOLDERS.

Old Geezer in Markham · December 4, 2011 at 8:25 pm

Please don’t SHOUT. The string is pretty respectful.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 8:32 pm

I don’t think it was intentional. Usually people who are ‘shouting’ use caps sporadically, not the whole way through. I considered editing out the caps, but I was lazy 😀

Fnet=ma · December 2, 2011 at 3:11 pm

The government doesn’t provide housing for immigrants. Not sure where you got that idea from. Refugees, which are totally different from immigrants, are given temporary housing.

Brown Cow · December 2, 2011 at 4:17 pm

Truly “E” make a distinction. Most immigrants – and I should know – came with our own resources and money (unlike refugees) and once in country are left to fend off by ourselves. The bigger question is how some of us immigrants can become influential CANADIAN leaders, captains of industry, mayor, government officials, without federal help and YOUR PEOPLE CAN’T.

Brown Cow · December 2, 2011 at 4:20 pm

Truly “E” make a distinction between immigrants and refugees. Most immigrants – and I should know – came with our own resources and money (unlike refugees) and once in country are left to fend off by ourselves. The bigger question is how some of us immigrants can become influential CANADIAN leaders, captains of industry, mayor, government officials, without federal help and YOUR PEOPLE CAN’T.

sean gauthier · November 30, 2011 at 9:27 pm

This evening, you are my hero. Keep up the amazing work!

Ed · November 30, 2011 at 9:50 pm

This is the most concise, intelligent, and coherent piece I have read about the issue so far. Thank you.

korenle · November 30, 2011 at 11:57 pm

You never cease to amaze me.. great article it helps to ease my frustrations because I so have been wanting to write too lol.. … I absolutely love it. Thank you.

maryanne · December 1, 2011 at 12:27 am

Clear, open, this is based in facts while couching readers in context. I was aware of the main points of the big picture before, but your detailed breakdown really taught me a deeper understanding of the issues. I hope the info gives folks the tools they need to see what is really happening.

And somehow in all of this, your writing remains positive. It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your transparency and willingness to teach, and keep up the good fight.

In solidarity, M.A.

Lorin Brest · December 1, 2011 at 2:46 am

just help the community first, then work out everything else later…all i saw was finger pointing from all governments…..and that was B.S

Karen Trigg · December 1, 2011 at 3:56 pm

I agree.I couldn’t believe what our government was saying so I was compeled to write Mr.Harper to voice my opinion.He should have gone immediately!Nevermind the money for now.Not just visit Attawapiskat, but all reserves in this country where help is needed.I also expressed that this may be the legacy he leaves behind.
As for Mr.Duncan.As Minister he should be more accoutable too.He doesn’t seem to have much of a handle on his job.
Hopefully because of Attawapiskat Native issues reguarding their lands and reserve conditions will finally be brought to light and dealt with.
I’m anxious to see how our government handles these issues.

from calgary · December 1, 2011 at 10:48 pm

He should go, I can’t believe that he hasn’t already. He should bring his family, too, so that he can see his own children against that backdrop. Then we would finally see if he has a soul or not.

Arlene · December 4, 2011 at 5:09 pm

You won’t get anywhere with Harper and to understand why, I eagerly suggest all Canadians read http://pushedleft.blogspot.com/ I am ashamed to be Canadian under this man’s cruel hand. Native people are our allies and I truly can’t wait for a day when the media stops feeding the racism in this country. I wish this country celebrated Native History month as well as Black history month. We should showcase all the positive developments and discuss the issues as they are being discussed here. We deserve to feel proud of ourselves and each other!

wolf · December 1, 2011 at 2:57 am

Everything exactly to the tee! These exact things I have been saying for years! Daam and its almost all there too! Great job!

From a FN leader!

wolf · December 1, 2011 at 3:01 am

Oh and now the bigger question!
What are we going to do about it now and to move forward into the future? Self governent means self sufficient! We can do it!

simonlnu · December 1, 2011 at 5:30 am

nice post. thumbs up from a Mi’kmaq/Abenaki in Mtl.

Inez · December 1, 2011 at 6:04 am

Wonderfully clear, covering all the points in a relevant manner.

Shelley T (@Shelzadoc) · December 1, 2011 at 7:21 am

Thank you for posting this. As a First Nations woman who lives off reserve I struggle with a way to understand and educate people about what really goes on. I’m retweeting and reposting this anywhere I can.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:26 am

It is all so frustratingly confusing, and no wonder with the way things are obscured in the media and how little we learn in school about these issues. It took me YEARS just to understand status versus non-status to the point where I could explain it quickly to someone hearing it for the first time. I don’t blame anyone for not knowing what the heck is going on, but I do want to try to break down those barriers and get the information out there. I’ve seen it work, I’ve seen people transformed by the information, and I think that is incredibly powerful. Thank you for reading, and for trying!

elementalpresent · December 1, 2011 at 7:53 am

So glad you wrote this. I feel better equipped. Now… stay away from those online news comment sections! Imagine the bulk of them coming from the same 4 disgruntled 50-year-old men over and over, who are hunched over a 10-year-old desktop, probably in their undies, probably on dial-up, probably at 3 in the morning.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:31 am

It is the same group of 3 or 4 people creating the bulk of posts on any given comment section. It is interesting to track them through a few different articles and see how the same counter-arguments are presented and then ignored as though it never happened. That cannot be anything but deliberate. This small group manages to push the conversation in a particular direction, much as Harper is trying to.

The difficulty is in dealing with the issues through a haze of anger, and I mean anger from those posting the typical accusations. A lot of them make statements that are actually questions…because they do not actually know. It is off-putting to have someone do the equivalent of screaming in your face, “WHERE DID THE MONEY GO!!!!!!!????” However, sometimes you can make some effort to answer the question without getting angry back, and it deflates them a little. “Oh. Oh, okay. Um…thanks.”

It doesn’t happen all the time, but it does happen. It happens despite the few trying to drown out all the other voices.

Lori Clermont · December 1, 2011 at 8:45 am

Ditto…… Shelly said it ,” i try so hard to explain issues[[, thanks for spelling it out.
I have been yapping since the Walkerton crisis about water conditions on reserves,

balbulican · December 1, 2011 at 9:33 am

Absolutely wonderful rebuttal to the smoke and mirrors. Linking to Dr. Dawg’s, with your permission.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 9:50 am

Link away!

firstnationbooks · December 1, 2011 at 10:03 am

Thank you for giving us the words, backed up by excellent research, to fight back with. I just read your blog profile – roller derby? I think I found my new best friend 🙂

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:32 am

Have to work the stress out somewhere!

Joyce · December 1, 2011 at 10:25 am

Well Done! Thanks for such excellent information. I’ve sent your blog to the Peter Mansbridge and APTN, the former for his education and hopefully more accurate reporting, the latter as a shortcut for their coverage; you’ve already done so much work. It is time to accurately portray First Peoples’ lives, homes, reserves, and difficulties in the face of geographical and social isolation. A few years ago I tried to do the same for Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug but couldn’t get the Aboriginal Journal of Health to consider the empiric study as significant for publication. Another issue is the salary paid to co and third party managers which comes from the coffers of an indebted FN prior to anything else. In 200-2001 the managers were making $175,000 – 238,000 while chiefs were paying themselves $40,000. How do FN get out of government control when this is the first thing paid from their funds?!

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:38 am

Hehehehe, the Peter Man’s Bridge…my favourite piece of Canadian transportation architecture!

Researching these issues is difficult, because there are so many factors to consider and it is hard to get the full picture. All the people complaining about the Chief’s salary for example…well, first of all what is an acceptable salary for that position? Then I want to know, what are other heads of communities making? Is that outrageous too? What is the purpose of focusing on the chief’s salary anyway, what information are these people looking for?

You make an excellent point about consultation and management fees. There is SO MUCH going on financially that the average person simply is not qualified to analyse the data. Heck, plenty of experts don’t understand it either if they are not familiar with the relationship between the Federal Crown and First Nations.

Just figuring out something that should be simple…like funding for education…is intensely complicated. The studies have been done, comparing per pupil spending and comparing spending on infrastructure, teacher training and so on…but where are those studies? Who did them? Where can I find them? What did they say?

Most of us have limited access to information. I pulled up sources available on the internet to everyone, and included some of the legal training I have, but most of the information is not so accessible. That is definitely a bar to understanding.

ay-ay

Trinity · December 1, 2011 at 5:49 pm

One of the greatest challenges to recognize when assessing the salaries of individuals living on fly-in reserves, is the cost of living. One of the articles I have read on Attawapiskat quickly mentions that a quart of milk is $10. Coming from a community along the James Bay I know that this is just one aspect of the cost of living. Take into consideration fresh fruit and vegtables and the costs with trying to eat healthy. In retrospect a $70,000 salary does not amount to much when you have to pay $20 for a McCains frozen pizza that go on sale for 2 for $5 in Southern Ontario.

I’ve noticed that many commentators believe that there are roads that lead to Attawapiskat, which is not the case. There is a winter road, which becomes extremely dangerous given that these roads are not patrolled or maintained by any sort of provincial or federal regulation. And these roads are actually comprised of frozen waterways that are driven over. I have lost friends who have died on these winter roads travelling between communities along the James Bay coast. This of course explains why food is heavly inflated compared to other parts of Canada, they must fly everything in since these roads are unsafe.

Catherine (@cat_simmons) · December 2, 2011 at 3:11 am

I think you’ve done amazingly well to explain everything so clearly..have also tweeted and facebooked your blog hoping that it will help other people understand. The Feds are accountable and have a responsibility I can’t believe that they are behaving like over-privileged schoolchildren!!

When I first heard about the crisis, and the Governments retort regarding funding, I put Attawapiskat into my Google searchbar and came up with the website linking to all the audited financial statements…there they were for anyone to see, so what was the big mystery- I was thinking?? From the books there was $11M in debt and most of the ‘capital’ was tied up in infrastructure and existing houses etc. I’m no financial wizard, but it was clear enough to me, I really wonder what those folks in Gov do all day long…

shelley · December 10, 2011 at 3:03 am

lol …. thats because the whiteman got paid more…lol

susan · December 1, 2011 at 10:30 am

THANK YOU!! Amazing.

Dawn Dumont · December 1, 2011 at 10:31 am

Thank you so much.

creativewriter72 · December 1, 2011 at 10:49 am

Excellent explanation of the complex inner workings of the reserve funding structure, this is the hardest thing to convey to those of my colleagues with a lesser grasp on the system. Keep up the great work.

Darren Madahbee · December 1, 2011 at 11:08 am

Excellent and well written! Meegwetch..

Lorraine Muskego · December 1, 2011 at 11:11 am

Thank you for your eloquent comments, explanations, courage to educate us!

rob · December 1, 2011 at 11:26 am

Thanks. I was frustrated and confused by the numbers. No longer!

Jennifer Baker · December 1, 2011 at 11:28 am

I love this thank-you. I am also so sorry for the horrible racist comments that you and everyone else reading the article is subjected to. I do have one question for you: Are the funding numbers gross or net to the community? In my experience when the government “funds” something there is at least a 25% “corporate cost” to actually deliver it.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 11:40 am

It appears that the figures are gross. There was a note however that about $2 million of projected federal funds didn’t actually get delivered in the 2010-2011 financial year, so it was money on paper only. I would expect that INAC administration is a cost that is calculated elsewhere, but I could be wrong about that. It would seem strange to fold that cost into the Attawapiskat finances. If I find out differently I will definitely edit to reflect that!

Kanestina · December 1, 2011 at 4:47 pm

I remember reading somewhere that a very small percentage of government money actually reached reserves, most of it being ‘absorbed’ by Indian Affairs…worth looking into!

Big Sean · December 2, 2011 at 1:57 am

INAC spent $400M out of $8.2B on administration:
http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/dpr-rmr/2010-2011/inst/ian/ian01-eng.asp#Toc302679367

James Vandenberg · December 1, 2011 at 11:29 am

Thank you so much.

Bo · December 1, 2011 at 11:37 am

speechless.

Jo · December 1, 2011 at 11:43 am

Thank you very much for this. Amazing! A must read for anyone who wants to know the facts about Attawapiskat. I’m sharing it far and wide!

Lisa · December 1, 2011 at 11:43 am

This is excellent, thank you. It’s been awful watching the news reports and not seeing anyone run the numbers (my fellow journalists need to get much better at covering stories like this) or give context on what $90 million actually means. Retweeted!

Scott Piatkowski · December 1, 2011 at 11:46 am

Why couldn’t so-called professional journalist have done this analysis?

Maddie · December 1, 2011 at 4:48 pm

Unfortunately, facts and accurate research do not make a news piece sensationalistic. Due to the increasing availability of the 24-hour news cycle, sensationalism is what sells, regardless of what the real facts or motives of an individual or a group are. The current temperament of media (and therefore “journalists”), is to report stories from the point of view that will get the most attention.

As much as I wish that news organizations delivered just the facts and didn’t editorialize everything, I sadly admit that I doubt it will ever be that way. Controversy sells. Period.

Maddie · December 1, 2011 at 4:52 pm

I suppose it would also help if the general public made it a point to keep themselves better informed, rather than just believing the opinions in editorials. If we, the general public as a whole, demanded facts and accuracy rather than opinions, perhaps that is what we would get.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 5:16 pm

I absolutely agree, and think this applies across the board to any issue.

Lisa Jackson · December 1, 2011 at 11:49 am

Thank you for attempting to shed light on this. I too have become discouraged by the comments that I have read. What the general public needs to know that the reason we fight so hard is that the majority of funding received is our TREATY rights that were made from Nation to Nation long before ‘Canada’ was even formed. It is appalling that people do not even realize this or even know what this means and The govt of Canada is doing it’s best to undermine our Treaties at every turn. We have people
who are and have been fighting for our treaty rights for decades at the United Nations.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 1:01 pm

The foundation of the relationship between aboriginal peoples and the Crown is definitely not something that is well understood in Canadian society. The history is not well covered either. I was taught that had settlers not arrived, First Nations would have died out due to intertribal genocide! This was the narrative only a few decades ago.

Some people call these discussions ‘rewriting history’, but the fact is, we all need to rediscover it. When you know where you come from, you have a better sense of who you are, and that also applies to nations.

Catherine (@cat_simmons) · December 2, 2011 at 3:18 am

So true.
Schools in my area of BC seem to be doing a little better teaching this these days.
My kids have been taught about the Residential Schools and were horrified…they can really relate to the plight of other children, whatever their culture they may be from. I’m hoping that this bodes well for the future, as it’s in their hands…

sharon · December 2, 2011 at 1:35 am

This article and most posts are excellent learning sources for me. I am “retired” (unemployed) and truly understand how a depressed financial position over time will wear one down.
The “citizens” of Canada, off reserve, are not educated in our First Nations political problems. These same citizens are now experiencing a downward trend in income, the gap ever wider between ultra-rich and average to low incomes, and they will be getting angry and cranky – few will get sympathy then, let alone understanding regarding FN conditions.
” Walk a mile in my moccasins” . . . no one wants to experience that – it would tug at conscience, would weaken bodies, would require energy to fight unfairness – thus, we prefer to blame.
But our time is coming. The 90% shall all be poor, the environment will be further degraded, and we shall see no rescue.
I hope I am dead wrong on all of this. Keep up the educating of our Cdn population.
Keep the press on task! Don’t let anyone off the hook.
Powers that be, please prove me wrong!

Bob · December 1, 2011 at 11:54 am

I don’t get free government money for housing. Maybe it’s time we start looking at abolishing treaties? In this day and age, why is it that a large portion of population don’t have to work for anything?

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 12:13 pm

The salary figures in the financial statements quickly puts to rest the idea that everyone in Attawapiskat is unemployed. The unemployment rate across Canada is 7.3%. I wonder what you think about those people, and what sorts of benefits you believe they should receive (or not)?

You are right that many Canadians do not receive funding for housing, outside of low income social housing provided by the CMHC, or through various provincial and municipal subsidies. Actually, that means a fair amount of non-natives do receive funding for housing, but that was not your central point. You want to know why First Nations receive funding for housing (and for the sake of being fair, I’ll approach that as though you are okay with comparable levels of funding for social housing as is provided to non-natives).

Well first of all, it isn’t accurate to say that First Nations on reserve all get ‘free housing’. You’ll note that in the Auditor General’s report, as well as in the financial statements for Attawapiskat that rental funds are collected by the Band from its members. There are problems with collection, but a rental model is on place for some units.

So far that means we have social housing (subsidised), and rental housing on reserve. Is the rest free?

Well, most First Nations on reserve cannot get a regular mortgage through a traditional bank because they cannot offer the land or the house as collateral. To deal with this, some Bands have started to guarantee these mortgages, so people apply through the Band itself to get a mortgage. When a Band is cash strapped though, it is difficult to provided that guarantee, and only a small amount can then be covered. So the Band can’t afford to build enough houses that people can actually pay rent or mortgages on.

So we have social housing (subsidised), rental housing on reserve and mortgages being covered by the Band, where people are indeed paying for their homes.

The federal government provides support for housing on reserve. It does not provide it all. There are many housing programs available to non-natives to help with the cost of first time ownership, to help with renovations, to help with achieving higher r-values. The programs available to First Nations people are similar in some ways, different in others and that has to do with the unique relationship between First Nations and the Federal Crown.

You personally might not get government money for housing perhaps (neither do I), but you may be eligible for some programs, and others may be eligible for more (or less). None of this is as simple as ‘they get and I do not’.

Bob · December 1, 2011 at 2:29 pm

the only eligiligiblity i qualify for is “Get a job, save, go to school using savings, work hard and keep saving, buy house with said savings”. I literally live next to multiple reserves, and see just how much there is an entire lack of effort put into housing. I will not dispute your comments about finances behind it, however as a renter i do understand sometimes you have to clean up your place yourself, or get permission to fix something. Steve Joe’s comment is a great example. As well, first hand I know that there are houses falling apart, and 50″ flat screen tv’s in the living room. Where are priorities? Lots of reserves bitch about how the government does nothing, but yet there are big screen tv’s in houses??? As for unemployment, there are tons of jobs available, and well paying ones. Lots of scholarships available, and I know firsthand the effort that is put into the primary and secondary school system around where I live, yet kids stop showing up for school because they would rather be outside. Teachers work very hard but end up giving up becuase parents don’t care. There kid can sit on welfare and have babies while they keep getting funding. No jobs nothing to do around where you are? MOVE. wow, hard concept. I’ve had to move many times in my life for work. Treaties have no use in this day and age. Times have changed, the world has changed, and there needs to be a serious look into how much a waste of money treaties are. There was a chief who was making 280 gees a year for looking after 90 people in the maritimes. Tell me that is appropriate compensation.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 4:24 pm

When I bought my first home, I used my RRSPs to help with the downpayment under a first time homebuyer’s plan. This allowed me to access the funds, tax free. That is one program available to you. There are others that help with renovations, etc. Some federal, some provincial, possibly some municipal help. You have to look around.

TVs are cheaper that even small renovations.

The cost of a tv saved won’t build you a house either.

You make a lot of statements, and have some strong opinions, but I am not going to try and deconstruct it all. Too much involved there. If you want to narrow it down, please feel free…right now you are asking me to explain literally hundreds of years of history, constitutional law, and the sociology of poverty and colonisation. Too much to ask, frankly. Some of the work must be your own.

Tybalt · December 2, 2011 at 2:13 am

“Treaties have no use in this day and age.”

You wish to abrogate the treaties that are the only basis on which Canada has any claim to exist here? I really wish you wouldn’t. But if you insist… I guess you can go.

Because that’s what’s at stake here – the right of us as Canadians, as settlers, to live here. Those are only established by treaty.

Catherine (@cat_simmons) · December 2, 2011 at 3:21 am

Awesome explanation..thanks yet again..you make a great voice of the people 🙂

Tybalt · December 2, 2011 at 2:11 am

“I don’t get free government money for housing.”

Yes you do! You most certainly do. Most of the value of your house, assuming you live in a town, city, county or township, comes from the infrastructure that government provides and maintains at its own expense.

TJohns · December 2, 2011 at 8:50 am

Tybalt, just where do you think the government gets the money to pay these expenses? The government does not have it’s own supply of cash that it doles out. It comes from you and I and every other tax-paying citizen and corporation.

Miss Lynx · December 2, 2011 at 2:33 am

Bob, if you want to abolish treaties, you need to understand that that would work in two directions. The part you object to is the part where Native communities are guaranteed certain forms of support and services, but that part is there in exchange for having given up large areas of land (i.e., most of Canada) to non-Native communities.

You want to stop fulfilling your half of the deal? No problem. Just give back all the land and move back to wherever your ancestors came from.

GInger · December 2, 2011 at 11:34 am

What an extremely “white” attitude. Its not about land ownership, or at least it shouldn’t be, since it is my understanding that First Nations people don’t believe in owning the land.

I was born in Canada (as were a great many people commenting on here) and it is my home. I have lived outside of Canada, and even occasionally wish I did live in Europe (Where my ancestors came from), but every time I come home, I have this overwhelming sense of joy to be back where I belong.

Dissolution of the treaties is not a bad idea, but they can’t just be dissolved without resolving the problems that currently plague many First Nations communities. I have a feeling that if all the white people just up and left things the way they are, First Nations communities would still have problems. Ending the treaties isn’t about land owner-ship, its about giving back the right of self-governance to the peoples that should have maintained it in the first place.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 12:03 pm

Who are ‘white’ people? Polish? Ukrainian? Italian, Irish, German, British, French? It’s an extremely vague and unhelpful term.

Aboriginal peoples don’t have European property regimes, so it’s correct to say none of us had European notions of land ownership. It isn’t correct to claim this means none of us had or have any sense of land ownership at all. It’s a completely different approach based on reciprocity, not a ‘free for all this land is everyone’s and no-one’s land’. “Ownership” is not a good term for it, no…but “no ownership” suggests something to those familiar with common-law and civil-law property regimes which is not accurate either.

Just a pet peeve;)

Nicole · December 3, 2011 at 9:34 pm

EXACTLY!!!

Gerhard Gehrmann jr. · December 3, 2011 at 6:53 am

well Bob, natives on reserves don’t get “free” housing. they have paid for this in advance through their having giving up exclusive rights to the land.

Bob · December 3, 2011 at 12:11 pm

(Edits made to take out personal attacks, and unsubstantiated accusations in the form of anecdotes. In the future, please attempt to avoid more of the same.)

I’m sorry if i find that giving reserves money to waste away on chief salaries.

Miss Lynx, I was born here. I have as much a claim to this land as anyone else who was born here. Because someone has two more generations that were here before me means that they should have more of a claim to the land, and I should be paying them to live on their land? So does that mean that immigrants moving in this day and age can start paying me to live here?
…

As for the unemployment rate, well, as most people know, when there is no work, sometimes you have to move and start over.

as for home purchasing, first time home buyers plan. You stated you used YOUR rrsp’s. yes, YOURS. not the government’s money. As for the renovation grants and such, that’s more about helping make sure people stop using environment killing furnaces from 1950’s and use energy efficient heating methods.

Marky Mark · December 1, 2011 at 12:08 pm

Very informative-thank you. One overall question I have relates to the issue of sovereignty and how that fits into the analysis. I’ve dealt with senior band members of a particular First Nation who take the view that they aren’t Canadians but rather that they are [insert name of the applicable nation]. This point came up in the CBC interview last night as part of the discussion that touched no treaty rights, but I think it is very much not fully understood by most people, myself included.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 1:09 pm

I don’t identify as Canadian unless that is the only context someone is going to understand. I always identify myself as Métis from Lac Ste. Anne. To me, that is the core of my identity. Many native people identify themselves by their community, their nation.

Sovereignty is approached in different ways by different peoples. Some approach it in a secessionist manner (for example some Quebecois, and some Mohawk) which others approach it in terms of having control over one’s own governance while still maintaining relationships with the Canadian state.

The general desire is, I believe, to have more control over our own governance and over our territories, based on our cultures, our socio-political and legal structures and on our needs. That gets misunderstood a lot as being a threat to Canada.

No community wants to be crippled by poverty and lacking in the basic necessities of life. We want capacity building in truth, not just piecemeal funding that never really allows us to get beyond desperately trying to meet those basic needs…but that’s where we are. We can’t address nation building, the application of indigenous laws, proactive community planning or anything else until we have enough to eat, clean water to drink, and a roof over our head.

Marky Mark · December 1, 2011 at 2:19 pm

Thanks for the reply. The band I dealt with was Mohawk and that was the attitude expressed. It was difficult because part of what was required was filing some corporate forms which required reporting on the residence of the directors (Canadian resident vs. not) and the only answer I could get was Mohawk even for those who lived on the Canadian side of the border.

Many of your references in your post are to intra Canadian law which allocate responsibility for “Indians” as between the federal and provincial levels of governement. But if each First Nation (and there are many of them) views itself as sovereign, then really this is more about treaty rights and international law, is it not?

I find it hard to disagree with anything in your post and appreciate your strong rebuttal on the facts, but in the end we’re still left with a large issue. To the extent that members of First Nations are disadvantages and do not have equal access to things like health care and they are Canadian, those facts leads to certain familiar conclusions that are operative in the cases of other like groups who are having a hard time. But to the extent that individuals and their collective representatives do not view themselves as Canadians or as part of Canada, I think the analysis becomes very different. In particular, how do members of First Nations convince the people of Canada that they are responsible for some sort of equalization regime with no strings attached?

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 4:30 pm

The Mohawk are a distinct people with a specific history and approach. I did not know much about the Mohawk until I moved to Montreal, and I won’t pretend I understand as well as I do my own people in my own territory.

There have been many attempts to look to international laws to help us interpret Treaties, and the relationship between First Nations and the Crown, but with little success, at least in the Canadian courts. It is definitely one area that we continue to pursue and which many do feel is appropriate.

I apologise if I am rushing…I’ve been answering questions for hours and I should really just take a break and eat:) Yes, the analysis is always going to be different when a people or peoples do not see themselves necessarily as part of Canada in the same way that other Canadians do. I have a new understanding of that living in Quebec!

However rather than answer you, I ask you this…how can Canada convince us that we must turn over all our lands and resources with no strings attached?

markymarkincanada · December 1, 2011 at 7:11 pm

HI again. I’m replying to your reply and before I did I checked out the legal links on your site and read a good part of the BC summary of aboriginal law, most of which was new to me as I finished law school before the Constitution Act came in.

I wasn’t able to get my hands on any of these treaties that the ’82 Act says still are in force and now have constitutional entrenchment. So i don’t know what Canada and its predecessors promised in those treaties that is relevant to this discussion -i.e., running water? modern infrastructure? health care? subsidized food prices to absorb transportation costs?

But we have an interesting political question. To what extent must the federal government, using taxation revenues from all Canadians, support communities (whether native or non-native) that otherwise can’t survive? I’m asking about the legal and political aspects and also asking whether there is a difference between a community in Newfoundland and Labrador which keeps shrinking and where the young always leave (even if they yearn to return) a community in a largely underpopulated corner of the country which needs a lot of assistance to survive. It’s one thing for a minority community who wants “in” to the mainstream to ask for assistance and a “head start” to achieve “equality of opportunity” but it’s a different discussion when it is about a sovereign people or peoples (some of whom don’t consider themselves Canadian or recognize their being subject to the laws of Canada) asking for a broad interpretation of treaty rights-we need to know what our framework is.

I think the situation that has burst into the media spotlight is appalling and terrible and cannot continue. Your post is incredibly important as part of people having an intelligent reasoned discussion and I think once people start absorbing many of the points you’re making here (whether it’s from your post or otherwise), some of what I’m raising will come up.

C. T. Ball · December 1, 2011 at 12:14 pm

I pose the following question for 2 reasons: first to get clarification for myself and second to highlight a potential criticism your detractors may use to dismiss your entire article.

You list that the $90M goes to things such as:
– education per pupil
– education infrastructure (maintenance, repair, teacher salaries, etc)
– health-care per patient
– health-care, infrastructure (clinics, staff, access to services outside the community in the absence of facilities on reserve)

But how does “education per pupil” not also include “education infrastructure”? How does “health-care per patient” not also include “health-care infrastructure”?

Thank you.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 1:22 pm

Funding formulas are tricky. This is why I want to do a full post on it, but here is the short version:

Provincial funding formulas usually split ‘funding per pupil’ and ‘funding for infrastructure’. Funding per pupil is what is allocated to a school board by the province and covers things like teacher salaries, pay for supplies etc. On top of this funding there are often grants for specific programs (help for students with disabilities, lunch programs and so on).

Capital funding for infrastructure is also on top of per pupil funding, and goes towards construction of new facilities, maintenance of existing ones etc.

There are even more programs that may be set up, to bring new technologies to school, to improve teacher training opportunities and so on. Transportation cots, staffing costs…all of this can be folded into different areas of the funding formula. Nor do all provinces allocate the monies int he same way.

Anyway, what is often discussed is merely a comparison of ‘per pupil’ amounts between non-native students and First Nations students. This is a fraction of the total story, which is why I split it up. Two categories isn’t even enough to give you a sense of what numbers have to be compared, but it was a start. Pretty much ditto with health-care.

Tybalt · December 2, 2011 at 2:16 am

Provincial formulas also separate these out. Most capital funding for schools, for example, comes from the provinces and is allocated by formula. It’s separate from ongoing costs of running schools. They’re treated differently (and woe be to the school board or local health care network that tries to use one to pay for another! 🙂

Dr. S · December 1, 2011 at 12:15 pm

Thank you so much for this: a clear, well-researched explanation that I can post everywhere!

michaelwatsonvt · December 1, 2011 at 12:18 pm

Thanks for the lengthy, thoughtful response to the madness. I find myself stunned by the comments I find out there.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 12:22 pm

It is rather wordy, but I find that it’s almost impossible to explain this in a shorter version. So many questions come up that you have to address them or expect people to just take you on your word. I’m not fond of doing that myself so the result is a longish post:)

Karen Trigg · December 1, 2011 at 4:21 pm

You are doing very well I must say.Thank you .Please continue posting and educating us.I know it is frustrating but you are bringing a clearer picture to those of us who want to listen and help.

G. W. Markle · December 1, 2011 at 12:20 pm

I’d just like to know where the 1.2 billion dollars went that was spent on the G20 summit.

Melissa Pearce · December 1, 2011 at 1:57 pm

Well, there was that giant fake lake, for one…

I’d rather have seen that $1.2 billion go toward First Nations communities, but that would be far too “generous” for our government.

Nicole · December 3, 2011 at 9:41 pm

YEAH! I’d like to know too!

Maggie · December 1, 2011 at 12:21 pm

This post is excellent. We are linking to it on my law firm’s blog. And, e-mail me when you get a chance.

Bryce Edwards · December 1, 2011 at 12:23 pm

This is marvellous. It’s made the rounds at our firm and we like it so much we’re going to link to it from our blog (www.oktlaw.com/blog). Hope that’s ok. Thanks for writing it — particularly in the midst of what I assume is the usual end-of-term law school craziness.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 12:26 pm

It’s a great way to avoid thinking about finals next week 😀

Mi'gmaq Warrior of Words · December 1, 2011 at 12:24 pm

Refreshing, thorough and informed. Finally someone devoted the time to set the record straight. It would be great if your piece could be published in the national paper(s). Great job. Wela’lin

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 12:26 pm

I like your name, “Warrior of Words” 🙂

adm · December 1, 2011 at 9:59 pm

Yes, yes. This deserves a national audience. This post will educate most Canadians who read it. You provide information that is missing from the discourse on a multitude of First Nations issues. Generally, journalists (like the public at large) are ignorant of the structure of the relationship between First Nations and INAC. This valuable piece should be distributed widely. Thank you.

Sam C · December 1, 2011 at 12:26 pm

Great article – I admit, I was confused by the numbers and made some assumptions. It is appalling that First Nations people live in such conditions and that a call for help was ignored for a month. Clearly, the “system” (for lack of a better word) is beyond broken. What can I do on a local level?

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:15 pm

Thank you for being willing to face your assumptions, that’s pretty huge. I think there are a few things you can do at the local level. In immediate terms, you can donate to the Red Cross: http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=41676&tid=001

In a more long-term sense, you can ask INAC (now Aboriginal Affairs) to start implementing more of the Auditor General’s recommendations. You can talk to the people around you when this subject comes up. You can find aboriginal organisations in your area that are struggling to provide much needed services. Above all, you can keep asking questions!

morehistory · December 4, 2011 at 9:17 pm

Best start — call your local MP, and start asking questions. Your MP is supposed to be your rep in parliament, and it’s important that you make your concerns known.

Nicolas Houde (@nicopiedstounus) · December 1, 2011 at 12:45 pm

thanks for this post

Priscilla Lepine · December 1, 2011 at 12:58 pm

It’s sad that stories like these need to be published for people to get a full understanding of how Aboriginal Peoples are represented in the media or by politicians.

Nadia Heyd · December 1, 2011 at 1:05 pm

BRAVO. I will be sharing this article all over the place. Let’s grow some understanding in this country!

Lisa · December 1, 2011 at 1:08 pm

Thanks for sharing this information.

Ron · December 1, 2011 at 1:10 pm

Hi, apihtawikosisan… An amazing article that explains the issue with easy to understand language on such as complex issue. I say, sell a fighter jet(approx 460 million) and send that cash to get things started in Attawapiskat. One question, I want to blast this article everywhere on twitter but the link takes up like 30 characters. Is it possible to create some sort of short-cut link with less than 10 characters? If not, thats cool. Overall this article kicks diyaash! Chi-Meegwech!

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 1:14 pm

Tan’si,

I had someone better versed with technology than I to include a share button which allows you to retweet. He assures me this solves the long character issue…let me know if it doesn’t!

Ron · December 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm

Yes it works. And some ppl have given some excellent suggestions too. On a side note, are you single? ehhh jk. but really are you? lol intelligence is so attractive!

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:18 pm

Chaaaa, ever funny 😀 Single mom, but not single!

wil · December 1, 2011 at 1:13 pm

even repairs on the houses wasnt done,and transportation cost on building the new houses ,that werent built wasnt done ,oust that chief councilor and do a proper audit.and u d think the chief would have took running water for his village over anything else,what a dumbass.send in an accountant before handing them any more money.and as far as medical expenses go we r covered by the department of indian affairs ,that money is seperate from that 90 thousand so there seems to b alot of fraud goung on and pocketing of money,try taking a look at the present chief councilors house and see if he has the same problems as his village

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 1:29 pm

An accountant has been involved with the community since at least 2005. I don’t know if that accounting firm was the third party who was involved in co-management of Attawapiskat or not, but nonetheless professional financial eyes have been on the community. Now with third-party management you are getting your wish.

Yes, medical expenses are covered by INAC, but the funding amounts are included directly in the budget for Attawapiskat as well as the figures for how much was spent and on what health area. It is not separate from the $90mililon, but is rather a part of that total figure.

The accusation of fraud gets tossed in a lot. I don’t know whether fraud has occurred or not, but so far no evidence has been presented that it has. The auditors stated that there was no indication that funds were misappropriated. I know management on reserves aren’t perfect, but that does not mean that everyone is automatically stealing. No one seems to be managing their finances very well right now, as can be seen in many municipalities, provinces and countries.

Kelly rodgers · December 1, 2011 at 4:09 pm

I have been going to the community since 2005 and have never seen any evidcence of fraud or corruption. They have had a co-manager for a decade and do run deficits. Of course Canada, Ontario, Toronto, the U.S., and most of Europe also run deficits but we don’t see Ottawa putting Ontario or New Brunswick or Newfoundland etc. into third party management. Thisrd party management is an excellent way to ensure that non aboriginal accounting firms obtain a steady source of funds in the way of fees so it can create employment, just not on the reserve.

Excellent article, I will be circulating it

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 5:06 pm

I have been trying to bring up the issue of deficits in other governments for a while, and it’s heartening to see that someone else has thought of it too!

creebabe · December 1, 2011 at 7:56 pm

lol @ “village” :s

Brian · December 1, 2011 at 1:14 pm

I am just wondering if your privy to the information on the 3.8 million spent on Elementary and Secondary Education Teachers wages. For a community of roughly 2000, even if they required a teacher for each grade of lets say 10 elementary teachers, and I’ll use my own reserves amount of teachers for post secondary (adults in motion), which is 4…lets toss in some support staff, 6…and even then each person would still have 2x (190000) the amount of Ontario average teacher salary. This of course is all speculation, but I would be interested in the housing situation of the people on the education staff.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 1:36 pm

As a former teacher, the teaching salaries were one of the areas I felt competent to analyse to see if the salaries are (as is often claimed) totally inflated and out of whack.

Edit: thank goodness I wasn’t a math teacher! Editing to rework these numbers! Will come back!

Brian · December 1, 2011 at 1:49 pm

I believe that the section states that their salary is 265,000…aside from the other amounts of ‘benefits’. If a community is able to provide 3.8 million to roughly 14 people…the onus is on them for the conditions of the people in poverty as much as they themselves can deem its the governments fault. 140,000 to make the education staff fit? That money right there provides 2 houses alone.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:24 pm

Where are you getting the $265,000 number from exactly, so I can follow this?

$3.8 million for 14 people equals a salary of $27K a year. That’s just over minimum wage. Hardly a king’s ransom. Where are you getting the figure of 14 from?

I’m not sure what you are suggesting here. Not paying the teachers so that houses could be built?

Brian · December 1, 2011 at 1:54 pm

I believe that segment shows that each persons salary is 265,000 let alone the other amounts of benefits as you stated. 153,000 to provide the staff a fitness center? That amount alone can provide housing for 2 families, let alone probably provide emergency shelter for all those impoverished people. Where does the blaim lie for such outrageous wages.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:25 pm

To address what you’ve said, I need to know where it is coming from. Can you direct me to where exactly you got these numbers from? Thanks in advance.

Some Canadian Guy · December 1, 2011 at 3:17 pm

@âpihtawikosisân

“$3.8 million for 14 people equals a salary of $27K a year.”

Your math is wrong. Specifically, it is off by a decimal point. $3 800 000 / 14 = $271 428 (not ~27K). Brian’s salary estimates seem appropriate.

Opinion8dCdn · December 1, 2011 at 3:20 pm

Would you move up North to conditions that are less than adequate (i.e. access to health care, the cold, etc) for less than that? I think people need to keep in mind that the teachers are mostly brought into the area, it’s an expensive area to live, and to travel back to see family would also be incredibly expensive. I think the compensation is appropriate.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 3:24 pm

You are right, my math IS off!

I will edit.

We still need to know how many staff members there are, and how much the benefits are. Do they include travel allowances? I received RRSP contributions as part of my benefits when I taught up North, and those were significant. Etc.

Phil · December 3, 2011 at 12:06 am

As in most things, I sense cherrypicking of facts to make arguments in the article & the comments, both those on the lib-left and the right.

To those of you who have felt educated, I am sure that if you read enough, your mind will boggle not only with the historical complexity of where we find the situation of today, but the many interpretations of it.

Let’s just throw more money at it. that’s what will happen, mark my words. left & right gov’ts in Canada have done so, will do so.

Last thoughts: you get assimilated if your culture is too weak to resist it. the old life is gone. My ancestors worked with wooden tools, yours hunted. If you don’t like how life is, do something about it. Nostalgia is fine, but nobody is as interested in helping you as much as you . My parents left their land in search of a better life. The real problem in Canada is overdependence on government, native or non-native. Move on!

they will throw more money at it, mark my words. To coin a phrase: Go south!

Troy · December 3, 2011 at 3:10 am

No, your culture didn’t assimilate, it integrated, which is vastly different.
The moldy houses are a product of assimilationist policy. Were this an integrationist policy, the federal goverment would’ve worked with the band ages ago to solve this problem.
Assimilation refers to an adverserial relationship, whereas integration refers to working together.
Besides, First Nations have adapted. We’ve taken in whatever new technologies we can afford.
The problem is the federal goverment disallowing us to do what we need to to do to succeed in this world.
Had Attawapiskat been allowed open up a lumbermill, it could save itself millions. Were Attawapiskat allowed to sustainably log the surrounding forest, then millions could be saved.
If Attawapiskat was allowed to function like a healthy community, then there’d be no problem that couldn’t be solved with little effort here. Instead, the band has had to cobble together policy that was overseen by INAC, every little dollar accounted for, that things have come apart so badly now.
Neglect by the federal government with the threat of interference overhanging the chief and coucil and band administratin does not foster a healthy community. It brings it closer to ruination, such as we are now witnessing.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 6:58 am

I really like what you’ve said about assimilation versus integration. I’m going to think about this some more, very thought provoking, thank you.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 7:19 am

I don’t think anyone believes ‘throwing money at it’ will work. I hoped that my highlighting of the Auditor General’s report would have clarified that there needs to be systemic change, not just ‘more money’.

I’m sorry that you believe our traditions are dead and gone. I hope you get the opportunity soon to realise that this is not true at all.

Ginger · December 1, 2011 at 3:56 pm

I’m confused. In Schedule A there is also a section for Education, which lists a total amount of $5.5M spent on wages and benefits. Can you provide an explanation for this number?

According to the Attawapiskat First Nation Authority Website, there are ~800 students taught by teachers making at least $48,000 (http://www.afnea.com/qualifications.htm). With the funding number of $3.8M/$48,000, that is approximately 79 teachers for the entire school (or a pupil-teacher ratio of 10:1, which is a pretty good ratio). Of course, there are probably fewer teachers than that, and the salaries would also include administrators, support staff, etc, but the $3.8 million seems to me like a Goldilocks amount to spend on education. Not so much that people would complain, but enough to provide decent service.

Nadia Heyd · December 1, 2011 at 1:15 pm

RON: use a website like bit-ly to shorten links: The link to this page shortens to
http://bit.ly/teFwCc using bit.ly

Ron · December 1, 2011 at 1:41 pm

Thanks Nadia! Appreciate it. Will use this link immediately! Meegwech(Thank you)

Alex S. · December 1, 2011 at 1:43 pm

Better yet use http://bit.ly/v1IuMQ. The other link brings you directly to a comment, instead of just to the article.

Fiona MacCool · December 1, 2011 at 1:34 pm

Thanks for this article – With your permission I would like to post it to http://www.yourlegalrights.on.ca – a website of legal information for people in Ontario. Since posting it to my Facebook page many friends and colleagues have been grateful to have a response that is fact-based as a response to the mainstream “where did the money go?” arguments.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:26 pm

Feel free!

Wayne Borean · December 1, 2011 at 1:36 pm

I don’t see a license on your post. Would it be possible to reprint it on my blog with commentary? I cover some Canadian politics, and I get some international readers.

Wayne

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:30 pm

As long as there is attribution, absolutely!

Josh G · December 1, 2011 at 1:36 pm

I admit I did not read every comment to see if this issue was addressed, but I did read the article in full.

There is zero mention of the people contributing money for the purchase and/or upkeep and maintenance of their housing. The federal government does not provide my family with even a single cent to maintain our home. I work, my wife works, and we use our hard earned income to provide the necessary housing for ourselves and our child.

Whether or not any of the $90 million was spent on housing is irrelevant, where is the self sustaining responsibility of the people? I expect they make every effort to work and provide for themselves the same as most Canadians. Taxpayers should not bear the entire burden of their lives. I realize there are treaties in place, created and signed over 100 years ago, but I doubt the intent or purpose of those treaties at that time was to provide EVERYTHING to them for free.

You may disagree, but i think it’s fair to expect every dollar made or earned by the people, the band, the nation, etc. to be put towards essentials first – food, clothing, shelter – before requesting any additional help from either the federal or provincial governments.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm

I understand not wanting to wade through all the comments! I want to go into housing in further detail in a different post, but here is my response to a similar question posed earlier.

http://apihtawikosisan.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/dealing-with-comments-about-attawapiskat/#comment-259

Ron · December 1, 2011 at 1:52 pm

Wow… a typical ignorant privileged, Upper-Class, ill-informed Canadian has found his way here, knew they’d get here eventually.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:06 pm

I know that tempers can and will get heated. I understand how hard it is to deal with some of the negativity, but I ask everyone to please “kiyam”. There is enough fighting going on in the comments sections of the big papers, let that stay there.

Allen · December 1, 2011 at 2:24 pm

Please Ron, name-calling does not elevate the discussion. Do you want to ban people who ask uncomfortable questions or make uncomfortable statements? That would just make this blog an echo chamber. Is that what you want?

Josh G · December 1, 2011 at 3:14 pm

Far from “privileged, Upper-Class, ill-informed Canadian” Ron. I am a hard working middle class immigrant. We barely qualified for our $200,000 mortgage just before the housing boom six years ago after scrimping and saving for years. We maintain our home at our expense and are debt free by choice – the choice of making proper financial decisions buying only what we need, and more importantly can afford. In the years following my immigration I had trouble finding work. I worked day jobs through temporary labor services for months. I, like many Canadians, am willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and would feel ashamed rather than entitled to receive government handouts.

I think the “privileged” person here is you, and I’d even dare to guess you worked hard for what you have. My problem is that though I’ve worked hard for what I have, I simply cannot afford to pay for those who aren’t willing (I’m not talking about people who are not able) to work hard themselves.

Sorry to invade “your” space with dissenting opinion in what seems to be an open forum. Without discussion there can be no progress.

Ron · December 1, 2011 at 4:49 pm

JOSH G: The option to immigrate back home is always an option for you(not for me), you know, if things are too messed up here. And yes, I probably haven’t earned my keep here in this country you call home, in your eyes. Yep, I haven’t pulled up my own boot straps, I don’t like to work, I’m on welfare and I’m an alcoholic and constantly breaking the law. Oh yeah, I don’t pay taxes and I get everything for free. Thats why my quality of life is skyrocketing, and my limo expenses are so high. You think someone coming from another country would understand oppression, but perhaps you’re from the US where you’d fit in nicely with the republicans. I welcome people like you who give us another reason to educate. So thank you for your posts, and keep them coming, it shows where you’re coming from.

Norma · December 1, 2011 at 5:03 pm

Maybe not a privileged, upper class Canadian – maybe someone who is working really hard to try and support his family in these trying times and someone who is frustrated???

I know that is how I would describe myself. I think it’s unacceptable that children in Canada are being raised in such deplorable conditions. It’s so sad that they don’t have schools or have to leave their families to attend schools. But the frustrating thing is what the heck can we do about it! What can we do as individuals and as a country. Where is all the money going to come from?

I really do care but I feel helpless. We are asked to donate money to so many things every week! At this time of the year it gets even worse.

I know that I am very blessed and that I have less challenges than the people struggling in tents on reserves but I also work a lot and worry all the time. Just to give you an idea in this faceless blog format as to where I am coming from I’d like to share a little bit about myself. I have worked since I was 13, often at more than 1 job, and I am struggling to support my family. I have a Bachelor’s of Education from McGill University that took me 9 years to pay for but I have not found work in my field. In the past I have moved over 3600 kms away from my family to try to give my kids a better life. I earn $25 500 a year. My kids work and go to school. We don’t own our home. Our health care is less than ideal – 2 weeks ago my son was sent home with an appendix that needed to be removed but there was no surgeon at our small town hospital. (it was removed 18 hours later but it could have burst at home) Mental health issues in our community are seriously underfunded. My son has been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and we waited the better part of 3 years for treatment. When treatment came it was 12 sessions.

Despite my education and interest I am ignorant with regard to Native Affairs and the Indian Act. I don’t even know if those are the correct terms to use. I do believe that I am empathic though and I certainly try to understand. I know that the media is biased – not only to Native peoples by the way. So I am grateful when I come across informed pieces like this one.

I don’t know about the cultural identity or land connection you addressed earlier on in this blog because my family immigrated to Canada in 1952 after their home and land was taken from them in war. They chose to become Canadian and I am a first generation Canadian and I do not speak the language of my ancestors. We have family traditions but my Father is a proud Canadian. Montreal, Quebec was home and my grandparents are still in their home of 55 years, but language laws and politics drove many businesses away and now my family is scattered in Quebec and Ontario. It would have been nice for all of us to be together but it made sense to pursue better opportunities.

Maybe other Canadians have trouble understanding the Native Culture and the decision to stay on the land because they have made other choices for their families. It is wrong to judge of course but it is human nature.

I’m not sure how to compare what happened to First Nations people to what happened to other people in other countries that were driven off their lands in other parts of the world. Maybe it’s not necessary. How do you compare pain anyway?

My Uncle in New Hampshire understands land (or maybe water) connection. His family were lobster fishermen in Maine, USA. He tried to support his family doing what he loved in a 100+ year old home but he couldn’t make a go of it.

To me it doesn’t make sense to live somewhere where your children will not have access to health care, education and opportunity. I feel the same way about communities that are in drought areas. Billions of dollars never seems to make a difference. On the other hand I understand that moving does guarantee an ideal life either.

I think most people would feel better about all of this if there was a plan. Is there something 1 person like myself can do?

This is a very complicated issue and I appreciate all the time everyone has put into sharing their views.

Thank You!

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 5:14 pm

You’ve shared a lot and I think you really demonstrate a willingness and an openness to look at all of this with fresh eyes. I know you’ve asked some questions, and if I do have time later I’ll come back, but I just wanted to thank you for taking the time that you did to post.

Josh G · December 1, 2011 at 5:49 pm

Impressive Ron. I comment that I’d guess you’ve worked hard for what you have and you reply with derogatory stereotypes about native people, and then further Americans?

It seems you’re of the opinion non-natives are all bigots and racists. Personally I resent that. I grew up in an area with many reservations (yes I am from the United States) and have many good native friends both on and off the reserves as well many other nationalities.

I don’t discriminate with the exception of ignorance. I will not be moving back. Things are not too messed up here for me because I’ve followed a path of good decision making based on providing a better quality of life for my Canadian wife and son. My wife and I work very hard for what we have and simply expect that all citizens, residents, whomever do the same.

You should be careful about calling other names and accusing them of bigotry. It really shows your close-mindedness which makes me sad. Enjoy your self described hard life.

Brock · December 1, 2011 at 2:37 pm

Josh G., contrary to your understanding that the federal government does not contribute to the maintenance of your home, and since you’re engaged in liberal individualized responsibility rhetoric, I would like to remind you about the home renovation tax credit in order to maintain your house. To quote the Government of Canada “This initiative is estimated to cost $3 billion over 2009-10 and 2010-11.” Where do you think that money came from? You. The federal and provincial governments have many rebate and incentive based programs in order for you to maintain your current home, or to purchase a new home.

Josh G · December 1, 2011 at 3:19 pm

Brock, yes the Federal Government created an optional Canada wide home renovation tax credit. It was an economic stimulous to get people spending money (raising tax revenue to help pay for the program) which is part of the reason Canada faired so well in the worldwide recession. The program was open to ALL homeowners, not just the homeowners in your neighborhood or mine.

Bill · December 1, 2011 at 2:42 pm

A lot of things have been provided to you for “free”, such as water, roads, parks, weed removal, water quality control, air control, animal control, police, fire, broadcasting, power infrastructure, communications, etc.

Perishable items and gasoline are extremely expensive due to the fact that they have to be trucked in. A case of coke can run up to 50 dollars. Fruit and vegetables are hard to come by and expensive. They are difficult to grow locally.

Josh G · December 1, 2011 at 3:27 pm

Bill, I, like the rest of residents not on a well service, pay for my water. We pay taxes to maintain roads and parks. Weed removal is next to non-existent here. Any item from your list is paid for by property taxes or directly by bill from a utility company that we as home/land owners (including renters) pay.

As for persishable items, coke is hardly a necessity. Spending $50 on a case of coke is asinine and quite possibly part of the problem. That is a luxury item, not a necessity and there seems to be a problem with the distinction of the two. I understand fruits and vegetables are hard to come by, expensive, and difficult to grow. That said, people all over the world survive without fruits and vegetables. I personally eat very few and have full access to them.

Bill · December 1, 2011 at 4:46 pm

You said weed removal does not exist in your area, so i will assume you are in a smaller town. You are NOT paying a fair price for your water. If you live in a city of ten thousand people, it would cost roughly 100 million dollars to pay for building the sewage, water treatment, water pumping and water distribution systems. Did you personally pay ten thousand dollars for your water? Then you are not paying a fair price. Do you live right next to a power generation facility? If not, then the power has to be sent over very expensive copper wire to you. Do you pay ten times the price that someone living near a power generation plant does? Then you aren’t paying your fair share.

You are being given a lot for free.

Josh G · December 1, 2011 at 5:22 pm

Bill I am not in a small town, in fact over 1,000,000 – you can narrow it down from there. The city, in an effort to be green, has decided that weed control is not required in most cases. The province has banned weed control chemicals…but we digress.

Water and power plants are built with both private funds and taxpayer money. These are capital projects with useful life payback schedules. I did not pay a lump sum for the project costs, but I do pay monthly for access to their products. I also pay property taxes which help fund these infrastructure items including new projects for new people to the city who also do not pay lump sums up front.

You should be smart enough to realize that nothing is free. I doubt there are any government based entities operating at a loss – at deficit maybe, but not a loss. Their budgets come from tax dollars which most of us pay – income tax, GST/PST/HST, property tax, special use fees, transmission or delivery fees, etc. I pay my share and I expect my neighbors do the same.

Karen Trigg · December 1, 2011 at 4:35 pm

100 years ago we took “everything ” from the keepers of this land and told them where they could live.Aren’t we responsible?Just a thought.

Karen Trigg · December 1, 2011 at 4:37 pm

That was intended for Josh.

Josh G · December 1, 2011 at 6:08 pm

Karen, from the beginning of time cultures and people have moved from place to place. We (Europeans) did not take anything from anyone as Europe moved west across the Atlantic any more than happened the 2000 years before that. Yes people moved to North America. It’s basically urban sprawl on a global level. You can try to stop it, but it will always find a way to continue. Our choice is to accept it and adapt and blend and make the best of it, or hide in a corner.

I do not have a problem with help, but if I reach out my hand someone on the other end needs to reach out as well. We meet in the middle and find the best solution we can. 100 years ago people were riding around on horses and wagons down bumpy trails. 200 years ago there was no electricity. Things change.

We might not all agree with all the changes, but it is our choice to accept them or pretend they don’t exist. I choose to accept and make the best of it.

Catherine (@cat_simmons) · December 2, 2011 at 3:44 am

I don’t agree that there are just two choices i.e., to accept changes or pretend they don’t exist.
It is not the absolute right of one group to impose their values on another group any more…that is one thing that is changing for the better.
Respectful dialogue between parties on a level playing field is the key.
Pass the talking piece…

MLB · December 2, 2011 at 1:14 pm

“I realize there are treaties in place, created and signed over 100 years ago, but I doubt the intent or purpose of those treaties at that time was to provide EVERYTHING to them for free.”
I beg to differ with your comments. The intent of the treaties were to provide EVERYTHING for free because the expectation and hope of the government at that time was that the aboriginals would just die off! The government wasn’t actually expecting to be providing EVERYTHING for very long.
“The deals were often viewed cynically by those non-Indians responsible for both making and implementing these agreements as relatively cheap and expedient ways to ease natives off most of the lands of Canada so that these resources could be opened for exploitation by other groups and interests.”
It really shouldn’t be a surprise that today’s government is still attempting to pull the wool over the public’s eyes with mis-information and blatant lies. I’m waiting to see a news report of Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan offer a handful of beads as a solution to the abhorrent situation in Attawapiskat. It is about the equivalent of what has been done so far!

Morel Caissie · December 1, 2011 at 1:40 pm

your detailed breakdown and references hopefully helps to inform and educate the general population . Prjudice, discrimination and racism comes from from ignorance and misinformation.
Thank you and keep up the fight to combat the injustice endured by first nations people
Morel Caissie
President
Canadian Association of Social Workers

Norma · December 1, 2011 at 5:10 pm

YES SO TRUE! I think education is the answer to most things!

Joseph Boyden · December 1, 2011 at 1:42 pm

âpihtawikosisân, I think I love you!

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 1:58 pm

*approve! approve! approve!*

*faint!*

Susan Munro · December 2, 2011 at 1:27 am

âpihtawikosisân, today is your lucky day!
All this great support for your post, and a declaration of love from Joseph Boyden!
Well deserved, I say … I too will be sending other people to this excellent information.
(My book club just finished Three Day Road; I don’t think we’ve ever enjoyed a book so much.)

truepenny · December 1, 2011 at 1:44 pm

Thank you so much for this! I’ve tried to understand the situation as best I can so I can actually deconstruct the comments of people who think the solution is as simple as walking down the street and finding a house that “works” (yes, someone has actually said that to me during a particularly uncomfortable debate) besides just staring at them agog. This has definitely been the best break down I’ve seen. I might just send them here from now on!

l.dawson · December 1, 2011 at 1:46 pm

Thank you for putting this information out. Its refreshing to get valid information. The mainstream media has certainly failed and it seems the Harper government is still relying on a dis-information campaign to hide their shame. Canadians need you to educate them.

Steve Joe · December 1, 2011 at 1:47 pm

I am a Mi’gmaq First nation man who left the reserve (I would rather not say which one) when I was 19 years old. Your story is one that ever Canadian should hear. I am well educated and live in a nice home and have all the comforts that a family should have. This makes me feel sad for the people on reserves…..most people. I visit our reserve often because many of my family still live there. My parents live in a well maintained small home with flower gardens and vegetable gardens. However their home stands out when you see what surrounds them. I get mad at times when I see what my friends have allowed their lives to turn into. The house on one side of my parents lost about half of their siding during a windstorm 2 years ago. They never even picked up the siding and it has blown away. It would have taken them little time to gather it and a few nails to re-install it. Across the street the front window was broke out during a brawl and no attempts to replace it. It had been covered with a sheet of plywood for a long time. They have at least 6 rusted cars on their property…..3 on their front lawn. Most people make no attempt to clean their yard or keep the grass under control. It makes me mad that these friends that I grew up with (and swore that they would never let this happen) are living in filth and don’t seem to care. Some go North and work for several months a year and make good money but they spend it on Satellite dishes and large televisions and cars and their properties are falling into the ground. I have a great need to understand my friends way of thinking. I feel sad for them but at the same time, I feel mad at them.

P · December 1, 2011 at 2:06 pm

Thank you.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:37 pm

I understand your conflicting feelings. I have them too. Those of us who grew up in native communities know there are serious problems. Plenty of us manage to live positive, but it’s a struggle, and not all of us make it. You’re going to find that kind of hopelessness in any impoverished community, however. I’ve seen similar living conditions in rural non-native communities.

It is hard to even talk about those problems, because certain people will take our words and use them to back themselves up when they declare that our cultures are ‘broken’, that the reserve system needs to be destroyed and First Nations need to be assimilated. That we have normal concerns gets used to score political points. I understand why there is then a reluctance to discuss these issues in public.

There are no easy solutions to any of these problems. It’s going to take work on many levels. It can’t just be the government engaging in reforms, but neither can we expect that communities are going to magically solve their problems without real support. Money isn’t the only ingredient needed. You can’t bake a cake with just flour.

Steve Joe · December 1, 2011 at 3:21 pm

Thank you for your reply. My family went through some very rough time when we were growing up but my parents were always very optimistic. My mother would always say “work hard at home, work hard at school and always take pride in what you do and you must learn to look after yourself”. I think the key words are “work hard” and “pride”. My siblings and I benefited immensely from those words. I think that a lot of the people of Attawapsik not only need funding from the governments but also counseling to help them deal with their poor conditions. Depression caused by deplorable conditions can cause people to lose all hope. My heart goes out to each and every one of them that didn’t have the parents that I had. BTW, my siblings living on the reserve have learned to make something from nothing and I am very proud of them. So, remember that funding without counseling will not work.

Allen · December 1, 2011 at 5:58 pm

Who cares what others will say if you can say it honestly and respectfully? If you believe in your rhetorical position then that is all most open-minded people need.

Josh G · December 1, 2011 at 4:03 pm

I respect you and the efforts you’ve made in life to get where you are. Thanks for your insight.

Boater · December 1, 2011 at 6:40 pm

Well aren’t you just one noble Indian. Care to offer any further insight on this issue? Or is it your position that Indians are just lazy? The reason that so many houses on reserves are dumps is because there is no incentive to maintain them. I would certainly be reluctant to invest in renovations for something that I did not own. Milton Friedman was correct in saying, “nobody takes care of someone else’s property as well as he takes care of his own”. Don’t be mad at the Indian, be mad at Canadian legislation that sets the Indian up to fail.
There are systemic problems on First Nations in Canada that require attention. If you are so ashamed and angry at the Indian, why don’t you contribute to solutions instead of just bashing your own people to feed your ego?

P · December 1, 2011 at 8:33 pm

Boater. Most renters across Canada are required to maintain to a certain degree and not damage the homes or face eviction and damage costs. No, they should not be expected to upgrade their rental, and I don’t see why they would feel they need to. But minor maintenance should be expected, and destruction/damage should not be allowed or go unpunished. If you do enjoy quotes “Respect that of others as you would your own” and the infamous golden rule “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” – ie don’t damage my property, I wouldn’t damage yours….

Based on Steve’s comment, the band and the band members’ families need to start raising their expectations. Do that, just as Steve’s parents did for him, and you will be happily amazed at the results. Perhaps his friends stopped having any expectations to live up to?

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 9:54 pm

This is not a forum to engage in personal attacks, please respect that.

Miigonasens · December 2, 2011 at 5:43 pm

If you can’t tell your ‘friends’ that, maybe your use of the word ‘friend’ is not warrented. Maybe use ‘these guys I used to know’ is more appropriate. If it was my ‘friend’ I would have have showed up with a hammer and nails, knocked at there door, I would say, “Good, your up, I noticed you siding is off and its a nice day.” If you get the door slammed in your face or you can’t be bothered…they are not your ‘friend”. Stop complaining, apathy isn’t sexy.

Ruth Kult · December 1, 2011 at 1:51 pm

Thank you for your effort in providing some really helpful/clarifying information. I, too, was one of those multitudes making uninformed assumtions. Your article has given me alot to think about, not least of which is the folly in rushing to form an opinion on something without being fully informed first! On that note, I really would like to ask a question and hope that you can answer it. As Alex S. posted earlier:
“Is there not some way these remote communities could relocate closer to the access to education/health care/employment opportunities/building resources? There is plenty of land across canada that isn’t so impossible to reach. Land that you can build a road/bridge to. Land that would allow the people living there to live better/healthier lives, while still preserving their heritage. I don’t suggest taking the land away from them… but couldn’t they keep it, while living somewhere more habitable?”
I do feel that I understand the connection between land and culture. As a person of Irish descent, I find myself inescapably pulled to return to Ireland just to…well, re-connect with my heritage. It is a strong, real, physical pull. I was born here in Canada because the land in Ireland failed to support my ancestors. It became untenable to stay somewhere that they couldn’t raise their children because they couldn’t feed and house them, so they left. Not because they weren’t connected to the land. Talk to almost any person of Irish descent and they will tell you they feel the same way and I’m sure that many other cultures do as well.
I am wondering if, in the history of native civilization, given groups of First Nations people didn’t do essentially the same thing? Did they never find themselves abandoning an area due to circumstances beyond their control? Like forest fires, or drought, or disease/die off of animals to hunt? Did they never move on and re-settle new, more hospitable areas? Having lived for a time in the Arctic, I know how ridiculously expensive it is to live a modern lifestyle. (Frankly, if you could build a house for 250,000 I would be impressed!) Re-locating closer to, not actually to, a populated area surely would mean a more sustainable community.
Having said all this, as I type this and reflect on what you wrote I do realize that if the issues you presented were effectively addressed, there might just be enough improvement that relocation might not be necessary! Anyway, I am not being “deliberatly obtuse” as my father used to chide me as a teenager! Lol! I really am interested in your thoughts on the above question!

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:47 pm

I chose to move away from my territory. I made this decision for a number of reasons, but it was not done lightly. I struggle with the fact that I am no longer on my territory, and that it is expensive and difficult to visit it. I worry about how this separation will impact my children. I work hard to ensure they develop ties to my community while still growing up and integrating here in Montreal.

What would I do if my community disappeared? If it became so unsustainable that everyone left? If the land was sold off to those who could afford to live out in the country where there are not many local jobs? If no one remained to take care of the blueberry patches, to remember the stories, to honour the land? Already our lake is polluted to the point where we can not make a living fishing any longer. Already our youth flood into the urban centres to get an education and find employment. The displacement is well underway as it is.

My territory is in a relatively settled area. The more isolated northern communities face different pressures, but are also experiencing this drain. What many people do not realise however is that the movement is often circular in nature. We go back home every chance we can, because that home still exists. Many of us still go out on the land when we can. Particularly in northern communities, people still rely heavily on what they are able to hunt themselves. I do not think that you can understand how tied we are to the land unless you have visited one of these communities, and see it for yourself.

Despite all the horrific challenges we have faced, our communities provide us with strength. That is true even when our communities themselves struggle to be healthy. Take that away from us, scatter us to the winds, break our kinship ties that rely so heavily on the land, and you inflict a violence on us that merely follows in the footsteps of Residential Schooling and the 60’s scoop. That isn’t hyperbole.

It isn’t much. It isn’t working as well as we all want…yet. But it’s the base for something more and we have never forgotten it.

Marky Mark · December 1, 2011 at 2:52 pm

When you put it that way I understand your struggle a lot better.

There are similarities between what you describe and what many Canadians who don’t live in big cities describe-we’re becoming more urban and many longstanding communities are shrinking if not worse.

Anna · December 2, 2011 at 2:01 am

I think it’s also worth pointing out that when Ruth’s ancestros left Ireland, and when my ancestors left Scotland and England, and whenever anyone immigrates anywhere in search of opportunities, Ireland stayed behind. Scotland stayed behind, and England stayed behind. If leaving Ireland had meant that every Irish person also left, so that the Irish people were scattered across the world and Ireland as a place no longer exited, I imagine her ancestors may have had a very different decision to make.

Angela · December 1, 2011 at 2:05 pm

Thanks for making sense of an issue that is so far from home but at the same time, close to my heart. What I’m wondering though is…. why can’t the individuals in the reserve help eachother out too? If children are ‘freezing’ at night, can the Chief ( who can clearly afford it) not help to personally provide these children in her community with space heaters or sleeping bags? I’m not saying the rest of Canada should ignore them. As a Canadian, I’m embarassed by the state of this community.But come on…. when I saw on the news the other night that this woman’s children were freezing at night because they didn’t have heat? Really? I wanted to go out andbuy aspace heater for her.Why can’t the Chief doit?

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:53 pm

With what funds? We do not know what has already been done in the community to help those in need. We cannot assume that the community has merely stood by and done nothing. It is too easy to say, ‘they should do this’, without seeing the whole picture. This is a community struggling with many more problems than just housing. Elementary aged children attend school in cold portables. There is inadequate water and sewage infrastructure. The Chief only has so many fingers and funds to use to stop up the holes in the dike.

I cannot answer your questions for the same reason you do not already have the answers. These issues are not being discussed in the media. We are all seeing a mere fraction of the story at a time.

Melissa Pearce · December 1, 2011 at 2:06 pm

Thank you for this article. You’re a voice of reason in a sea of… something. Ignorance, I guess?

The government’s treatment of aboriginal peoples is just appalling, the average non-native’s response to these issues is just as bad.

Will you be posting a summary of the Indian Act to help people understand why their “helpful commentary” has no basis in reality? I know I could use a plain-language, non-legalspeak guide to help “get” the Act, too.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 2:54 pm

I’ve long considered putting together a ‘layperson’s guide to the Indian Act’. We’ll see if I can ever get to it, given how many comments I’m trying to keep up with here 😀

Ruth · December 1, 2011 at 3:36 pm

I would love to read a ‘layperson’s guide to the Indian Act’ not just for myself, but for my teenage children. As a Mi’gmaq living off reserve, I appreciate the time it took for you to complete this blog, you have provided a clear, consise agruement against Harper’s insinuations against mismanagement of the $90 million dollar . I have forwarded the link to my son & daughter since I belive they need to have the ability to rebuttle any comments with facts.
Wela’lin

Amy · December 1, 2011 at 2:08 pm

Hi,

This is a very interesting breakdown – and information that a lot of people clearly appreciate. I work at CBC radio in Thunder Bay. I’d like to speak to you about this if you have time. Please contact me and let me know if you’re interested.

Thanks,

Amy
amy.hadley@cbc.ca

Patrick Stonefish - StonefishSays · December 1, 2011 at 2:24 pm

Great info! Appreciate the time it took to do the research and submitt the “real story.” The “mainstream” media is not where I get my news, just a starting point. I like dig deeper ,to see what’s really going on. Kudoos to YOU for providing clarity, on this important issue.

Darren Henry · December 1, 2011 at 2:24 pm

Chi Miigwech âpihtawikosisân for this article and I also agree with the eloquence and insight you have shown in your response. This is something that is needed as a rebuttal to the misinformation that is out there and being propagated specifically by the government as is attempts to wash over the issue which is the crisis that exists at Attawapiskat and elsewhere across the Country ( I cannot even say the name!).
One other point that needs to be made is the stringent requirements that are dictated to First Nations regarding their financial audits. This needs to be submitted back to the government to ensure that the funding which in many cases is a fiduciary responsibility/duty is allocated for the next distribution (yearly funding). Again Chi Miigwech for the article if I were to continue I am sure my adjectives to describe these events as they are happening would not be printable.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 3:05 pm

The heavy reporting burden put on First Nations is discussed in the Auditor General’s report, but even that does not give people a sense of how intense the requirements are. I have seen some amazing people in Band offices doing the job of three people just to keep up with reporting, without training or support, and certainly without acknowledgement. People forget that we still don’t have a tonne of University grads with specialised training we can call upon to do these jobs…it’s ordinary people doing their best to work in a very confusing and complicated system.

Opinion8dCdn · December 1, 2011 at 2:24 pm

Thank you so much for this!!!
The comments have been frustrating me, I’ve had to take a step back, however this document gives me renewed vigour! I will be using this often in my conversations with the simpletons.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 3:05 pm

I recognise you from some of the comments sections I was referring to:) Good luck, and take a break when you need to!

Opinion8dCdn · December 1, 2011 at 3:29 pm

I’ve been trying to be a warrior with you 😀 Not so easy with a 2 year old!

I just wanted to reiterate that there are Non-Native Canadians who have done everything they can to understand 😀

Opinion8dCdn · December 1, 2011 at 3:37 pm

Also wanted to mention that this post came to me on Facebook through a friend of a friend. It’s definitely getting around!!

Theresa Lubowitz (@TheresaLubowitz) · December 1, 2011 at 2:27 pm

It is truly sad that professional and well-paid journalists cannot be bothered to research the topic in order to get to these facts, choosing instead to regurgitate the words of a Prime Minister who refuses to accept any responsibility. I’ve yet to see an article published in a paper that mentions that this government while in opposition voted down the Kelowna Accord that might have helped prevent this situation or make it less severe. The government has chosen apologies after the fact over acting in the first place. What good is a residential schools apology if the same ignorance to the needs of aboriginal people is continued in modern times as the government ignores the substandard living conditions of those in deplorable and preventable poverty? While it is sad that it takes a blog to bring up these facts and issues when we fund a government responsible for acting and rely on supposedly professional media, I am glad you are using your voice to combat the vicious bigotry that is very present in modern day Canada, specifically in the anonymous comment sections of poorly researched newspapers.

Roger Misquadis · December 1, 2011 at 2:27 pm

Awesome article!! I’ve shared this with all my friends!!

linda · December 1, 2011 at 2:29 pm

Now that was some awsome for someone to actually speek there mind with no crap didn’t it feel great I could feel relief just reading my god its so true and many reserves are going threw this and if harper ever grew up on one only then he would know he just keeps taking away and not understanding its his job to pay attention your so awsome two thumbs up

Renee · December 1, 2011 at 2:30 pm

Important note re: salaries. Salaries in the North are much higher than salaries elsewhere in Canada, due to the cost of everything resulting from the geographical isolation – food alone is between 2 and 5x as expensive. You can pay $30 for a watermelon. So $71k in the North simply doesn’t go nearly as far as $71k anywhere else – even in comparison to other municipal salaries, this should be noted.

Melissa Pearce · December 1, 2011 at 2:45 pm

Very good point.

I used to work at a grocery store in the Kawartha Lakes area. A couple from Nunavut stopped by to buy some things (teachers that were visiting the Kawarthas, IIRC), and when they saw their grocery bill, they were shocked – it was at least three times LESS than what it would cost them at home. I think they said eggs alone would have been $6-$10? This was nearly a decade ago, mind you. /coolstorysis

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 3:11 pm

Living in Inuvik taught me not to even look at the grocery bill if I didn’t want grey hairs. You have to eat, even when a litre of milk is $7 during freeze-up, and the lettuce is brown but you need it anyway. They ‘lured’ us teachers up there with high salaries for sure, way more than I could have made down south, but housing ate up a huge chunk of that salary and don’t even get me going on the heating bills! My standard of living wasn’t actually higher once all that is factored in.

I remember being amazed that the bank machines in town gave out $50s and not $20s…until I saw how quickly the money goes just buying everyday necessities.

But let’s not forget the billions of dollars in oil, gas, gold, diamonds and other metals that the North produces.

Oh how I miss caribou meat…I wish I could go back to be honest. Even with the black flies and the tinfoil on the windows to keep out the 24 hr light in the summer.

Deborah Kent · December 2, 2011 at 10:47 am

I have enjoyed being educated by your article and your responses. You are a very articulate young lady that truly does care. I am replying to this specific post because I got so excited that you mentioned Inuvik. I lived there for three years in the early 80’s. Back then the cost of fuel was around a $1.00 a litre when the rest of the country was 30 cents. Milk was over $5.00 for two litres when it was around a $1.00 down south. The cost of heating, electricity and building was also way over the top. I remember the fear the whole community had the night in November when there was a big fire at the heating plant, the military had the Hercules aircraft on standby to evacuate the town because if we lost the heating plant no one would be able to survive for long.

It was one of the best places I have lived in this wonderful country. They also have some of the most innovative building practices for the North (many other countries have come and copied it). This may be something that our own people may want to do also instead of trying to build down South houses in the North. Just does not work.

If anyone would like to have a bit of an understanding of what it takes to get things to the North they should watch a bit of the “Ice Road Truckers.” Not an easy thing to things delivered to the North, and before anyone says we should move South, remember for right now the only way we show our sovereignty of our great land is by having people live on it permanently.

Another way to have change in the INAC or AA (I wonder if they thought about the short form when they renamed it?) is to have the people in the organization to go and live on the reserves for a few days. I have found that familiarization with a situation goes a long way with helping to get things done quickly and with innovation. This should not be a protocol visit but a “get your hands dirty” visit and all levels of people in the department should go. I think we would find that things would move much faster through the department when people can put a face to the name/area.

Once again, I thank you for the time you have taken to investigate and write your blog and the answers you have given. Thank you for keeping things at an educational and positive level. It has been a pleasure spending time with you. I will be posting this link on my facebook.

Debbie K

Susan · December 1, 2011 at 2:31 pm

Thank you for the clarity and excellent information. I have shared this with the hope that people will take the time to read.

JK · December 1, 2011 at 2:35 pm

Mee’Kwetch SISTA!!!!!!

Johanna B. · December 1, 2011 at 2:40 pm

Thank you. As a non-First Nations Canadian, I have to date been at least aware of my ignorance at what is REALLY faced by Attawapiskat and similar communities, but the media and parliamentary rhetoric does nothing to clarify. Hope you don’t mind if I share around this awesome post.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 3:12 pm

My partner is non-native and about as open to learning these things as anyone I’ve met and even he learned some new things. It’s not easy, and I thank you for your willingness to try!

Angela · December 1, 2011 at 2:46 pm

Keep writing dear. You do an awesome job! I have shared this article on Facebook with my confused friends who i hope take the time to read it and perhaps understand their country better. I plan to share it again and again.

carmen · December 1, 2011 at 2:59 pm

Having been doing some (unrelated) research lately on the costs of roads and rails, my first thought was than $90 million is a miniscule amount with which to run comprehensive government services and infrastructure maintenance/development for a whole community. Thanks for giving me some teeth for that argument.

Janice Williamson · December 1, 2011 at 3:08 pm

Thanks you for your wonderful article that provides information to substitute for the fuzzy thinking and prejudice that can inform citizens and the Harper government. The federal government takes advantage of opportunistic posturing to sound like they are the virtuous ones. Your point by point analysis puts the lie to this and helps us all come know what is happening and not.

Moira Dunphy · December 1, 2011 at 3:21 pm

Thank you for an elaborate effort to inform, to slow down the fast-paced opinion-making people seem determined to share. I am astounded that the lack of expertise does not keep so many from making declarations. While I know no more than the average Canadian about the Indian Act or life on a reserve, I do know that I can’t make facile comparisons, that it is quite complicated, and that any Chief living in an impoverished community on James Bay is not living the high life. I have read enough of the initial coverage to know the condemned housing and the subsequent shortage is partially due to a diesel spill many years ago, and removal of the contaminated soil further complicates any development. I know that my youngest son will leave grade school this year knowing what a grade school building looks like, and that his graduationn photos will not show him covered in rashes from unclean water. I also know tents and uninsulated shacks are untenable as we head into winter, especially a James 40-below-zero Bay winter! So while it is great to have the information, I don’t really need it in order to demand that the same country that sent the army to my city to dig us out from a snowstorm react to a state of emergency on a reserve.

Since Charlie Angus first posted his video, I am hit by waves of anger, but more than that, deep personal shame. Ashamed of my government’s reputation internationally for the treatment of First Nations people, ashamed that they have been right in ignoring the situation because of the apathy of the rest of us, and ashamed to think how many years I have known of the inequities, but have never acted upon them.

Well, no more. I sense there is an opportunity to take advantage of this moment as mainstream media are paying attention, and to educate the country to the situation beyond Attawapiskat. I hope more people share this post. I am so thankful to have a new source to help educate me about the indignities happening in m own country, look forward to reading more from you. I wil be personally looking into ways that my skills can be put to good use by an organization working with aboriginal communities.

Norma · December 1, 2011 at 5:21 pm

Well said. I am so glad that I kept reading through this blog! Please consider sending this piece to the papers!

Leigh · December 1, 2011 at 3:21 pm

Brilliant. Thank you.

koinosuke · December 1, 2011 at 3:22 pm

Thanks for the clear analysis. I’ll be sharing this with the many naysayers. I will be writing my MP over this disgrace.

Ryan · December 1, 2011 at 3:22 pm

this should be required reading before anyone is allowed to post ignorant comments on news websites….thanks for your research!!!!

Alanna · December 1, 2011 at 3:23 pm

Your writing is clear, factual, well-supported — and also heartfelt. I hope that your piece gets the attention it deserves. I’ve emailed a link to the Edmonton Journal and the Globe and Mail’s new editors.

Keep it up!

John · December 1, 2011 at 3:26 pm

Even with this explanation….WHY DO NATIVES FEEL THAT TAXPAYERS SHOULD BE BUILDING AND MAINTAINING HOMES FOR THEM…shouldn’t they have some pride and build their own damn residence…everyone else does.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 3:32 pm

No need to cyber yell. I did address this earlier, here is a link to my response.

http://apihtawikosisan.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/dealing-with-comments-about-attawapiskat/#comment-259

Heather B. Watts · December 2, 2011 at 5:24 pm

You are an inspiration and a great example of how to deal with potential conflict and difficult people. Thank you for writing and putting this information out there.

Jeanette · December 1, 2011 at 3:28 pm

Thank you for this. Not an easy set of concepts to sum up but you’ve done it elegantly. Even I understand it! I’ve been hoping something like this would come along to share with others and help them understand. The vitriol has GOT to stop.

Teika Newton · December 1, 2011 at 3:30 pm

Thank you SOOOOO much for posting this balanced, clever and insightful article. I’m reposting and sharing with my vast network. I fully agree with you – the average Canadian isn’t hateful or bigoted, but is just woefully ignorant about issues relating to Aboriginal people in Canada (and even more ignorant of the level of their ignorance). Thanks for your excellent work!!!

Patti · December 1, 2011 at 3:31 pm

Thank you! This is exactly the corrective that is needed.

A. Leo · December 1, 2011 at 3:35 pm

Given that there is an attachment to the land and some traditions as well as an interest in some things from non-Native culture, is there anyone with a clear vision of how things should evolve and play out ideally in the near future? What should your people be bringing to the table, and what should they be doing, and what should non-Natives be doing?

votedavedowling · December 1, 2011 at 3:40 pm

the fascist cons, lying and fudging the truth yet again for their own fascist agenda. I suppose the people appointed by the fascist cons are only appointed to run the community into the ground, because people in the community complained.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 4:00 pm

I fascist totally fascist know what you fascist mean!

I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it:)

Nina Martin · December 1, 2011 at 3:42 pm

Hello, I emailed B.B. (found the name on some website and associated with a school?) yesterday. I have about a dozen to fifteen unwrapped kids toys. I wanted to send them to someone’s attention. They would be appropriate for kids between 6-10. Any chance of having a contact to send them to?

Best wishes

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 3:52 pm

I’d call the Red Cross. They are in charge of delivering goods to the community and could direct you to someone local to contact. You can call them at 1-800-418-1111.

Nina Martin · December 1, 2011 at 4:03 pm

Perfect, thank you

steve richter · December 1, 2011 at 3:52 pm

excellent writing. I find the negative posts on comment boards irritating as well. this does clear up a lot of stuff. I like the way you wrote this article as it seems to follow the natural rhythms and patterns that many Eurocentric jackasses travel along everytime they discuss a “Native Issue” without knowing – or having completely ignored -the facts laid out in front of them *(Us, I should say)….it seems as though every time they get into a debate and have been rebutted on all the points their end hail mary argument-for-sake-of-arguing-till-someone-acknowledges-their-self-ascribed-expertise seems to always be “why dont they just move to a better situated more accessible place”
…it is as though they somehow think First Nation Communities decided democratically to live on the worst possible packages of land(sarcasm)…it is as though they think that the government is such a caring group of people with everyone’s best interest in mind and would ensure that the move would be to a better piece of land and its their fault, somehow they are standing in the way of the government doing something wonderful for them…so i like to argue back and say to fellow europeans (maybe it should be “you’re-a-peein”…as many are so often fond of trickle down economics)….: “what if your neighbors took over your house gradually, occupying more and more space in your house with their people, and claiming that rooms they dont even occupy they may need to occupy one day…then, when you have a leak in the ceiling of your room tell you to simply move rooms, but then tell you that all other rooms are off limits as the may need them at some point in the future, so they indicate you should try to use the side of the room where the ceiling isnt leaking, until they decide that they have money to fix the leak and they decide to give it to you and they decide to let you spend the money on fixing the leak at which point the leak is a big whole and repairs are now more costly than what they gave you to fix it and you have to fix it before the winter comes, which is a week away, then you start to feel ill from mold, cold and environmental factors so you tend to not be able to keep up with the work then you run out of resources and they say “see, we tried to help, you just dont want to work very hard, you mismanaged the funds we gave you to fix the house you used to inhabit but we claimed as our property, and now you want more money from us…lets do this…..the closet in that room is free of damages, and the next room’s closet is just behind it, so we will knock out that wall and you can spread out in that closet really nicely…..all four of you.”…..
obviously, this little scenario could go on an on….and usually does until i get sick of trying to explain over the din of their continual baseless accusations or they throw their hands in the air and say”oh, i guess theres no clear solution, i dont know what those people want anymore” …..but form now on i will just get your link for this and give it to the person making comments……as it does a much better job more eloquantly….you should write a book! your a briliant writer! I noticed you mentioned studying, what are you studying…..?

once in a while i encounter another form of idiocy in more educated people with no reason to be ignorant who argue that they heard that supplies were delivered toa community for building structure x, but someone stole the stuff and used it on their homes instead (even after maintaining that the community doesnt do anything to maintain their houses)….i think if a pile of building supplies sat there waiting for permissions to build something to be signed and no action being taken etc etc…i would bet my bottom dollar that any other community would say “we have immediate probs, we have immediate resources, lets get to work on this” and would be praised for their ingenuity and hard work…..

Jess · December 1, 2011 at 3:54 pm

Great article. Very thorough and well-researched. I might add one comment about your last paragraph though. When you refer to “abolishing the Indian Act” as a negative approach you should be careful because many First Nations, while very aware of what the Indian Act does to protect the limited rights and supports they are offered by the Canadian Government, are now looking to move away from the Indian Act. It is an out-dated, racist, and paternalistic piece of legislation that was designed to eliminate First Nations, not protect them.

What really needs to happen is that the relationship between the Canadian Government and First Nation governments needs to be redefined so that both parties sit at the bargaining table as equals. The Indian Act should be dismantled, albeit over time, and although I personally believe any replacement legislation would symbolically further the same paternalistic sentiment, the Canadian Government may have to draft up some sort of agreement that would hold them legally accountable for honouring Treaties and compensating First Nations for decades of abuses, ignored consultations, and misappropriation of lands. They should also be responsible for assisting First Nations as they transition out of the Western governance systems (band councils) that were imposed on them under the Indian Act so that they may return to traditional forms of governance that actually WORKED and made sense within their cultural context.

That point noted, I really appreciate the time and thought you put into this article. I will be sharing this widely 🙂

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 5:11 pm

“Abolishing the Indian Act” in the way some people suggest doing it is negative, in my opinion. It is often offered up as a panacea, and argued on a rights based platform when it really means assimilation.

I agree the Indian Act needs to go. However, I want it replaced with self-governance and structures in place to support communities. Pulling the proverbial rug out from under First Nations by just waving a wand and making the Indian Act disappear is not a good solution for anything.

I note you understand this and discussed it though, so my comments are more in the way of agreement 🙂

thevillagegeek · December 1, 2011 at 4:08 pm

“You see, for non-natives, the provinces are in charge of funding things like education, health-care, social services and so on. For example, the Province of Ontario allocated $10,730 in education funding per non-native pupil in the 2010-2011 fiscal year. ”

I understand the need to clearly distinguish the federal and provincial responsibility for different populations, but I question the description of all people off reserve and out of the INAC system as “non-natives”. Plenty of Metis, Inuit in Ontario and non-status people would disagree.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 5:07 pm

I lost track of this post, glad I found it. I myself am Métis. I consider myself native, and consider Inuit and non-status as native too. Not everyone might share this definition, so I wished to clarify. Thank you for your comment!

Kelly · December 1, 2011 at 4:10 pm

Very impressive article and discussion, if not for the bands businesses the situation would be even worse i imagine. I wanted to discuss Chief salary, i myself am a gov’t employee and i make more than this chief, i would never want to take a paycut to put myself in this position that has too many difficult issues to deal with. Even paying taxes i probably make more than this chief, and yet were does my taxes go? it doesn’t help my people, it goes to musuems and art galleries and sports facilities that my kids are discriminated against for the top teams even though they were drafted #1 in the league. As an off reserve indian i get tired of the double standard, why are indians on welfare and then why should they get our jobs? Equal opportunity debate- if we leave quotas off the table i will still be the only indian in our company of 150 for another 100 years.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 5:02 pm

Thank you very much for your insight.

LC · December 1, 2011 at 4:13 pm

Loved the article and I’m so glad you cleared it up! We need more people like you. Who can get straight to the point with facts! Also want to say To Our Cree brothers & sisters Stay Strong! Your in my grasp for change 🙂

Anita Huggins · December 1, 2011 at 4:14 pm

Although I do agree with the bulk of your information, I am really struggling with the idea of the comparisions of Salaries on and off reserve. A Chief on reserve who makes $71k a year can not be compared to a person making that same amount money of reserve. For example, my salary may be $56k a year, but I only actually get to keep $36k of that. Therefore, when we read of Chiefs & Councillor’s making $36 a year, that translates to $56 off reserve. To actually take home the $71k this chief does, my salary would need to be over $100k!

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 5:01 pm

Fair enough. I can see how it might work to compare net earnings.

I still do not understand how it is relevant, however. I’m not dismissing it, but I would like more of an explanation of why this is brought up so often. What does this salary mean to you? What do you think her salary should be, and on what basis do you make that judgment?

I don’t have all the answers, and I too have plenty of questions:)

FN Councillor CC · December 1, 2011 at 9:44 pm

This “tax-free income” argument always irks me. Canadians enjoy many tax breaks and advantages annually. Every year come tax preparation time, Canadians and/or their accountants are busy making sure that each individual pays as little income tax as possible and even resort to loopholes to do so. Why should First Nations be looked upon any different than any other person who makes a concerted effort to pay as little income as possible? I would like to believe the reason there is no tax collected is because the government recognizes the nation-to-nation relationship…one nation cannot tax another nation. The members of First Nations who work on reserve are the only people who enjoy this exemption (eh hem.) Off-reserve members of First Nations do not enjoy tax-free income because the government decided that once you leave the First Nation, you are no longer eligible even though you remain a member of the nation they agreed not to tax.

The recent stories and studies about Chiefs’ salaries was just another example of the government blowing stuff out their behind. There are VERY FEW Chiefs who make those huge salaries…and the Chief of Attawapiskat is certainly not one of them. The travel expenses in the north are shocking…of course these expenses would be high. Where is people’s common sense? Have they looked at a map to see where this First Nation is? Can they even fathom the cost of living in the north?

morehistory · December 5, 2011 at 9:18 am

FN Councillor CC says:
Where is people’s common sense? […] Can they even fathom the cost of living in the north?

I think common sense departs when peoples rage and bigotry take over.

You say, quite rightly, that Chief Spence’s Salary doesn’t seem that out of line, in context. However, when you are trying to make a point, it’s easier to get angry and generate lots of heat, rather then do some research to see if that is reasonable.

Light always beats heat in these things, but why try and dispel your own misconceptions when they do such a good job of supporting your argument, facts be damned?

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 10:20 am

That being said…the North is a very different place. It is a region most Canadians have not had experience with. Most Canadians live within a few hundred miles at most of the US border, and the North can be as far away financially and geographically as Europe or Latin America. And where are you going to choose to travel, if you have the chance? Inuvik, or Varadero?

I was pretty ignorant about the North until I moved there. It really felt like I’d relocated to a different country…a mostly English speaking one, but very different culturally and geographically than anything I’d known. I lived on the third floor of an apartment building on stilts that sat a story above the permafrost, and that swayed in the wind. I saw children walking to school on top of the insulated above-ground utilidors (utility conduits) rather than slogging through waist-deep snow. I endured the bizarre sleeplessness that comes when the sun is up at 3pm and 3am.

I recognise that Inuvik is higher up in the North than Attawapiskat…but there are a lot of similar challenges. I don’t expect Canadians to understand this intuitively if they’ve never seen it. It’s not impossible to learn about, however, even if you don’t actually go up there.

morehistory · December 4, 2011 at 10:09 pm

I think the line of thinking goes something like this:
“Politicians are all corrupt. They get tons of money directly (salary), and then since they get to decide how to spend money, they either get kickbacks or are employing their family and friends to do “work” (whether it really gets done or not) and enriching themselves.”

I came here after wading through a board full of “I want to see what the Chief’s house looks like” and “Follow the money”, since our PM ordered a review. I was disgusted, of course, because the Attawapiskat were under co-management, which meant an outsider appointed by the government was overseeing all monies being spent. This is
in addition to the fact that the Attawapiskat have their financials on their website. One post had a link here, and it was very informative.

While I had done some research on my own, it was clear that I had a definite information deficit in this regard. I’m sure that our “armchair auditors” are much less informed. Thank you for your effort to bring light where previously there was only heat.

Cameron McNamee · December 1, 2011 at 4:16 pm

I think this was very well written and should have been posted to the major newspapers. I am following a link given in one of the comments posted in one of the threads in the Globe and Mail. I do have some questions and forgive me if I seem racist; I am not. I just want to understand some of the whys and wherefores.

First of all, my question has to go to the size of governance. Why are so many Councilors needed? Is this not an area where money could be better spent?

Secondly, I saw the following – also in the Globe – and I am wondering to what truth there is in it or to what extent the truth lay:

“Amount in De Beers business contracts with Attawapiskat related to mine construction and operation: $325 million. And they have a poverty problem?

Go the the Attawapiskat Website and check out their financials. From what I read they have several corporations that provide administration services for the Arena Facility, Health Services, Educational Services, etc. One corporation is the Attawapiskat Power Corp (how can people not have hydro, if they own a Power Corp?) They also own 1/3 share of Five Nations Power Corp which put in the Western James Bay Transmission Line- 275 kms of power lines servicing several reserves and the DeBeers Mine. They have a stake in the luxury Casino Rama in Southern Ontario and receive dividends from there. They have $108M in assets. They have 7,264,301 assets in Loans and Mortgages. Debeers has money given them money that the Band as put in trust for the members.

This is a small reserve of 2800 registered members with only 1293 living on-rserve. Why is anyone on this TINY reserve living in poverty? Where is the money from the federal and provincial govt going? Where is the money from their various corporations, Casino Rama, and deBeers going to – it certainly doesn’t seem to be filtering down to ALL the members of this reserve.”

As a fellow Canadian citizen, I am very concerned with why Natives have not pressured for the elimination of the INAC and, in my mind (please correct me if I am wrong) the apartheid-like situation which the system of “Reserves” has created.

And thirdly, as an ex-teacher (high school and college), I am concerned about the manner in which education is not only administered, but also the pedagogy behind any schooling done, whether it is relevant and takes into account the history and culture of FN’s and how new methodologies in delivery could be of any assistance.

I could go on, but I think this is a good start in my “Education”. If any of this could be addressed, it would be greatly appreciated.

Cameron

Norma · December 1, 2011 at 5:32 pm

I was wondering about these things too.

Heather · December 1, 2011 at 4:16 pm

I really learned so much from your article. I wonder if you would have time to explain what ‘third party management’ is – and what you think of it in this situation?

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 4:58 pm

I know little about third-party management at this point. It is something I will research, however. The information is out there, both what it is meant to be, and how it is actually administered. It is an investigation we can (and should) all engage in.

Tahneeyah · December 1, 2011 at 5:56 pm

Each year, a First Nation must submit an audit conducted by an independent auditor.

If an audit shows a cumulative deficit of more than 8% of total revenue, the First Nation goes into Intervention status.

There are 3 levels to intervention:

1. Remedial Action Plan – the First Nation develops a one-year plan to improve the financial situation on their own. ANAC monitors to ensure improvement. If it worsens, it does to the next step.

2. Co-Management – the First Nation along with the help of an independent professional (accountant) develop a plan to improve the FN’s financial situation. ANAC monitors. If the co-management agreement fails to improve, it goes to the next step.

3. Third Party Management – this level of intervention occurs when a First Nation is unable or unwilling to improve their financial situation.

Frank Fiddler · December 1, 2011 at 4:19 pm

To bad, the mainstream society are to IGNORANT and STUPID to take time to read this small message.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 4:57 pm

Hahahha, don’t be too quick to assume:) The CBC in particular has been quick to pick up on this.

J.J. · December 1, 2011 at 5:15 pm

Is this really necessary? How does this comment differ from the disgusting comments on media sites?

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 9:59 pm

In that it is a minority. Amazingly most of the comments have been reasonable. I don’t want to start deleting posts unless they become abusive. I’m willing to give people a chance.

taxedman · December 1, 2011 at 4:22 pm

I was immediately suspicious when I saw Harper standing there in the House effectively saying “I don’t understand.. they got 93 million, that should be enough for anyone…”

It’s just typical of his government’s apathy on the matter.

Thank you for shedding light, it becomes obvious pretty quick that they’re just playing politics.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 4:56 pm

I think Mr. Harper does not understand. I believe him.

Is this acceptable, however?

Absolutely not.

Anna · December 2, 2011 at 4:11 am

Really? Do you really think Mr. Harper doesn’t understand? I’m really trying to understand all of this, and this comment definitely caught me off guard. It has been my understanding and/or assumption that the government is well aware of the conditions on many reserves, and that the relationship the government has established with First Nations has been systematically and intentionally designed to keep First Nations communities from prospering.

I’ve seen the Canadian government’s overseas development projects – they use “best practices”, they have clear mandates and objectives, they make good use of monitoring & evaluation procedures. I can’t believe that the situation at home is an accident or an oversight.

GInger · December 2, 2011 at 11:19 am

Why would the federal government intentionally prevent First Nations communities from prospering? (I understand that there are many, mostly bureaucratic/legislative reasons why many First Nations communities are not flourishing, but wouldn’t intentionally preventing prosperity puts the government on the line for more money to fix the problem when it gets out, instead of preventing it in the first place?

M.S. · December 2, 2011 at 12:41 pm

Ginger, that’s an excellent question: Why would the federal government intentionally prevent First Nations communities from prospering? Why did the Harper government fail to fund the Kelowna Accord after the passage of Kelowna Accord Implementation Act (2008)? For a little background: http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/aboriginals/undoing-kelowna.html
We need them to provide us with some answers for their inaction.
Unfortunately, I think, as well, the finger needs to be pointed back at us because we have not insisted that the government must address aboriginal issues and concerns. Aboriginal peoples are approx. 4% of our population and until non-aboriginal Canadians step up and show support I fear our federal government will continue to act along the same lines as it has previously.

Anna · December 2, 2011 at 12:18 pm

I wish I knew. Some combination of political hot potato and fear of losing control over resources? There’s an awful lot of disputed land out there, holding an awful lot of lumber, water, oil, and minerals. I cannot believe that the government couldn’t be doing better if they were really trying. They’re not stupid, and I can’t imagine they haven’t noticed that money isn’t the problem. But I’m sure someone else knows better than I do.

To address your last point, arguments to make investments in people now because it’s cheaper than the ensuing welfare, prison, healthcare, and other costs associated with poverty have never held any ground in Ottawa.

Hope Livesinme · December 2, 2011 at 12:51 pm

“I think Mr. Harper does not understand”

I would say that too. Because the thought that “our” collective leader, our “indian affairs” minister, and sometimes even our very own chief and councils would put their own “agenda” above the well being of their own people is just so …… “I don’t know the right word”, but it tears at the soul. (so to speak). And as a human being who cares about other human beings regardless of their skin color or where they live, it’s hard for the heart to grasp that that kind of “heartlessness” exists in others. Especially “our” leader.

I say we can have sustainability. Our Lands around us “the reserves” are I would say super rich. ie. The ring of fire. The ring of fire is not the only multibillion dollar venture that will be in the north. There are more “parcels” of land which are being explored and which have just as much if not more than “the ring of fire”. I know this first hand, because there is another “trapline” (parcel of land) that has a deposit said to be larger than the ring of fire. It is a “battle” that has only just begun. They (multibillion dollar companies and the government) will get their fair share I’M POSITIVE about that part… But will “they” let us share in this too?

Our traditional hunting lands will be raped and polluted, Nature will ABSOLUTELY be affected. It will not AT ALL remain the same or even close to the same. They are taking out HUGE,,,, MASSIVE chunks of land. And they are right now trying to “force feed” us the idea that the land WILL remain the same or “very” close to it. Really?!? The Government and multibillion dollar and smaller companies (Multimillion) really expect us to believe this. Our chiefs are fighting for accountability on this and all the other money stuff that goes with it. (Matawa First Nations) The “gov and $$ are” trying their darndest to fast track this. Why? I really honestly don’t know the motive behind the fast tracking.

We “Canadians” in the true north, strong and free 🙂 live in a land that is “ultra-rich” in resources. Water, minerals and I’m sure there will be more resources found. Yet the government allows $$ from outside of Canada to take most of these profits home to their “stakeholders”. For what? So that “Harper” can say that he’s bringing jobs in. At what cost. Short term,, jobs for some Canadians,,,, Long term …. the non canadian $$ take their profits and leave us with the land that is left.. and no more jobs.

Fresh “life sustaining” water will be eventually undrinkable, therefore making the animals that drink and live in that water inedible.. Because we are Canadian, and it is so abundant, we forget how in other parts of the world water is more precious than gold. The water, it will go. As it is going in other parts of the world. Our very own neighbors (USA) are as we speak running out of water to supply their nation. Look it up. Also check out the “Blue Gold” documentary. It will awaken you to a new understanding on the importance of our freshwater.

My post is so long, but still have more to say. I’m trying to make it as short as possible.. 😛

Another part is understanding of the human being. super short form on how my life has so far developed.

1. our parents went to residential school. This is where they learned their life skills..
—– Life skills – be ashamed of who you are as a native person. no hugs, love or compassion or even communication. Not taught how to live in the “white world” aka money sense, politics, rights etc. etc. STRICT discipline. All out beatings,, rape, sometimes gang rape (from 4 to 9) and everyone look away and don’t talk about that part. it doesn’t exist. NO MISTAKES are allowed to be made. OR ELSE. among other things. Look it up. Mine is not the only story like this and there are worse and some have not lived this, but definitely parts of it.

3. These are the values that our parents learned in residential schools, (oh not just that, they also learned manners and how to speak english); therefore; this is how we were taught.

4. No idea how to properly function as a “healthy” adult. But I did function. had a job, LOVE to work. had children….

5. The having children part changed my world. Coming from that nightmare of a childhood I knew that there had to be something “opposite” of that and I would do everything that I COULD to give them that life.. tried raising them in the rez for a bit. but there are little to no resources there for someone trying to change their life for the better.

6. Education and therapy… HAD to move to urbania for my children to have a chance at life. My children have dreams and I hope to help them achieve those all the while I am learning how to live and be healthy, hoping to “yahknow” and back that I haven’t messed them up. and can only hope to rectify and make it better for them. Moving to Urbania has been ABSOLUTELY a struggle. The amount of racism we receive on an almost DAILY basis is just so hard on the soul. JOBs ha ha ha ha. we were on welfare after our savings ran out. But us and welfare. NO. That is not a good mixture.. But THANK GOODNESS for odd jobs here and there for my partner, but nothing permanent, cuz you know, he’s brown. 😛

7. We’ve only just begun. We have hope. My children will be the best of both worlds combined and in my soul I know that they will do great things.

Maybe that will give you a bit of understanding from where some of us come from. and not be so quick to assume that we are all healthy individuals who had wonderful nurturing childhoods.

We “natives” as a people lack education. We as a nation lack “understanding”.

We are two great nations. IMAGINE what we could do TOGETHER. I believe we could have the greatest nation in the world, if only we would put aside our differences and “assumptions”.

Kathy · December 2, 2011 at 3:58 pm

He may not understand, but may be too willing to grab on to “facts” given to him by minister and a civil service looking to cover themselves – “facts” that play into his preconceptions. That after all is easiest for all of us. But he has a responsibility here.
May I ask about solutions, maybe not magical but more incremental. In addition to immediately implementing the Audit General’s recommendations, what else should we be pushing for?

Desiree · December 1, 2011 at 4:23 pm

An article even I can understand and learned a lot from. Thank you!

Paxalot · December 1, 2011 at 4:23 pm

When will people wake up and realize the reserve system is now and has always been a human-rights disaster? Do you know that statistics on child sexual abuse on reserves? When you look it up your hair will curl. The only reason the reserve system is kept up is because the native elders and their clans profit handsomely from it. Ask anyone that has actually worked on a reserve and they’ll tell you all about it. What we have in Canada is a native elite that demand apartheid for it’s members. It’s sick. It should end with a national referendum terminating the Indian act and absorbing the native population into the rest of the country. Unless you think native children should be condemned to a live of poverty and abuse, it’s a fight worth fighting.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 4:55 pm

I see a post that refuses to consider suggestions made by Royal Commissions, by Auditor Generals, by Federal Ombudsmen and many others. I see a post that pretends to care about aboriginal peoples, while calling for a ‘final solution’ of full cultural assimilation. I see human rights brought up as justification for violating our human rights, and I wonder at the hypocrisy.

I see a false dichotomy, and I reject it.

I’m sorry, but you aren’t asking for solutions. I am very aware of the problems our communities face. I am also aware of our strengths, and our beauty, and the richness of our culture. Please do not pretend to advocate for us when what you suggest is more injustice on top of what we already face.

FN Councillor CC · December 1, 2011 at 10:07 pm

I don’t think any government in the past took into consideration human rights for Natives when establishing Canada. It toook them a very long time to consider us as human, let alone consider what they did as genocide which is the true intent.

Please post a link to the statistics on child sexual abuse in First Nations…and post a link to the statistics on child sexual abuse in simlar sized rural and remote “mainstream” towns and settlements. Then factor in the multiple generations who were victims of abuse while under the care of the Government of Canada in the residential schools,dayschools and childprotection agencies.

“Native Elders and their clans” Hmmm? Can you please provide the names of the First Nations and the specific Elders and clans in question. You are just another who has bought into the hype. I can tell you that when I ask people who have worked on our First Nation, not one of them will tell about any “native elite” because we don’t have any.

You must know the purpose of the residential schools, among many other initiatives of Government are a means to assimilation, as you describe. Look at how well that turned out, dolt.

I think the Government never expected we would be so strong, so resilient…we are still here! S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E!!!! Our voices are getting stronger, louder and united as more and more join us in identifying and calling for better treatment of our people and our children.

fatherbuffalo · December 1, 2011 at 4:24 pm

Many maybe attached to there lands but far more complain daily that they where sent to reserves built on swamp or muskage,since mankind migrated all over the world they moved if there is no food or resources to make shelter they moved,today its either you take one step forward or one step back,take that step forward the people can thrive and should be a rich nation,take one step back then you go back to making homes out of hides and hunting and living off the lands which is our rights,but life is what you make of it,step forward or step backwards its up to you,the children today deserve much better and should not be stuck and able to educate and move on to bigger and better lives,children are our future and should not have to stay or be stuck in our past,we used to preserve seven generations ahead for our kids not fall seven generations back.

P · December 1, 2011 at 8:51 pm

Thank-you. I think natives and non-natives alike WANT to see that step taken.

Here is a major crux. No-one can stop a person from being a bigot, a racist or whatever they are inclined to be. However, they are only an individual. GOVERNMENTS and LAWS should be made without any inclination or interference of race, religion, creed sex or other discrimination. But what we have are laws and governments – and yes treaties – BASED on race, creed, religion, sex, any other such discriminations. The result. It breeds contempt, it breeds racism, mistrust and generations of anger.

So why don’t we all just move to take those steps? I know I have mistrust, anger and contempt that can be done without. I know native and non-natives alike have these, many of the fueled by the same laws intended to remove them. But we all have children, who all deserve a future without these laws and these horrible angers.

Maybe we need to remove the discrimination from law and from government rules, and from treaties. Can’t we all just be people?

P.S. Maybe one day I won’t have to type native and non-native…I can type “people”
I am Canadian. I have a heritage too. But, I identify as Canadian first, and respect my heritage for what else it gives me as I move forward.

starhC · December 2, 2011 at 1:00 am

I agree, I don’t think we have to ‘assimilate’ anyone to treat everyone in this country as equals. There has to be a better way and the treaties and Indian Act seem to be divisive and not accomplishing anything that either ‘side’ hopes for their children in the future.

Gail · December 1, 2011 at 4:25 pm

Many non native people are about the all important education except when it comes to learning the real history of the relationship between themselves and native people. But don’t despair over the comments of these ignoramuses. Because while these people point a finger at Native people through their negative, ignorant and downright stupid comments what they actually are doing is telling the world what idiots they are. We like anyone else in this world have problems to deal with. And I am damn proud to be Native!

Kris · December 1, 2011 at 4:28 pm

Thank you for this!

Cathryn Atkinson · December 1, 2011 at 4:28 pm

Hi there,

I would love to reprint this piece on rabble.ca — we would provide a link to your blog and attribution. Can you email me at cathryn@rabble.ca ?

Thanks and great work!

Cathryn Atkinson
News Editor
rabble.ca

Rosemary White · December 1, 2011 at 4:39 pm

Thank you âpihtawikosisân, for an informative and unbiased explanation. Like many others I believe it is important to make this information known widely. I’m a subscriber to rabble.ca and think it would be a good place to start. Not all national newspapers will give the whole story.

Vicks · December 1, 2011 at 4:39 pm

Thank you for this! I’ve been following the Attawapiskat housing crisis in the media recently, but none of the “journalism” that I’ve been reading comes close to being as informative as your post. The fact that you’re able to stay positive (in your post and in response to some comments) and avoid the mud-slinging that sensitive issues often causes is particularly refreshing. Keep up the great work!

georgina weber · December 1, 2011 at 4:51 pm

gobbledygook translated with gentle granny wisdom from a young single mom warrior! mahsi cho…xgeo

Vince Genereaux · December 1, 2011 at 5:02 pm

Canada’s Master Plan at Work, divide and conquer / no soup for you attitude. AANDC’s 3rd party Intervention policy should not be used as a tool to punish the First Nation as a whole for the actions of a few. Some First Nations have not had access to Section 95 based loans in years and it’s the People’s health and well being that are adversely affected by this policy. Some of these long-term 3rd partied communities have up to 40% fewer homes than similar size populations and they as a community are suffering with the effects of overcrowding including increased and yes even catastrophic health and social problems. The housing department’s meagre dollars go towards the impossible challenge of trying to maintain a unit that is severely overused and they simply cannot keep up any longer. First Nations have written numerous letters warning funders of the catastrophe that was and is now reality for these communities affected by AANDC’s intervention policy. There must be a better strategy developed in order that the people are no longer placed in these discriminatory and in-human situations, situations that contravene the universal human rights act to adequate shelter and the government must be taken to task on this.

Main stream says why don’t they move away, find a job and quit bitching but they don’t do their research before making these types of comments. Relatively speaking, First Nations were only very recently allowed to leave the communities they were placed at and in some cases they were made to sell treaty rights in order to do so. When these archaic laws changed, the discrimination was set in like concrete and First Nations people had to work twice as hard to prove themselves and even that was not enough. Trust me we lived it, a lot of our people simply gave up and it will take generations to even begin to reverse the effects of the cultural genocide that happened.

Karrie Oliver · December 1, 2011 at 5:02 pm

This is fuel for the fires of change. Thank you.

John P. B. · December 1, 2011 at 5:06 pm

WOW Totally amazing, I’m a non-native grew up in Northern Ontario and have forever felt sorry for the way we have treated our native people. I recall first hand many situations to this day that have never left my memory. We lived in a mining company supplied and maintained home with all the luxuries. Not more that a quarter mile away we could watch from our windows the activities of the local native families who lived on what we called Hiawatha Drive. There had to of been at least a dozen one room shanties, no running water cause you could watch everyone carrying their water buckets back to their sub standard dwellings. I don’t recall our school bus ever picking up any of the kids.
Funny how the present government wants us to pick on someone, I was wondering who would be in their line fire after all the issues with the CBC had dried up. A month ago our youngest asked the question as to why we (Canada) was sending millions to corrupt foreign countries in aid when we had situations right here at home that should be dealt with first. Please keep informing us with the truth, you are a bright fresh light, Thanks

Norma · December 1, 2011 at 5:49 pm

Thank you for sharing this perspective!

The Twain Shall MeetKim Leaman · December 1, 2011 at 5:07 pm

That is a great read. and you are an interesting writer. sadly ( a word I use too often ) I deal with harper and his psychosis on a daily basis so that word come up all too often. I would ask a favour. I would be delighted to have you read and comment on a post that I wrote overnight last night, It is at http://bit.ly/TheTwainShallMeet which is my blogs home page, but it is a doorway to all of it of course. I did not finish reading this, but I certainly will do that as soon as I have eaten my fill.

Enspiring stuff. It reminds of my early CBC.ca days when there were always racists and creepy people all over any thread that even mentioned a first nation. There is actually a poem there (on my blog) that i would love to share with you as I wrote it one day a few years ago while consoling a friend who had had her fill. It might interest you.

I am inspite of my name a white caucasian male, but I am not sterotypical. The name Kim is a throwback to a day when all Kim’s were male. Kim Novak stole it from us and she was a next generation Marilyn Monroe type who popularized her adopted name within a couple of years in the late 50’s.

Like I said I am no expert on the subject of native culture, but I do have a couple of questions and would love to be able to insuly Syephen Harper while being witty in a few more languages. My field is free thought. . Please drop in there and give me your impressions of the blog that Iam referring to or to which I am referring if you are a pureist,it is entirely your call.. I never like to offend ~ at least not un-intentially. I can be rather intense when necessary though, but generally i only need to play that card once. Again, âpihtawikosisân, amazing!

karen · December 1, 2011 at 5:08 pm

What a great article. Its just driving me nuts how Harper is turning the whole problem into “where did that 90 million go?”, and getting the general public thinking that the Attawapiskat Nation brought in on themselves. Hello! These people are suffering in CANADA, and that is unacceptable. Period. I am hopeful that such national coverage will inform many people who, by no real fault of their own, were unaware of the vast problems First Nations face.
A doc on Attawapiskat; http://www.canadaapartheidnation.com

Dave Benson · December 1, 2011 at 5:12 pm

Thanks so much for this post. I’ve been following the Attawapiskat story intently since it broke and trying to educate myself about the issues. Your blog is the clearest and most thorough source of information I’ve found. Please keep writing.

Lisa Deanne Smith · December 1, 2011 at 5:13 pm

Thank you!

Tahneeyah · December 1, 2011 at 5:14 pm

Thank you for clarifying this.

I was a band administrator for 2 years and I’m going on my 6th year on band council (3 times elected to 2 year terms). My First Nation is small population-wise and with road access in close proximity to an urban centre. We don’t have a school as our population is small.

I knew the moment Harper mentioned $90M over 5 years given to Attawapiskat, that he would anger Canadians that do not know the costs of running a community.

Most people don’t realize the costs of operations: grading roads, infrastructure maintenance, maintaining water and wastewater plants and lift stations, maintaining any heavy equipment, paying utilities on community buildings (Ontario Hydro rates are outrageous!), paying for what health services are provided in the community, insurance costs, emergency service costs (to the local municipality).

And then there are the people we must hire…our band staff. These workers don’t get anywhere near what they should be earning….we average $11-13 per staff member. That is including Water Treatment Plant Operators that are required to take the same certified training as Operators working in a municipality!

The housing dollars my community receives would build .75 of a house per year. In Kenora, the low estimate by contractors to build a 1200 square foot bungalow averages $160 per square foot. That is $192,000 per house. Now double or triple that estimate to include shipping of materials to a northern remote community like Attawapiskat or any fly-in First Nation in Canada!

How callous of the Conservative government to blame the Chief and Council!! First Nations reporting is endless! If late, funding is suspended immediately. And if we submit an audit that does not meet GAAP standards, the FN audit is flagged and placed into “Intervention” status. This does not to be the case with Attawapiskat. Their audits are online…NO mismanagement declared by the independent auditor.

Didn’t Conservative MP Tony Clement dole out $50 million in his own riding to host the G8 Summit? There were no paper work to show checks and balances!! What does Harper do to rectify the mismanagement of Canadian dollars? He promotes Clement to President of the Treasury Board! How insane is that?? The Harper Conservatives need to appoint a third part manager over Tony Clement.

Thank you for going into detail on the matter of financial management in Attawapiskat.

Believe it or not, there are quite a number of Chiefs and Band Councils that honestly care for their communities, we work hard, we try to make our limited dollars stretch but we are not miracle makers. If Canada would honour our treaties, we would not be in this situation.

Thank you for letting me vent.

Norma · December 1, 2011 at 5:53 pm

Thanks for venting! We need to know these things. I am sure the average Canadian with basic math skills has been taking 90 million and dividing it by 1500 people and thinking WTF…I myself thought the 90 million was for housing alone.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:03 pm

Thank you for sharing your perspective and experience. We need more of this to counter the accusations and falsehoods that pass as reality for too many.

Julie · December 1, 2011 at 5:16 pm

Chi meegwetch, âpihtawikosisân. I hope it’s okay that we added this blog post to the recommended reading for an urgent action that KAIROS launched last week. We will be adding a commentary of our own on the government’s responses to this crisis, but your piece says so much that non-Aboriginal people need to hear, in a way that will get many of us thinking. We want to promote it.
http://www.kairoscanada.org/dignity-rights/kairos-urgent-action-cree-community-of-attawapiskat-ontario-calls-a-state-of-emergency-as-hundreds-face-winter-in-tents-and-sheds/

Lisa Charleyboy (@UrbanNativeGirl) · December 1, 2011 at 5:17 pm

Thank you for your thoughtful and thorough research. Sechanalyagh (thank you).

Kerry McNamara · December 1, 2011 at 5:20 pm

You have it mostly right. You didn’t mention Tribal Councils which are in place to assist each community (with varying degrees of success). There are required inspections of all band owned buldings such as daycares, schools, fire halls, etc., as most TC’s are mandated (and funded) to have a qualifed housing inspector and a qualified fire inspector. There is also a regular requirement for a third party to inspect band owned assets (ACRS report) which forms the basis for INAC funding for minor (core) capital that each community receives to maintain these facilities.

New houses can be paid for out of minor capital at the expense of maintaining other community buildings–and generally, bands use minor capital to service the CMHC loans they get to build houses (CMHC provides loans/mortgages) as few are successful in collecting rent to actually repay the loan (that is a whole article in itself).

You touched upon the delay in receiving band funding but not on some of the significant consequences. Because most contractors require payment, these sometimes significant delays in getting funding (funding can be held up until paperwork unrelated to it is sent in by the band), there are few contractors who will work with First Nations and most charge ‘premium prices’. Its the same with suppliers who are well known to have “Indian Housing Packages” which are substandard but when you can’t guarantee timely payment, the bands take what they can. The push for new housing by band members is relentless and results in excessive turnover in band elected officials. Since it takes several years to learn how the funding system works, the frustations mount.

All the best.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 5:40 pm

An excellent post, helping to clarify even more, thank you! Some of the news articles did mention how delayed funding can cause costs to mount because of the short construction season in northern communities. Housing itself is a huge issue with so much to look at and understand. I have always wondered how any Chief and Council, usually with a turn-around of two years, can get up to speed and get anything accomplished before the next election. I do know how long it takes to figure any of this out…I’ve spent years at it and I still don’t have it completely understood!

Vicki McCulloch · December 1, 2011 at 5:27 pm

The facts well presented and so very timely.

Charles Boylan · December 1, 2011 at 5:30 pm

Thank you for compiling this invaluable information. The Federation of Post-Secondary Educators’ Human Rights & International Solidarity Committee (BC college & university teachers union) will hear from Chief Bob Chamberlain, Kwicksutaineuk-Ah-Kwaw-Ah-Mish First Nation, this Friday (Dec 2) on the water crisis in many Indigenous peoples’ villages and reserves. The Attawapiskat Nation has the ardent support of informed, democratic and humane Canadians coast to coast to coast! (This excludes the Harper government of course).

Tim Lemieux · December 1, 2011 at 5:35 pm

With regards to the comments about non-natives not understanding the attachment to the land, is it not similar in some ways to Newfoundlanders being forced to move when their traditional livelihoods were destroyed when the cod fisheries collapsed? People had to leave to find work, but it they still kept the ties to their culture.
Or going back further, Sicilians who were faced with poor prospects at home emigrated to North America, but still kept ties with the motherland and their culture. They still consider themselves proud Sicilians in some cases.
Wouldn’t the land still be there for any that wanted to visit and reconnect with their roots, even if people left the reserves to find work and opportunities elsewhere?

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 5:38 pm

As I mentioned earlier, I definitely think of Atlantic Canadians when it comes to issues that natives and non-natives share. I appreciate your words.

Glen Fiddler · December 1, 2011 at 6:09 pm

Share is what the Governments and immigrant Canadians should LEARN. We as Anishinabek(Natives if you like) never said that that tree, rock, or water is OURS but the creators! We never defaced the land for personal gain and we SHARED our land as we were taught to do so. Expoitation does not exist in our customs…WE are at the point of being pushed to the level of labelling what BELONGS to us but in reality does not. We are to share the wealth of Gods creations and thats how we are rich…is it so hard to share the wealth that was given to us? o yeah! WE signed a Treaty that not a single Native knew what it meant! Now thats sharing? If the Tax payers were educated on how the first people of this land were cheated out of a deal(Treaty) then EVERY Native Canadian wouldnt be in such a state of poverty! But WE are still rich in our pride and when we face judgement one day then I am glad to say that I did not exploit the creators gift to us. If only they could understand what sharing a piece of pie means and not just the crumbs! Peace ya’ll

isjustian · December 1, 2011 at 5:40 pm

Thank you for this education!
One point that didn’t come up here — why don’t the people of Attawapiskat build using the trees available from surrounding forest? I read elsewhere that because the forest is Crown land the people are not allowed to log, nor mill logs if they did! It’s like hog-tying someone then saying “Why don’t you get up?”

kim · December 1, 2011 at 6:03 pm

thank you.

Shannon · December 1, 2011 at 6:08 pm

This is an excellent article and details clearly a perspective on the situation with many northern native communities. Our country is large, and the balance of funding services where the majority of the population resides is overwhelming, never mind in northern and small communities. However when I read about the conditions that some children in Attawapiskat are living in, I find it heart breaking. While I can understand the importance of being connected to the land is to the writer, I do not understand putting connection with land (or a building, or any other life style choice) over the feeding, basic shelter and education of children. If living in a particular location, or a building or anything else means your children will suffer, then move. A adult’s right to be live where and how they choose should not infringe on the basic health and well-being of a child, ever. As important as a cultural connection is to children, it cannot be considered more important than basic housing, food, medical care and education.

Anna · December 2, 2011 at 10:12 am

There are a lot of pro-moving arguments in these comments, and I understand and agree with them all if we’re talking about, say, someone from North Bay moving to Ottawa, or someone from a small fishing town in Newfoundland moving to Nova Scotia, or even someone from Sicily moving to North America. Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I’d say a closer analogy to expecting First Nations to move to urban areas where there are more opportunities would be to expect all Greeks to leave Greece, move to the country and city of their choosing, and to have all the Greek land taken over by the rest of Europe. They’re having some financial problems, so why don’t they just close up shop and move on?

It’s ridiculous to think of a entire nation throwing in the towel, giving up their land, and dispersing. Every person who chooses to migrate in search of better opportunities is leaving a homeland behind that continues to exist in their absence.

Mona · December 1, 2011 at 6:20 pm

Thank you for taking the time and energy to educate us. Your post should be required reading for every journalist and politician!

Susan Wood · December 1, 2011 at 6:27 pm

Great article! When the House of Commons is full of accusations of mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility by government ministers (Peter Mackay & Tony Clement, among others), how dare these same people treat a State of Emergency in a community as a means to once again denigrate First Nations people!

ElliMinty · December 1, 2011 at 6:32 pm

To all those who are trying to understand land attachments:

I am from Northern Ontario. I’m not Native, but I can — and believe that you can too — understand the attachment to reserves.

The attachment is not to living in the country vs the city, nor is it a small vs big community problem. It’s more fundimental that all of this. Think of your home when you were a child. Each landmark had a special significance. Now imagine that instead of just your childhood, that home had been in your family for generations. Your playroom was also your mother’s playroom, and her mother’s playroom. Maybe a hundred years ago, your great-grandmother gave birth in there. Maybe before that she and her husband wedded in that same room. Suddenly it is a lot harder to consider leaving that house, isn’t it? When it has so much history. We live in a short-term society where we just toss anything outdated (like a printer out of ink), but some things still have meaning and a history (I don’t know about you, but I still have my first stuffed animal, and I’m nearing 30).

Now imagine that instead of a single house, your entire neighbourhood has that same history. And maybe that history extends long past the longest time most of our families have lived on this continent. And then imagine that oral tradition and history means you don’t only know the history of your mother and her mother’s mother, but you have a personal knowledge of your family and friends dating back, remembered by storytellers and marked by specific places around you. Now expand that some more: maybe the lake I grew up beside really does have a cave where the great spirit once slept for the winter. Maybe that spirit was the guardian of my family. And maybe my family is related only by blood but by friendships and community.

Now you start to get the picture. So when you suggest they leave the reserve — which is the only place that has been garuanteed to remain as it was so that a history of people is not erased. Europeans and those of European descent don’t really share those ties to the past, to our ancestry that you see in both Native and many Asian cultures, but we do often go in search of our family histories (Ancestry.com, anyone?). Just because we don’t care preceisly when our ancestors crossed the ocean doesn’t mean no one cares.

So no, we can’t just ask Native peoples to move. Their history, their wars, their living and their dead are tied to their home. Knowing all of this helps centre their culture. City people do yoga to go find their spiritual centres. Thing is, when you have physical anchors for your spiritual life you don’t have to go seeking through another cultures!

There is no one true way. If you start from that, and maybe sit through a cleansing and dance through a pow-wow, you might better understand how a place can anchor history, and that can centre you. Or you can do what I do: wander, tasting cultures and taking joy in things that give them joy and try walking in someone’s boots.

Incidentally: I totally need new Moccasins.

Kim · December 1, 2011 at 7:14 pm

Emotionally appealing, I can relate. But sometimes its time to leave, to grow up, move away from home, find work, maybe you can send money back to the family, help them out. You can always return. The writer of this blog now lives in Montreal, for example.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:05 pm

You can’t return if your community is split up and everyone relocated to somewhere ‘more economically feasible’.

Malina Adams · December 1, 2011 at 6:36 pm

Great Job, thank you for taking the time to help us make sense of what is going on.

Joe gionet · December 1, 2011 at 6:44 pm

Wow thanks so much for bringing so much clairty to this issue I had no idea the amount some of our private sector is making shame really well many go hungry and homeless on our streets because of greed Im sure that all will be well and thanks again
peace love and respect
Joe Gionet

For the Future · December 1, 2011 at 6:48 pm

Thank you for this article, It makes this the money end of this issue more clear! We are all aware of inequalities with salaries, and politicians flubbing numbers, I feel like it is something that i assume automatically. The truth is we all deal with that no matter were we live or what group we are part of. If the numbers you have highlighted are correct then indeed that is not enough to have a community back on its feet. But it should have made some impact.

Something I would love feed back on is a story that i think of often, that hurts my heart because its the youth that suffer the most from these incidences.

My father was a worker that was sent to build 20 homes on a reserve years ago, from the time they completed the structure and had returned to completed the wiring for electrical all the homes had been torn apart people had moved in before they were done and knocked out walls and insulation. Some was vandalism and some people were already living there. He said there were children there and the homes had been wrecked so bad that they would have had to rebuild the homes. At that point the budget was gone 🙁 this was money wasted and to no benefit. I know this is not always the case, and may or may not be in the case disused above but with the “need for maintenance of older homes as a concern” when dose personal responsibility take place. And were are the stories about the community efforts to help its self? There must be numerous stories. Rallies? Fundraisers that they come together and help each other out? These types of stories inspire others in the community, and out side of the community, to note this as a cause that will not be a waste.

I know the intent of this article was to show were the money has gone, but this is something that has garbed the hearts and attention on the country, we are all watching and want to see a glimmer of how this can be successful short of pumping cash in were is the heart?

Matt · December 1, 2011 at 6:54 pm

From the great indigenous author Sherman Alexie:

“The Indian world is full with charlatans, men and women who pretended- hell, who might have come to believe- that they were holy. Last year I had gone to a lecture at the University of Washington. An elderly Indian woman, a Sioux writer and a scholar and a charlatan, had come to orate on Indian sovereignty and literature. She kept arguing for some kind of separate indiginous literary identity, which was ironic considering she was speaking english to a room full of white professors. But I wasn’t angry with the woman, or even bored. No, I felt sorry for her. She was dying of nostalgia. She had taken nostalgia as her false idol -her thin blanket- and it was murdering her.”

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:06 pm

Would you like to provide a context for this quote? What is it you are trying to say?

Matt · December 1, 2011 at 6:56 pm

Great blog post on a very difficult subject!

Why did you leave Lac St. Anne?

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:06 pm

Mostly it was for love. Very little else could have influenced me move.

Matt · December 2, 2011 at 3:09 am

Ah, as is often the case!

This issue is obviously unfathomably complex and it’s no help that many tend to oversimplify as people are wont to do. On one side you have those who view aboriginals who live on reserves as if they’re sitting around eating steak and lobster for dinner every night on the taxpayer dime vs those who accuse anybody of questioning the status quo of racism. Both of these poles serve to stifle meaningful dialog and I commend you for hosting an honest conversation here.

The reason I asked you why you moved is that it’s apparent that in order to cultivate the skills with which you are now gracing society you had to leave. Though not impossible, presumably you would have a difficult time finding gainful employment in your small hometown. I too come from a small town and have had to move around for work at times and now-very fortunately- I am able to work back in the town which I love, though that may not last. So I understand the idea of attachment to place because I feel it first hand.

Often this matter becomes more abstract than I think it needs to be and so I’ll try to paint a simple picture. Suppose you have remote reservation, on which there is of course a band of which 10% of the population works for. This reservation is very remote, on occasion there is seasonal work fighting forest fires or guiding tourists for fishing or hunting but otherwise very little. My question is very simple: what are you supposed to do with your time?

Now historically many of these reservations were sited as trading posts or because they’re in locations where sturgeon, moose or other sustenance was abundant. Certainly today having a moose in the freezer come winter is desirable (and delicious) and hunting and fishing is an indisposable component of the culture and in some places putting food on the table. Hunting however is no longer a matter of life and death as it once was and as horrifyingly impoverished as remote communities now are they are far less labor intensive to sustain than the traditional method of living off the land. So what is a person to do? Literally: from when you wake up to when you go to bed, what?

I have come to learn in life that the cancerous effect of boredom is not to be underestimated. The human brain is engineered to achieve things; to hunt, to craft a shelter, to protect and sustain your family so it can flourish. With this comes a sense of competence, of consequence to ones actions, of power. To feel one is not just competent but going from a position of less competence to greater competence. This is true of all peoples, all cultures. People are happier when they are doing something productive, this is a fact.

I understand that aboriginals have an intrinsic attachment to the land on which they live, the rivers in which they fish, the forests where they hunt. However they also have a cognitive system that is the same as anyone else on the planet; it is built to achieve, to create, to become. As individuals we are all experiments on the part of nature and while I sympathize with the idea of attachment to place, if there’s nothing meaningful for you to do there either for yourself or your community you must leave to flourish.

I have spent much time and have many friends in a fly-in reservation called Eabametoong in Northwestern Ontario. Last year, in this town of 1200 there were 3 murders and upwards of 90 incidents of arson. While I fully support a persons right to argue that this can be delineated as rooted in negligent government, I believe there are more complex issues at play.

I thank you again for an informative article and discussion.

Nikpayuk · December 3, 2011 at 5:59 am

@Matt

The ideas you present are very interesting and worthy of much discussion. I in particular will start with an intriguing question of yours (for which I quote): “My question is very simple: what are you supposed to do with your time?”

I am Daniel. My academic background is a single undergraduate bachelor of arts degree majoring in mathematics minoring in economics from the university of Alberta. I am Inuit, my parents are from Aklavik. The old way for my people is to acknowledge each other’s differences. This is why I have here given some of my background—before I continue. It is my way of acknowledging our differences, and showing respect; and so I share some background because who I am now is shaped by such background. Giving you insight into that allows us to begin talking. It is our “hand shake.”

As for your question, it is something I have thought much about in my journey to reclaim my culture. I will now tell you a story; the narrative of which will tie together my existing ideas on the nature of this question. I do not look to provide answers. I am trained as a mathematician after all, and us math people don’t actually answer questions, we just point out the existing structures and underlying assumptions. I will do my best to live up to this claim.

To begin, I would like to bring up one of the comments by âpihtawikosisân herself: “I do think that there is a general difficulty in recognising the validity of cultural differences however.” It is out of context here yet I believe it still translates well and is valid here.

I have spent much time questioning the nature of “Euro-Canadian” culture (forgive my non-Inuit style of generalization here, it is the economist in me). I have done so, so that I may better be able to understand which parts of me are “Euro-influenced” and which parts of me are “Inuit-influenced.” My meditations on the nature of culture have led me to the following way of thinking:

Attempting to reduce culture to a “key” concept or two is problematic. Regardless, I do think a contributing factor to the nature of culture is the idea of “ambiguity.” There are many common experiences in the lifespan of a human being. As people, we need to express these common experiences and so we end up with words for them.

Take “water” for example. Putting the chemistry aside, water, in regards to life, is neutral. What if there is a small lake out on the land, and maybe a deer and a wolf drink from it. It maintains both animals even though there is a “natural order” in nature given the wolf will try to eat the deer. Yet the water itself is neutral, it has no order, it has no preference for either animal. Yet equally well, enough of it in the lungs of these animals will drown them both. It is ambiguous.

Take “insanity” as another example. Again, I will generalize for economy, but in some parts of the western world, an insane person is viewed, at least intuitively, as someone who cannot think properly. This is likely given these groups of people place great value on rationalism. It is a priority. I say this because the “traditional” aboriginal view (again I recognize I generalize), is that an insane person is someone who cannot relate to other people properly. Notice for the clear examples of “insane” people, both of these intuitive understandings are correct. It’s just that Aboriginal people’s in general place greater societal value on relationships—a relational worldview. Not to say that Westerners don’t values relationships or that Aboriginal Peoples don’t value rational thinking. All of this is possible anyway, because insanity is another one of those experiences we as people need to express but is ambiguous.

Then there are the classic examples like “life” and “death” and “love.” The human experience I tend to see as a universe with many tiny holes. We have a need to fill these holes, but as much as we try they never actually become full. Different groups of people would share such experiences to the point where they formed common languages and cultures around such ambiguities.

This for me is the basis of “worldview.”

Even in mathematics there are different worldviews. There is Euclidean geometry but there are also other geometries such as Riemannian and Hyperbolic geometries. The key difference is the parallel postulate. In Euclidean, the parallel postulate is the assumption that for any line and any point not on that line there is a unique line passing through the point being parallel. Riemannian geometry assumes the same axioms (value system) with the exception of the parallel postulate. It instead assumes there is no parallel line. As for Hyperbolic geometries, they assume there are more than one distinct parallel line passing through.

I hope I haven’t lost you on this math example. Bare with me, but there will be a payoff. These different geometries are equally valid and equally useful in solving different problems, yet they are fundamentally and logically incompatible because of this parallel postulate. I will come back to this, but I will also add that the famous and dreaded Pythagorean Theorem it turns out is logically equivalent to the parallel postulate. This means if one wishes to work within the frames of a Hyperbolic geometry (for example), one could not use the Pythagorean Theorem to prove anything (otherwise one wouldn’t be working within the frames of a Hyperbolic geometry).

I will come back to this math example and tie it in with the remainder.

Getting back to your question. As you said (to paraphrase): too much spare time is a cancerous thing. I will now retell a story once told to me. I heard it from my professor of religion 240: Buddhism (it’s not actually a Buddhist story, it’s was told by a Vedantin monk in India):

———————–

There was a restaurant manager who everyday looked out his window and saw a monk across the street. Each day this monk just sat there, receiving free bowls of rice from those charitable customers seeking his favor. The manager got fed up one day, again seeing this, walked over to the monk, and asked: “How do you justify receiving free food each day when all you do is sit there doing nothing?” to which the monk responded “Because sitting and doing absolutely nothing is very hard to do. Allowing others to see this is the service I am providing here.” The manager was not satisfied with the answer, and so the monk proposed a resolution to this tension: If the manager could sit and do nothing, not even think about anything, for one day with the monk, the monk would work for the manager at his restaurant for free. If on the other hand, the manager could not, he would be required to provide the monk with a bowl of free rice from now on. The manager accepted, and as you might expect, he tried and repeatedly failed and finally gave up after a few hours. The monk with a free bowl of rice each day, continued to sit and wait.

———————–

I tell this story because it is an example of a differing worldview when it comes to a surplus of time. One thing that seems to mark a main difference between traditional Aboriginal societies with many other societies is what we do with our surpluses, and what we do with our shortages. Westerns for many reasons have for a long time had material goods and service surpluses. This noticeably has been reflected upon as economics. Westerners have for a long time have had surpluses in power, which would turn into politics, for example. I also tell this story in response to the following of what you wrote above:

———————–

The human brain is engineered to achieve things; to hunt, to craft a shelter, to protect and sustain your family so it can flourish. With this comes a sense of competence, of consequence to ones actions, of power. To feel one is not just competent but going from a position of less competence to greater competence. This is true of all peoples, all cultures. People are happier when they are doing something productive, this is a fact.

———————–

When I read this, I admit alarm-bells started ringing in my head. The focus points for me are when you write: “less competence to greater competence” and use the word “productive” and follow with: “…it is built to achieve, to create, to become.” and lastly use the word “individuals.” I am not trying to claim what you wrote is incorrect or wrong in anyway, yet for someone trained just a little in spotting “colonial” narratives I couldn’t help but feel you are asserting your own value system and worldview here. There seems to be emphasis on the value of “progress” and “consumption.” I say consumption because my economics background trained me to “think the way firms do,” to pursue an ever increasing profit. I always wondered where this infinite amount of potential profit comes from? somehow it just doesn’t sound sustainable. I digress. Once again, I am not claiming your worldview is incorrect, I, to risk being rude, am claiming that just as importantly, it shouldn’t be assumed as correct either. Your worldview is your way of interacting with this world. No better or worse than the way of others, just different.

I brought up the math example because it is related to the notion of an “outsider.” I have met too many people who say, with some specific measure, that someone who is inferior is an outsider. Then, interestingly, they further claim that someone who is an outsider, must by definition be inferior. For a lighthearted example—an Edmonton specific example—some Edmonton Oilers fan might claim a Calgary Flames fan to be inferior because by default, as a Flames fan, they are outsiders. This fan would also say that anyone who is a Flames fan is an outsider, because all Flames fans are inferior. It is logically interesting because this strategy of defining an outsider is flawed; it is a circular definition. If you want to define someone as an outsider, just define them as an outsider and leave it at that.

As for the math example, if you look at the history, it turns out the greatest and smartest mathematicians of the time, for several hundred years, tried to prove the Pythagorean Theorem using the parallel postulate. This of course failed every time on account that they are logically equivalent. Any “ingenious” argument would eventually be proven to be circular and thus invalid as a proof. How frustrating. Only after much time had passed and the later generations of mathematicians reflected on the situation and gained some wisdom did they even consider they were trying to prove something unprovable.

How is this relevant to anything about the situation at Attawapiskat? A great many comments have been made to ask: Why don’t they just move away?

This is a specific question, but I feel if we were to abstract it, the question we would be asking here is: Why don’t they just adapt?

My thesis, if one at all, is that the concept of adaptation like anything, is one of those ambiguities that help shape cultural norms and values. The common nature and strategies for adaption are different for different cultures and peoples. What does it mean to adapt anyway?

As for the different types of geometries: yeah? great! so there are different worldviews of geometry, so what? As it turns out the Riemannian and Hyperbolic geometries were the precursors and foundations to Einstein’s theory of relativity; a very important contribution to the betterment of the world I’m willing to claim.

My first point being: don’t dismiss differing worldviews, they may lead to fruitful things.

My other point is that when one asks “why don’t they just move away?” I would in return caution: Even if unintentional, are you sure this question is not just another circular arguement? Are you sure it’s not just another way to define Aboriginal Peoples as outsiders?

If I can contribute to the dialogue of this blarticle at all, I would like to say, for anyone who asks this question of why they don’t just move away, I would like to say, whatever basis you use to ask this question, please let it be in the spirit of maintaining the respect and integrity of those people’s worldview; otherwise the question itself risks becoming another means of exclusion, and possibly worse, of inequality.

Thank you âpihtawikosisân for allowing me to post my longwinded, nonlinear philosophical thoughts.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 6:56 am

Beautiful. Thank you for sharing, and sharing the way we do! I get caught up in this particular adversarial way of approaching issues that I’ve learned in Canadian schools and that I have learned is the only approach that will be respected or acknowledged. It is not how I want to talk to people, however, and reading your words this morning gave me a bit of relief from that paradigm. Thank you again.

Matt · December 5, 2011 at 10:12 pm

Daniel,

Thanks for taking the time to give a thoughtful reply. You raise many interesting points and craft a good argument.

You say:
“If I can contribute to the dialogue of this blarticle at all, I would like to say, for anyone who asks this question of why they don’t just move away, I would like to say, whatever basis you use to ask this question, please let it be in the spirit of maintaining the respect and integrity of those people’s worldview; otherwise the question itself risks becoming another means of exclusion, and possibly worse, of inequality”

I assure you I ask the question with the best of intentions and not to exclude or otherwise diminish the validity of any people’s worldview. As I once heard it put: “It is best to respond to those with differing perspectives with curiosity and not judgement”.

You say:
“I am not trying to claim what you wrote is incorrect or wrong in anyway, yet for someone trained just a little in spotting “colonial” narratives I couldn’t help but feel you are asserting your own value system and worldview here”

I probably am, and I no doubt overstated my case. Humans are bias machines. We do not objectively digest the world and subsequently make moral judgements about it but the inverse; we select and sort information to cohere with our political, moral, personal preconceptions. This is why dialog among differing views is vital; on our own we will not seek out information that contradicts what we believe. I submit that you, like me and everyone else are subject to this tendency as well.

A few quick questions:

What impelled you to leave Aklavik?
Do you plan to return upon completion of your degree?
If not, why not?

Thanks again for taking the time to engage.

Nikpayuk · December 8, 2011 at 2:24 am

Thank you Matt for taking the time to read my very long comment and response.

A sociology professor of mine once said to my class: “We’re all racist.” Who’s to say exactly what he meant, certainly there’s no context here for interpretation. If one really wanted to know they’d have to ask him, but I myself took it as meaning those in denial of their own bias will never grow as people until they can acknowledge the limits of their worldview. I believe you are right about our human tendencies. I am the first to admit my flaws when I recognize them (this much alone would be the inspiration for an epic I bet); it is my belief that one seldom grows stronger without first allowing themselves to be vulnerable. I will say though that I am biased to push for my people’s worldview not because I somehow think it’s superior; I push for it to be recognized as equal to any other worldview, no better or worse. Certainly though, it has its limitations as well.

Regarding your question, I did not leave Aklavik, my parents did; as to why, you’d have to ask them. As for whether or not I desire to return? very much so, it is my homeland. In Inuktitut we have a word for our homeland: Inuit nunangat.

Some say, why don’t these people move away ? (not you Matt I suspect, I just like rhetoric) My parents did, from their “isolated little community,” and I still ended up homeless in the middle of winter as a teenager (though only for a week). My story is only anecdotal, not of much use when it comes to the rational side of the dialogue, yet it’s amazing how anecdote can provide so much emotional motivation; which it turns out is quite useful when putting in the extra hours towards the rational dialogue needs to make healthy connections with those of other views; the healthy connections needed to bring about understanding.

Even being raised as a southerner I am constantly reminded I am considered an outsider (by many, definitely not all), and certainly there are great things in the south and I have learned much; and I have struggled but done my best to take the good things of the southern ways and leave the bad. For me, I desire a better life for the next generation of Inuit. If I have children, will they suffer the way I’ve suffered? I want them to be proud to call themselves Inuit, to speak their language, to know their land and somehow still to learn the better parts of this new world, and the western worldviews.

In any case, it’s taken me a long time to figure out that one of the many things many of the Canadian middle class takes for granted is the social support they have.

This is what many of these First Nations Peoples are asking for, and rightly so. They want to give their children and the youth of their community enough room to grow and succeed as any parent would.

As my people have housing shortages as well, I hope for the best for Attawapiskat. I will do my best, even as someone on the sidelines, to contribute to the resolution of this emergency.

Matt · December 10, 2011 at 3:15 am

@Daniel (hope you’re still paying attention to this distant conversation 😉 )

As to me is obvious, you are a great man with great vocabulary and likely living a great life that contributes greatly to the lives around you. In the words of a great frenchman Antoine de Saint-Exupery:

“How could there be any question of acquiring or possessing, when the one thing needful for a man is to become – to be at last, and to die in the fullness of his being.”

Whether this is a person who defies the blizzard to bring home sustenance to his family or one who strives to bring meaning to his people in a world of moral turpidtude,
I wish to you, and the proprietor of this blog and any who are privy to this conversation the same: to be, to accomplish, to see yourselves as experiments on the part of nature and contribute to the mysterious and wonderful existence that is our shared world.

To Life!

Kim · December 1, 2011 at 6:59 pm

Wow, it took me most of the day to read this through top to bottom. Thank you for writing this. I posted a link to it on the CBC website where the comments have been mostly ignorant and often hateful. It saddens me, but I refuse to let it discourage me from keeping debate informed and reasonable.

You’ve gone viral today, with good reason. This is by far the most intelligent forum on this issue. I’m going to share the link some more…

I am a non status metis living off reserve, but within my territory. By the graces of my landlord, fortunately a graceful person. I would like to see democracy in Canada, with a constitution drafted online by the people to lay out our collective expectations of rights, freedoms and obligations.

Mike Ruxton (Nova Scotia) · December 1, 2011 at 7:01 pm

According to http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2010/11/02/ns-peter-kelly-salary-increase.html, city councillors in Halifax make approximately $72K per year, and the mayor makes approximately twice that. Outrageous!

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:09 pm

Thank you, this is a useful link! I have been trying to find any lists of salaries of other councillors. I realise that one would have to compare a similar sized municipality in a similar isolated location to really see how close the salaries line up, but this is a start.

starhC · December 2, 2011 at 1:36 am

All of the smaller communities I am familiar with (2000 or less) in my area, the mayor and councilors are just paid an honorarium. One could not make a living as a councilor or mayor of a small community, it is basically a volunteer position in my limited experience. But I would welcome that sort of comparison to put it in perspective. I did a term as councilor for my small community and made $125/month. We also dealt with complicated funding issues,applying for grants, frustrating problems with a water treatment system that has had a boil water order on our community for several years, and while we were fortunate to finally recieve some government funding, the process to upgrade the water system has taken 5 years and the rest of the cost is going to be absorbed by everyone who lives here over the next decade. Then we’ll probably have to work on the daunting task of upgrading our wastewater management which is also not up to regulations, so we must improve that, at yet another huge cost to our community (considering the size) before the government will approve a new subdivision so that people can build homes and move into our community. Then of course there is the planning and regular maintenance of roads,waste disposal, community buildings, etc. It’s enough to make your head spin,without the added responsibilities of ,ensuring that the community’s needs for healthcare, education, etc are also met. I agree that you can do a job like that for several years and just be starting to get your footing on what all is involved and how complicated and difficult it can be to accomplish anything with the funds available, bylaws, regulations, approvals, etc. In so many ways things
are the same, but still so different.

Wooden Canoe · December 1, 2011 at 7:03 pm

Those who avocate resettlement should look to the east. Look at what happened in Newfoundland with the forced resettlements of the outports. A way of life destroyed. Thousands added to the welfare roles. Families torn apart. People severed from the land.

******** WARNING ********** SARCASM **********

Perhaps this is the way of the future where all can be rolacated to within the sight of Toronto or Ottawa. Perhaps we should create one big reserve for all…. resettle all the indians, all the Inu, all the Metis… put them in a chunk of useless land where they can be administered more easily. Then we can take the old lands, cut down the trees, dam the rivers, kill the wildlife, and wherever we find a sacred site buldoze it and put in a golf course….. that will make things better…..

365pubs · December 1, 2011 at 7:08 pm

Great collection of information. I’d like to hear what you have to say on some potential solutions for these issues.

Lindsay Bell · December 1, 2011 at 7:27 pm

I teach a third year course at U of T called “Native America and the State”. This is an invaluable summary! You are brave woman to read the comment sections of the coverage. I swore off that long ago. Many thanks.

Ruthless · December 1, 2011 at 7:32 pm

I just want to know how the band leaders could allow this to happen? It’s been like this for years, apparently. I know the community is fly in-but there must have been a way to co-ordinate barging in of much needed housing supplies in the summer months that James bay is unfrozen. I don’t want to abolish any kind of organization that protects and preserves aboriginal peoples rights and traditions or assimilate aboriginal peoples into the rest of Canadian society when that would cost them their identity-but I DO want to know how the funds allocated by the band for housing were used in the past 5 years. You can’t fly a modular home in without fantastic expense-but you can fly in supplies, and you can definitely barge in supplies for construction at a cost the band could afford given that it’s 18 million dollars a year for 2000 people. I understand that healthcare and education and much more comes out of that but it’s still a LOT of money in total.

moonepower · December 1, 2011 at 7:50 pm

Wow! I am so depressed right now. I am Canadian, of British (Welsh) and Northern European (Norwegian) heritage. My first husband was full-blooded First Nations (although that term had not yet been coined at the time), but non-status. My children are Metis, as is the man I am married to. I believe I have always supported First Nations determination for self-government and independence. I have been horrified over the years by the degree of paternalistic, careless and ill-informed “management” of treaty lands and reserves by the Federal Government. I have been angry, indignant, pro-active, semi-militant and outspoken on behalf of First Nations. I have also been angry, indignant, outspoken and frustrated BY First Nations! There was a time when I was eager for and welcomed any and all dialogue that appeared geared toward making a real and positive difference for aboriginal people in this country.
I don’t know how you do it, âpihtawikosisân – continuing to be a voice of reason in an ocean of misunderstanding, racism and hate. I know I am tired just reading the misinformation and prejudice of so many of those who are posting here!
May the Creator continue to imbue your heart and spirit with strength!

For the Future · December 1, 2011 at 8:52 pm

A friend of mine who is native, as a child was beaten in a catholic school he was forced to go to and he has little to no moment in his arm (he cant even butter toast i have to do it for him at breakfast) Tells me that the things that happened to him are horrible but his life now with his sisters brothers and cousins is more shameful and hurtful. He got a large statement for the crimes against him and is happy to help his family every time he gets a check for his hardship his family descends on him and takes it all with there hard luck stories and guilt, by the end of the month he has hardly enough to get by. He tells me he is angry about this and he wishes they would change there lives. They have more opportunity than him (he is crippled). He is horrified over the years by the degree of paternalistic, careless and ill-informed “management” of treaty lands and reserves by his own people and family.

I completely agree things have been done that are unacceptable and inhuman but i also believe that any individual native or not must take hold of there own fate for them selves and there children.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:10 pm

And the comments here are pretty tame compared to what I’m used to seeing…but yeah it can be a little draining.

Don Phillipson · December 1, 2011 at 7:59 pm

The insistence (by all parties) that it costs $200,000 or more to build a single family dwelling on Northern reserves mystifies me. We know from various hobbyists that a family can build a livable log cabin from their own resources (local timber and family labour) in less than a year. Could not $200,000 build ten log cabins (with doors and windows and a watertight roof, chinked against draughts) within a year? Such a dwelling was normal everywhere outside the cities during the centuries of early colonization and still common in some places 50 years ago. I see the political problem, that if someone in Attawapiskat got a spanking new city-type house last year, the next person due would want just the same sort of house, and not a log cabin. But I question whether the housing budget could be spread more evenly (and such local facilities as an indoor hockey rink with Zamboni suggest that money has been available that could have been spent on cheaper housing.)

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:11 pm

If you have evidence for construction costs that are lower in a community as isolated, I think we would all like to see it.

Taylor · December 1, 2011 at 8:09 pm

no one should ever feel like it is incumbent upon them to educate people who meet a difficult and confusing topic with hate and ignorance. thank you for choosing to do so and for succeeding so ably and eloquently, and with such understanding.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:13 pm

I think this is more for the people who want to learn…and I think that the bulk of comments demonstrate that this is in fact a need many people have.

The hate and ignorance will always be there. Most of the time I can rise above it, because I know for a fact that our people are incredibly resilient, and inspiring, and no amount of hatred and ignorance has changed that.

Gabriel A · December 1, 2011 at 8:15 pm

i would argue to people who claim that their tax dollars are paying for this crisis have some serious misinformation on where there tax dollars go. The claim that all your tax dollars go to this crisis is fundamentally wrong. Your taxes go into national debt, heathcare, education, old age security, employment insurance, transfers, crown corporations, and defence. Canada had a revenue of 218.6 billion in 2009/10. Canada provided Indian and Northern Affairs just under 7 billion, which is 3.2% of all revenue. In comparison, your tax dollar goes to national debt, heathcare, education, old age security, employment insurance, transfers, crown corporations, and defence. In total, your tax 3 cents is what is left to care for all First Nations in Canada. You solely do not provide all taxes to Canada. Realistically, if you make 50k a year and pay 14k in taxes, you paid $420 in contribution to Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, who provides funding for all Indian Bands across Canada. Since there are around 630 Bands across Canada. You provided about 66 cents to this band to pay for education, healthcare, housing, and social assistance.

This type of living that First Nations live with was forced upon by past governments and even the current government. It was not us who willingly decided that we would consider ourselves wards of the court and put under Canada’s care. It was not us who willingly decided we shall be taken from our homes and put into a society’s way of life forcefully through physical, emotionial, spiritual and mental trauma. So if you feel that your tax dollars are being wasted, blame your gov’ts, not on the First Nations who are surviving on funding that is being dwindled every year. If you think you’re barely surviving when you have a home (rented or owned) with heat, clean water, wastewater management, and ease of access to cheap necessities, try and move yourself to this location that has been well documented of all its deficiencies and see if you can survive with no complaints.

The character of the people are being judged that they do not work hard enough for what they have. I am sure that they worked hard for the shacks they live in. I am sure that they earned the blankets that they cover up with. If they need to work harder for better homes, I am sure each person if asked will work hard.

There is a much bigger issue at hand here as well. There is a mentions of why don’t they just leave and get a job and a home elsewhere. I am sure that some do not want to leave because there is no one else to take care of the family. Some individuals have diseases who cannot work or travel. Alcohol and drug addiction is a disease. I deplore you to take the challenge to change their minds that there is something worth living for after years of being told by the gov’t that they are not a people. The trauma some individuals have gone through are unfathomable by a lot of Canadians. You could not begin to imagine what some have went through. Yet the words, “get a job and work harder”, will somehow magically fix everything. Being healthy and having a healthy environment to live in are one of the few worries that First Nations face. According to the comments on this blog, we have racism, bigotry, disenfranchisement, coloniasm, and pride to beat as well. Where to begin?

Morgan · December 3, 2011 at 9:28 am

Soooo, Canada basically pays 7 billion/year to rent the land our country is on, which returns a net value of 218.6 billion. 3.2% is a pretty sweet rental agreement, if you look at it like that.
I have a lot of conflicting and confusion thoughts and feelings about this situation. Non-natives aren’t happy about being renters; that sense of not-belonging disrupts the bond that many feel after a lifetime or more on this land. And Natives aren’t happy about the terms of this indefinite lease – what other landlord lacks the ability to evict the tenant or raise the rent? We have an uneasy co-existence filled with resentment and guilt, we can’t find a way forward to overcome this Original Sin of the New World. The current situation is like apartheid in South Africa (actually, apartheid was based on our Canada’s reserve system, so it was actually the other way around) and it’s just as flawed. However, the end of apartheid created a black majority rule in South Africa – assimilation would have a very different consequence in Canada. But where’s the way forward? We have to grapple with very big questions like ‘what makes a nation a nation?’ and ‘what does assimilation mean?’ My accolades to âpihtawikosisân for being able to lead an even-keeled discussion on issues that are huge, complex and also intensely emotional.
One other comment directed at people who question why First Nations people stay in remote areas that aren’t economically stable. For starters, we’re the ones who chose the reserve area in many cases and no, some are not great locations. That’s why we doled them out. Yes, that needs fixing, but is doing away with them really the obvious solution? How about a better location like, say, the Toronto Islands or Markham (both areas are unceded lands, so I choose them somewhat randomly but in proximity to a major urban center). No? That’s not really open for discussion? Funny that. Can you imagine why? Secondly, imagine for a moment that our landlords could raise the rent, and we complained that it wasn’t economically viable. Just relocate, they might tell us. Surely there’s someplace else you can move to? And here we have the fundamental problem – we’re arguing about the terms of an agreement that wasn’t exactly consensual was it? The ability to recant or retract the agreement is entirely one-sided. How will we ever find a way out of this mess?

gaber79 · December 9, 2011 at 4:48 pm

Here is a whole blog in regards to your questions Morgan.
http://le7esksw7ecemp.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/landlords-or-prisoners/

hanexs · December 1, 2011 at 8:16 pm

I support you. I will fight with you, in your fight to be equal to all Canadians. So that you have every right all Canadians have. The right to live and work wherever you like, as long as you can afford it. The right to be proud from what you gain with the work from your own hands.

But as long as you fight to have different rights, to be segregated, to be privileged over regular Canadians, I can not support you.

It’s 2012, it’s time to grow up, you deserve no more then any other person on this planet, whether you were “here” first or not.

ojibwe boy · December 1, 2011 at 9:00 pm

thats realy mean
cuz look at what white people did to us
– residental schools (little kids) that plan was to take the native out of the child and they also killed lots of kids and i mean it …………..and hurt them metally and Physically like kids your really sick if you can realy do what they did to little kids you should look it up!!! i meant it please!
– they took away or rights and land and for 40 there was a law that you couldnt do any kind off native event like powwow’s or sing and or drum or anything
– wound and knee they killed almost a whole native nation
– they made us ALIENS in our own land
and i mean it loook this stuff up cuz you will find it and you will under stand more
loook up residental schools and Wound and knee

hanexssso · December 2, 2011 at 5:45 pm

I honestly agree with you 100% … I wish I could write more then that but I do not know what else to say.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:17 pm

Liberal notions of equality as ‘everyone is the same’ which use rights based arguments to further oppress and ignore historical and social context are just a ‘kinder gentler’ force for assimilation.

Do you support the right of women to use urinals? For disabled people to get up the stairs in their wheelchairs like abled people? Don’t bother answering, you aren’t here to have a dialogue, you’re here to look down on people ‘in the name of equality’.

If your support requires that I give up who I am to become more like how you think I should be, then I reject your support utterly.

Bryce Kulak · December 2, 2011 at 3:07 am

100% agree

hanexssso · December 2, 2011 at 5:46 pm

I believe you should have the freedom to be whoever you like.

Kathy · December 2, 2011 at 4:23 pm

“Privileged over regular Canadians” – wow, would you like to trade?

hanexssso · December 2, 2011 at 6:19 pm

Edit: I don’t see much effort being put in on your part to dialogue with anyone here. You began by claiming some pretty inflamatory things, and now you are claiming people are being racist towards you and so on. What you haven’t done is actually address the content of the blog these comments are in reference to. I think I made it clear that I am not going to provide people with a platform to merely ‘get it all off their chest’. As such, this post is removed as it does nothing to engage, but merely seems to be a way of lashing out.

Melissa Pearce · December 2, 2011 at 7:13 pm

Comments about white people are not racist.

One cannot be racist against white people.

White people in Canada, in this context, are not oppressed (I cannot speak for outside North America or the UK). Aboriginal people are.

Congratulations, you are privileged enough to be able to afford to go to your homeland every so often, to see where your ancestors and your family walked. You, unlike most white people, care about where you come from and your genetic background. Great. Good for you. Wonderful.

The majority, as evidenced by comments along the lines of “Why don’t you just pick up and move?”, don’t. Stating “it’s racist to say that!”, aside from being a logical leap due to what I said at the start, is incorrect.

Forcing people from their homes is a terrible idea – Newfoundland has proved that much, for an example that you may better understand – and is a non-solution to the issues at hand. Your tax dollars also go toward Employment Insurance money, the majority of which you will never see, and city services that you will never use, but that other people require. Would you like to cut those off, too?

Your ignorance is appalling and I hope that, one day, you will understand why.

You are no ancestral or spiritual sibling of mine, thank you very much.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:47 pm

I don’t want things to get sucked into a big debate about the statement that, “One cannot be racist against white people” in this comment section. So I am going to direct people to a brief discussion on the topic found elsewhere on this blog where it would be more appropriate to toss the concepts back and forth:

https://apihtawikosisan.wordpress.com/2011/11/10/images-that-make-you-go-hmmmm/#comment-203

Kathy · December 2, 2011 at 7:33 pm

Hanexssso, try very hard to absorb some of what you are reading here. There are many eloquent voices on this blog. We are not all the same. Our experiences are not all the same. It will not make you racist to acknowledge this, quite the opposite!

hanexssso · December 2, 2011 at 7:49 pm

Edit: post removed to prevent further drifting off topic which is becoming increasingly personal.

hanexssso · December 2, 2011 at 9:19 pm

Very fair that posts are “edited” but the commentators responses that I had issue with are not. No need to respond I will not be visiting this blog again.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 9:24 pm

I appreciate that, thank you.

sabotabby · December 1, 2011 at 8:26 pm

You are amazing. Thanks for bringing some hard facts and numbers to combat the shameful bigotry that so many white Canadians display.

Ruthless · December 1, 2011 at 10:44 pm

When two cultures are so different it takes great effort to understand how things work. I don’t think aboriginal peoples should be assimilated but I also think that questioning how a band that takes in 30 million a year couldn’t manage to house at least some of those people is NOT racist. Assuming all of us who are confused, upset and disgusted at this debacle are white is bigotry in itself-there are many colors of Canadians that want answers. For first nations folk on here to blame this situation on the gov’t and white people and refuse to ask tough questions of their peers and leaders is almost as bad as the non aboriginal to blame aboriginals for their lot in life. I believe we as a country owe FN for the suffering they went through, the schools, the abuse, banning of potlatch and other cultural offense – but this is not a simple situation where the government has failed to provide.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:46 pm

I haven’t seen people here calling all non-natives bigots for asking about this.

I have not seen people here saying “this is all the government’s fault, we are saints”. Not one person has suggested there is a simple solution.

In fact, you seem to be importing a lot of your own emotional reactions into this discussion, and I am not sure why you are doing this.

Confused Immigrant · December 1, 2011 at 8:36 pm

Thank you for shedding so much light. I must admit I am quite confused about two points. Firstly why are natives entitled to government support when they don’t pay taxes? I know that you referred other people to a previous post of yours but non-natives who take advantage of the social security blanket (EI, subsidized housing, etc) have had to pay into the system at one point or another by income tax when they worked or will resume work as well as sales taxes. I don’t understand this. Secondly, at the risk of sounding truly ignorant of the facts, weren’t aboriginals conquered by European settlers? Or, did the First Nations peoples agree to give up most of the land in exchange for government assistance?
I would love to understand this in more detail.
Confused immigrant.

Short Chick · December 1, 2011 at 8:39 pm

HI.

I will admit that my question was about why people are subsidized for housing but I did read the post about the problem with getting mortgages as people do not own the land. Why couldn’t the band give leases for the land and then people get mortgages to own their own homes? The band would be generating money for the lease and the person would be able to get a mortgage for a home.

Thanks for helping clarify the issues. This is a great post!

starhC · December 2, 2011 at 1:52 am

I’m not native but I do lease land on a native reserve, and I can tell you that getting a mortgage to build on that land is practically impossible. I am not sure what the situation would be for native people wanting to build their own homes on land leased from their band, but I do think this is worth looking into. If banks make money on mortgages, surely the band could as well. If banks think that giving mortgages for houses on leased land is a bad risk,as they cannot foreclose on the home and hope to sell it to get their money back. But since the band is in charge of housing they certainly could get their money’s worth out of the home by selling it to another band member or renting/leasing it – as obviously there is always need for housing. Interesting solution!

Tybalt · December 2, 2011 at 2:25 am

The biggest problem there, Short, is that lenders have no interest in lending in these isolated communities. The market value of property in an isolated community is low, because few outside the community wish to live there, but it’s compounded by the fact that the bank is barred (by law) from owning reserve lands. So they cannot take mortgage security in the conventional sense.

As a result, even if you wanted to get a mortgage to build a house on an isolated reserve, you’d have a heck of a time getting one.

K · December 1, 2011 at 8:41 pm

Why not go the route of Tsawassen and sign a deal that enables self-governance. If the federal govt isn’t meeting your nees-ditch them.
http://www.gov.bc.ca/arr/firstnation/tsawwassen/default.html

Tybalt · December 2, 2011 at 2:29 am

K, that’s a good idea, but it only works if the government will play ball and negotiate a treaty. In Tsawwassen’s case, that was easy – there was a lot of very valuable real estate (with powerful people living there) whose status was in some doubt due to the treaty issues. And the local courts were beginning to show a recognition and understanding of aboriginal rights in these matters.

That, and that alone, raised the stakes for non-aboriginals sufficiently for the government to act, to come to the table, and negotiate an agreement.

Attawapiskat, to take one example, has NONE of these advantages. And they can’t negotiate a treaty with themselves!

Taking Back Control · December 1, 2011 at 8:47 pm

It is shameful that Canada is deflecting their culpability by portraying First Nation communities as wasteful, unaccountable and somehow crooked.

It is difficult for non-First Nations people to understand housing on reserve. Most can’t understand why First Nation members don’t just pay to build their house. Mortgageability is a right most Canadians enjoy. Other than the CMHC housing program, obtaining a mortgage on-reserve is not available due to the Indian Act limitations.

The problem is not that their is not enough oversight, it is the restrictive archaic Indian Act and the paternalistic condescension of the Federal Government. Canada is most concerned with mitigating their liability, and the result is inaction. Where is Canada’s accountability to First Nations?

Ed · December 1, 2011 at 8:47 pm

The following is a personal email I have sent to John Duncan. It might be of use to anyone else looking for ideas, or even a template, for their own letter/email. Not to say that many of you haven’t already sent your own regards, nor that you don’t have your own ideas to bring up. I just thought I’d put it out there.

Dear Minister Duncan,

I am writing to you regarding the current situation in the Cree
community of Attawapiskat. As a concerned taxpayer, I hope that I will
have your attention for a moment or two.

Frustration at the lack of an appropriate and timely response to the
present crisis has evolved into a sense of shame; I am ashamed to live
in a country as wealthy as Canada that must rely on the Red Cross to
step into a crisis situation and provide relief for the people of
Attawapiskat. The responsibility to take such action clearly falls
under the fiduciary obligations of the Government of Canada.

Taking finances out of the control (albeit partial) of the Band
Council, and requesting an audit of prior finances, will not help the
people who need help now. An appropriate response would be to provide
shelter for the band members who need it. Then, and only then, would
it be appropriate to look into the financial history of this
community. Contempt for alleged misuse of funds, or searching for
blame, will do nothing to solve the present crisis.

Minister Duncan, these people need shelter immediately. And I
respectfully request that you use the tax revenue at your disposal to
go to Attawapiskat at your soonest possible convenience, and tell the
community they will be provided for.

While there, you will also find that the community is still without a
proper school building. As a teacher myself, I find it appalling that,
despite the valiant efforts of the late Shannen Koostachin, this
community is still without access to a proper school.

Finally, Minister Duncan, I am hopeful that the unfortunate
experiences in this community, though by no means isolated, will
prompt a concerted effort on your part, and that of the members of
your department, to find lasting solutions to the decades-old problems
faced by First Nations, Inuit, and Metis people across the country.

I respectfully request a reply to these concerns.

Thank you for your time.

Jim Nickel · December 1, 2011 at 8:49 pm

Wow….what an eye opener. I was completely ignorant of the deplorable way that the Government handles First Nations monies.

We don’t want to see it, so we pretend we can’t see it.

My eyes are no longer closed.

Jim Nickel

Canuckistani · December 1, 2011 at 8:52 pm

Thank you SO much. I really appreciate some true numbers and expertise. I’m unfortunately one who looks at “train wrecks” (i.e. comments) as well. My immediate concern is help, now.

Afterwards, that’s a whole other story, but I hope this experience makes both sides realize there have to be serious changes and concessions.

I had a small screed written about “people” and “societies” in general (we all exhibit the same traits; Aboriginal, European or otherwise – all humans). I hold these opinions very dear, but while you graciously encourage intellectual discussion, I’ll have to bow out of this one…

Tania Lori · December 1, 2011 at 9:11 pm

Dear Khodi Dill,

In response to your very well intentioned summation of the “Dealing with comments about Attawapiskat” put out on November 30, 2011 on the website called Apihtawikosisan, I have a request. I don’t have linguistic accents on my Mac software to name the website correctly. In reference to your break down of funding, put the comparisons in plain English. Most Canadians are not beyond a grade 7 level of education, if you look at the statistics. Therefore, after stating your facts about the basics of the money infrastructure, compare First Nation hospitals and distances of travel to the urban centres. There is a comparison everyone, the Canadian citizens can understand. I believe you are trying to reach the concerned-Canadian citizen not the academic who is invariably hiding away in a closet right now doing an overload of papers for their final term marks.

Furthermore, when you talk about education money per pupil. You need to say where they money is going. For instance, do public high schools get funded for their Indigenous students? How much? And where does it come from?

In addition if you are going to name the “permission” First Nations need to get, name the amount of documents and exactly who and what they have to get documents for in each circumstance. Giving a very general and ambiguous summary is very hard to understand and loses credibility and thus, becomes embarrassing.

Could you consider this? I wouldn’t mind helping you or talking this over with you, if you do not understand. My email address is: tcstarrynight@gmail.com

Thank you,

Tan Lori
Sto: lo First Nation band member

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 9:39 pm

Tan’si,

Khodi Dill is not the author of this blog, I just linked to a poem of his previously:)

I agree that certain topics need to be broken down more. I intend to try to do this, but the various topics mentioned are too complex to try to explain in the kind of detail you’ve described in a single blog post. Minimally I believe that each topic needs to be addressed on its own in separate posts.

This post is indeed intended to be a very general summary, much as most of the media coverage has been general in nature. The intent is not to present myself as an expert on every facet of First Nations issues, because I don’t think there is a single person who can claim such expansive expertise. Whether or not I have ‘credibility’ is not the issue. I am striving for dialogue. A dialogue that has been mostly absent from the mainstream discussion of this particular situation.

I appreciate your comments, and I understand your frustration. Simple, clear, comprehensive information is seriously needed in order for average people to access it and understand some of the fundamental problems faced by First Nations. I am doing what I can to provide some of that information, but I neither intend, nor am capable, of doing it all. If you have written anything on the subject yourself that you would like to share, I would have no problem linking to it.

ay-ay mistahi.

Jay Lambert · December 1, 2011 at 9:13 pm

Wow! Well thought out and written, thanks for taking the time to research this out. The only thing I feel that is missing, that I strongly believe is of relevance, is the administrative overhead incurred by the government in managing these services. Maybe someone else brought this up in the comments but I haven’t yet had a chance to review them all.

Larry Hubich · December 1, 2011 at 9:24 pm

Thank you for this!

David Alexander · December 1, 2011 at 9:31 pm

Great document – puts the media and government to shame. Thanks for compiling.

redward · December 1, 2011 at 9:37 pm

thanks

Mark Lee · December 1, 2011 at 9:38 pm

I just wanted to say thank you for this article. It is beautifuly crafted and helps explain this debacle in a way that the government never will. Thank you for being a voice of reason and clarity in this age of hate speak, intolerance and ignorance.

Stacey McKeown · December 1, 2011 at 9:40 pm

I am non native and have been absolutely disgusted at the victimization in this crisis. How people can be so hateful is beyond me. I appreciate the clarification of the facts that this article provides.
I Will be asking my MP to speak to the irregularities in his parties statements.
Thank you for the time and effort it must have taken in researching and writing this article.

Melody · December 1, 2011 at 9:42 pm

I see your point I do.

I am just always astonished that people see it as being ok to have the band funding for the reserve be the ONLY income they recieve. Sure I get education grants from the government… but that’s not the only money I get. I am in school more than full time and still work a paying job to pay the bills.

So if there’s no work there… move? or create something else to bring in money to the reserve or band. Obviously the money isn’t working right now, and I am aghast that people have to live in such terrible conditions. but the solution can’t be, “we need more tax money”. Because my First Nations friends get paid to go to school, and I’m living on Ramen with huge money in student debt.

The system breeds resentment and racism. I hope I’m not a racist, but I’m sure resentful.

Ruthless · December 1, 2011 at 11:01 pm

I thought the 18 million a year was the only revenue but this article states that the total revenue is about 30 million which makes this even MORE confusing to me

shelley · December 5, 2011 at 7:35 pm

You forgot to mention immigrants…..they probally get more free monies…then the status indain… and …. get treated better from your… average canadian…

Troy · December 1, 2011 at 9:45 pm

I saw a John Ivison article with every rancid argument the trolls are now spewing out the day before the government announced it was sending in third-party management Attawapiskat.
It’d disgusted me, this hatchet job. He couldn’t reach the band because of a ‘busy signal’! My god! The filth he had the oppurtunity to spread! The chief and council should have every right to sue this bastard and his disgusting rag of a newspaper into the next millenium for the worst sort of libel and slander.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:24 pm

A lot of the commentary out there right now is really, really ugly.

The sad thing is, this isn’t new to me. It isn’t new to most of us. We’ve heard the same things our whole lives. I would like more people to realise that, and understand that despite hearing about how lazy, drunk, corrupt, stupid, savage, pathetic, etc we are, a great many of us manage to continue to speak to one another respectfully, and sincerely. It would be nice to get more of that in return.

Luana Klassen · December 1, 2011 at 9:48 pm

Thank you for such a complete yet simple explanation. Non-native people like myself are so in the dark as to how treaties, education etc. work for First Nations people. Most of us want to understand. We are NOT our parents and grandparents in regards to the way we view the world. But we are often hesitant and sometimes downright afraid to ask questions because we feel that maybe our questions will make us appear as bigots. And frankly sometimes we’ve been accused of just that when all we wanted was for someone to finally explain the issues to us, which of course makes us more silent and frustrated in our ignorance than ever. So THANK YOU!
Peace & rest to you. I look forward to following this site in the future.

MARIE VIVIAN FERGUSON · December 1, 2011 at 9:58 pm

MY GITCHI MEEGWETCH FOR YOUR THOUGHTFUL AND WELL RESEARCHED ARTICLE.YOU ARE BLESSED FROM MY HEART.I WILL NOT FORGET YOUR GREAT EFFORT TO RIGHT A WRONG.
SHAME ON THE PRIME MINISTER IN BEING SO INGORANT AND CALLOUS .THE PRIME MINISTER NEEDS TO READ YOUR ARTICLE AND APOLOGIZE AGAIN FOR THIS COUNTRY.
I LIVED THE ATTAWAPISKAT EXPERIENCE IN THE 60-70’S.I AM SAD THAT SO LITTLE HAS CHANGED FOR MY PEOPLE.
VIVIAN

Donna Morrison · December 1, 2011 at 10:07 pm

So glad I read this. It’s exactly how I understand it. By writing this, you have cleared through all the bureaucratic language and clearly stated what actually goes on between a FN and the Federal Government. And….you did it with some humour. Thank you for that. Maybe one thing you could mention in relation to the chief or councillors’ salaries is that they are ON CALL night and day. There is no 8 hour workday for them. I’ve witnessed this time and again.

Jon · December 1, 2011 at 10:10 pm

This a good article in explaining how the First Nations are funded either provincially and/or federally. I am a Leader myself and I see how we First Nations are marginalized by INAC or Provincially funded projects. Here is an example: Under INAC policy any project minor or major over $ 500,000.00 goes to public tender. Consultant/Design Firms are hired through Public tendering process and through this INAC officials are part of the selection process of the contractor. It is also a requirement that a separate bank account for Capital projects be utilized not with the general account of the First Nation and the Project Manager has to re view and authorize a progress payment. The Project Manager submits project reports to INAC and that includes the financial too.First Nations are not allowed to charge an administration fee on any project in their communities. So this is how the Government marginalizes the First Nation so the First Nation would not realize any economic spinoffs from any project.The contractor may hire a handful of locals but mostly labor workers at a minimal wages and 80% of the workforce are the workers of the successful contractor. At the end of the day, the contractor, project manager etc walk out of the community fist full of money but no economic realization of the First Nation. Further the resources that are extracted from our lands we don’t get no royalties or even to have a revenue sharing agreement but the real coffers are both levels of Governments with the royalties they are getting from our land.Do you agree that this picture is wrong? IBA’s are not legislated nor are they required by law. It is only a way to say to the People,here is something for you and these I regard are crumbs under the table.If ALL First Nations or the Governments legislated a Revenue Sharing in ALL Provinces, we as First Nations would have a sustainable future.Look at the shape we are in for the last 500 yrs under the scheme of the Indian Act?
Meeg wetch!

Shelley Smith · December 1, 2011 at 10:17 pm

Although I have Cherokee in my bloodlines, my family chose (or were pushed to) abandon their culture generations before my birth. Fortunately, my profession brought me to a community within 15 minutes of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. My students have taught me an enormous amount about my own culture and our school strives to embrace our native community and highlight Algonquin customs. What many people don’t understand is that the legacy created by the Canadian government is passed down from generation to generation. As teachers, we are teaching students one short generation removed from the residential school system. With each graduating group of students, we gain a little more trust and respect from the community. It is not always easy, and the mistrust is understandable. Due to the actions of our government, I have to work twice as hard to build close relationships with my students and their families, and to work with them to find a balance between their culture, land and customs and their pursuit of education. We have come to a place where the Pikwakanagan First Nation feels at home within our public school and where we welcome their involvement (the school offers Algonquin classes as a second language option and has an educational liaison worker employed by the band full-time on our school staff). The situations our government has created with their funding model, coercive treaties and horrible past practices requires long term solution processes. There is no simple answer but empathy, understanding and a commitment to work together are the only way we will find a solution.

Ruthless · December 1, 2011 at 11:08 pm

People don’t seem to realize residential schools were running in the mid 80’s and it robbed an entire generation of decent parenting skills. I do not begrudge native people this pain, it will take decades to heal. But I want more answers for this than blaming Stephen Harper or IA, because that is a cop out

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 11:12 pm

Then please read the Auditor General’s report, and if possible the recommendations made by the Royal Commission of Aboriginal Peoples. They both offer concrete solutions, identify problems without laying all the blame, and are fairly easy to read. Most people are not approaching this as a ‘either/or’ blame game, no matter how it may look in the House of Commons right now.

Norma · December 2, 2011 at 1:01 am

where can we find these publications?

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 12:11 pm

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples created a smaller document of ‘highlights’ that can be accessed here: http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100014597

The complete 1996 report can be found here: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/webarchives/20071126051037/http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ch/rcap/sg/cg_e.html

The Auditor General’s report was linked to in the above blog post, but here is the link again: http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_201106_04_e_35372.html

JD · December 1, 2011 at 10:21 pm

I’m not First Nations, don’t have a drop of Native blood in me. I’m a European child of a Holocaust survivor. Never even met Natives until I was college. Grew up in a small, insular Jewish community in Montreal and boy did I hear the rants about Native parasites. That said:

I’ve been blessed to have quite a few Cree, Metis and Anishnabe friends in my life, I collect First Nations art (but only that bought directly from the artisan, none of that mass-produced-in-China crap) and admire the First Nations and Inuit of Canada greatly for their beliefs, their sense of history, the culture and art. I’ve worked most of my adult life in industries that let me meet world leaders, Oscar-winning movie stars, globally-known musicians, business leaders, you name it – and no one made me more proud than meeting Elijah Harper at an event where some of my friends were performing for him.

Thank you so much for bringing clarity to the subject. Five of my non-Native friends linked to your article today, and I’ll be the sixth.

Rena Morrison · December 5, 2011 at 9:43 am

Thank you so much for such a positive comment. You have lifted the “heaviness” in my heart today. I am Aboriginal and I so wish that my non-Native friends would write in like you have. Incidently, I was honoured to attend Mr. Harper’s annual Christmas gathering this past Saturday.

Ernie Turner · December 1, 2011 at 10:22 pm

Excellent work as usual and as usual a great voice for those of us with only 99cent words for understanding. Education is always the key to better understanding any and all situations where the money is being controlled for you and you don’t want to rock the boat for fear of losing the meager minus dollars ALL bands receive. Thanks Peter.

TCossier · December 1, 2011 at 10:23 pm

Edit: this post was nothing but hateful vitriol, and as such is not welcome. There was no attempt to address any of the issues, and the language used was particularly foul.

dcoder67 · December 1, 2011 at 10:24 pm

Thank you for this article! It is nice to read something that actually puts it all in perspective. I grew up near a reserve; my dad worked for the band. It was hard seeing what the reserve members went through trying to make a life for themselves – good people trying their darnedest to make it. Harder still to make non-native people understand that nothing is really as it seems when it comes to money. The racism and hatred that some people displayed was horrifying. As a kid growing up I was amazed at how hostile the local people could be to the native people – not all of them, but too many.
I read a post asking about mortgages and ownership of land. The native people can and do own land on the reserves, but since the banks cannot seize said properties, they will never be in a position to offer mortgages since there is no collateral they can collect on if the mortgage goes into default – reserve property is and always will be reserve land. There are mortgage companies that will not deal with you even as a non-native if you try to buy a house within so many kilometers of reserve land. As for the bands generating money for leases and mortgages, it depends on the band and their resources. Take Attawapiskat for example, they have a high unemployment rate, and limited monetary resources. How do they implement a mortgage or lease program? When you have people living in tents, do you want to be the politician that says you have to stay in that tent until you can find a way to pay for a place to live. Even off the reserve we offer people who need it welfare and subsidized housing. Don’t get me wrong, I think mortgages and leases are a good idea, just not feasible for some of the reserves. Perhaps a First Nations bank?
One thing I am curious about is DeBeers. They promised money to the reserve to develop the diamond mine. Has the reserve ever seen any of that money yet? DeBeers seems to have started the mine, polluted the adjacent lands with mercury (bi-product from decomposing foilage stripped off the land as DeBeers started their strip mining procedures) and now it sits and waits. The promise of jobs, the promise of profits from minerals rights – perhaps this is also something the government should follow up on. One has to ask – is DeBeers waiting for the reserve to die so they don’t have to share the wealth?

Diane Rogers · December 1, 2011 at 10:26 pm

Thank you so very much for finally providing the truth of what this devastated reserve is suffering through. You have done many a great service in telling it like it is so we can understand exactly what the true issues are. Assumptions and perceptions cause misunderstandings…hugs to you for your honesty…excellent work….

Gregory Brass · December 1, 2011 at 10:27 pm

You should write a book about the propaganda generated by politicians and various organizations that don’t seem to like First Nations peoples and our communities. I have a suggested working title – a debt of gratitude to Mordecai: “Lies My Conservative Government (and its right-wing friends posing as think tanks and watchdogs) Told The Canadian People” – Dispelling ‘Mis’-facts and Misinformation on First Nations Issues

Keep up the great work!

Rex · December 1, 2011 at 10:27 pm

Edit: sorry, but if you want to engage in a personal attack on me, you can find your own platform.

js · December 1, 2011 at 10:55 pm

thank you for this insightful and resourceful piece. namaste

FN Councillor CC · December 1, 2011 at 10:56 pm

Miigwech and thank you so much for posting this. I am spreading it around. And a huge thank you for deleting the ignorant posts…the whole purpose of your page today. I am sickened by the ignorance of the posts on the national news sites and cannot believe that the “average” Canadian Joe eats up the bs so willingly. It almost becomes a mob mentality there.

âpihtawikosisân · December 1, 2011 at 10:59 pm

I know that no matter what I do, I’m going to get flak from some people. The public discourse is already full of hate and accusations and I don’t feel any pressing need in the name of ‘free speech’ to allow that to continue here. There have been many people here who question what I’ve written, or what others have said, yet who have done so in a respectful manner. I don’t see any reason to delete their posts, because they actually seem to want to discuss the issue rather than just getting angry and lashing out. Hopefully people understand the difference and act accordingly.

I think for the night, I’m going to change the settings so that all comments have to be pre-moderated. That way if a bunch of trolls decided to post hateful things, I can weed it out before putting the posts up. I don’t need it, and neither do the rest of us. People making legitimate contributions on any side of the debate will still get their words out there in time.

MikaB · December 1, 2011 at 11:04 pm

This doesn’t surprise me. As I learn more about the history of the relations between the Canadian government and the Aboriginal people of this land I get more and more angry and frustrated. We really do need to teach the history properly in schools, we all deserve to know the truth. I believe that there would be less racism and more understanding if aboriginal history was taught properly and the average Canadian knew the atrocities that have been inflicted on Aboriginal people since colonization. It has certainly explained a lot to me about the current situation.

patmcramsden · December 1, 2011 at 11:38 pm

It all starts and ends with education. We don’t even tell them the truth. In a country like Canada there should be.. no them! only us.

Andrew Johnston · December 1, 2011 at 11:12 pm

we should ask canada for help, nevermind the governments, ask the people for help, the governments dont seem to care at the moment

Teddy Ryan · December 1, 2011 at 11:20 pm

Please hold on to your courage. Ignorance is an enormous battle and you’ve done a magnificent job of explaining an awful lot of issues. This seems to be the time when we are going to learn about aboriginal lives/culture/history and reality – and we have so much to learn. God help us if we leave it to our government to teach us. Thank you for taking such pains to explain this to the nation..I’m sharing on FB and will keep on talking to everyone who’ll listen. Please keep up your strength and god bless your courage.

Janet · December 1, 2011 at 11:20 pm

Chi-meegwetch for this article. When I heard the comment the PM made about ‘where the money has gone’, I was like wth – as if he didn’t know, all first nations ‘must’ file their annual reports each year to INAC and INAC then reports to the government, and those audits posted by Chief Spence is what INAC receives. Thank you very much for your insightful and informative resources – a much needed dialogue. I highly recommend this read for all those who don’t understand the processes and plights ‘we as first nations’ must endure needlessly. Keep up the excellent work !!

John · December 1, 2011 at 11:25 pm

I will never deny that aboriginal people have been mistreated in Canada in the past. I will also not deny that racism still exists in certain circles in Canada etc…I’m saying this first because as soon as you open your mouth and question how things run on reseves and within aboriginal communities there is a side of people in Canada/a certain side of the political spectrum that automatically calls you racist in this country. Same thing goes wth issues like multiculturalism etc….

My question is this….the govt of Canada has never bought me a home and never will. Why is it that others have there homes provided or can request their’s be fixed up/repaired? I have to take my hard earned dollars and pay for repairs or go down to the local hardware store when my home needs repairs. How is it my fault and others if someone destroys or neglects their home?

Lastly, I have a few aboriginal friends who are educated, have good jobs and have their own home. These people are examples to others, not just other aboriginals, and it is time for some people to see the light. That’s not ust aimed at aboriginal people, that’s aimed at anyone. Canada is a country full of oppurtunity…student loans, training allowances, training programs etc, education for all regardless of colour, sexual orientation etc….Use and be part of the system or you don’t. There is no excuse for anyone to not be happy and a success at whatever you enjoy. Time for a change, time for people to accept that change.

patmcramsden · December 1, 2011 at 11:43 pm

âpihtawikosisân…. Thank you!

In truth.. to those who are not blind…there is no ” they”.. only an “us”
Education will bring us together.

steve brearton · December 1, 2011 at 11:46 pm

Beautifully reasoned post. Thank you.

Brad S · December 1, 2011 at 11:50 pm

Thank you for posting this. I wish people were more educated on this issue before speaking. I know I wasn’t. It hurts to read the ignorant, prejudiced comments people are leaving on various news articles.

Murray Campbell · December 1, 2011 at 11:50 pm

Thank you for the excellent information. I too am tired with all the knee-jerk hyperbole that is currently “available” on this subject, and which makes having an informed and intelligent discussion nearly impossible.

Chelsea Morka · December 1, 2011 at 11:52 pm

thank you for putting this together and posting this.

Nicola Smith · December 1, 2011 at 11:58 pm

Why don’t they leave? Hmmm. Well, I cannot speak for First Nation peoples and their reasons, but I have my own answer for that one. I am living in my third country now. I was the first generation of my family born in the country of my birth, but that doesn’t make it any easier to leave my home, my friends, and my family behind. Every place I leave I must leave every memory I have, all the people I’ve grown to know and love, part of my history. And that’s just speaking from the viewpoint of one lifetime, one generation, moving to places that were supposed to be easier to live in, speaking the same language and with comparable cultures. It isn’t easy to rebuild a home, and there’s no guarantee that life will be any better somewhere else even if you’re going from a third-world country to a first world one, which I did. They told me the roads were paved with gold. They believed this. I got there and found myself living in a house with mice in the oven and mould growing up the walls, and drug dealers in the park over the road. I’d been better off in the third world, at least there I had friends and family who would’ve taken me in if I needed it. I wasn’t forced to leave home either through financial necessity or political expediency, it was my choice to go, but I will never call it an easy decision to make and I would always caution people not to assume their life will automatically be better because of it.

Catherine (@cat_simmons) · December 2, 2011 at 4:17 am

I relate to this completely.

As an immigrant to Canada, from the UK 10 years ago, I thought it would be fairly easy to integrate into a country where English was spoken and everything seemed very similar.

On the surface it seems so but there are far deeper connections with the land you are born into, and also the land your ancestors walked. It’s viceral and very difficult to put
into words.

Three years ago I went back to visit the place in England where I spent my first 6 years and where my Grandparents spent their lives. It’s not a great part of the city, run down, depressed, subsidised housing, but I felt a huge pull in my heart. The people spoke with the accents I had heard in the womb and in my first days of life…their humour matched mine perfectly and although they weren’t strictly speaking “all my relations” I felt a connection that I will never feel anywhere else. It’s not a place I would ever go back to live…but there is a deep connection that can never be erased by the power of thought or will alone…

Paulette Halliday · December 2, 2011 at 12:44 pm

I am also an immigrant to Canada. I have been here 43 years now. I am always aware I am not a native, but I can say this nation is as close to home as I am ever going to get. In order to understand Canada, I listened to CBC radio–the ordinary one–and I watch only CBC TV. I am not biased–ha ha–I just don’t get any other chanels on my TV. I try not to watch anything made in the USA, especially cops and robbers shows because their laws are different and I am trying to learn Canadian stuff. I think Rick Mercier and 22 Minutes and David Suzuki and Fifth EState and shows like that have the Canadian point of view or essence.

Someday when you have been here long enough, when you come back to Canada from a trip somewhere else, you will suddenly know that Canada is home now and you could never go back to anywhere else.

Canada is full of flaws, like the situation on reserves. We need to continually keep this problem on the minds of our parliament. We must bring it constantly to their attention they are disgracing us in the eyes of the world–they cannot seem to understand it in terms of heart–would they allow themselves or their loved ones to live in such conditions? But perhaps international shame will have some effect.

Sam · December 1, 2011 at 11:58 pm

Thank you! Meegwitch!

Maryanne MacDonald · December 2, 2011 at 12:07 am

Thank you.
I too have gone in to the swamp of the comment section and left feeling stained. There is so much hate and anger.
I did leave with a gift though, and that was a link to your site. You have ignited a spark of hope and for that I am truly grateful.

Best wishes to you and may your voice ring loud and clear over the din of hate.

Lauralee · December 2, 2011 at 12:10 am

Thank you for providing this.

And for not ignoring all those comment threads – I have several times been told that I should avoid the agravation and just not go there – but if we all do that, how can we ever hope to overcome the gross ignorance out there?

It is always my hope that something I post in such threads might seep through to at least one or two people – they might not agree, but perhaps it might be enough to make them stop and THINK for a moment.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 12:14 am

I do it to, with the same hope. Sometimes I feel I’m getting through, but usually not. I’m feeling the pressure here too, a kind of ‘explain it all to me right now or you’re a big liar!’. Except that’s not what I’m here to do. I’m not here to make everything make sense, because it doesn’t make sense. We have to do that together.

suezoo39 · December 3, 2011 at 3:45 am

Thank you for what you are doing.

I feel like I’ve found a safe place to ask questions and learn.

This mess wasn’t created in a day, there is no pressure to answer all our questions immediately. This is going to be a long conversation.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 7:09 am

Whew, I honestly needed to hear that. I need to know that people aren’t going to demand ‘all the information right now or I’m losing interest forever!’, because it’s literally been a full time job these past few days just keeping up with comments!

Fancy · December 2, 2011 at 12:18 am

Further to your excellent discussion, most people are unaware that INAC regions have frequently had to raid capital funding for housing and infrastructure to make up for shortfalls in funding for education, child and family services, income assistance, assisted living, and other social programming. The 2009 Impact Evaluation on Income Assistance, National Child Benefit Reinvestment, and Assisted Living lays it out in section 3.3.1 (available on the AANDC website).

It’s hard to keep up with the housing demand when the regions can barely afford to pay for the basics of living.

emkfeminist · December 2, 2011 at 12:18 am

Thank you so much for taking the time, not only to write this articulate blog post, but to patiently discuss these issues with all of your many, many commenters. I will be spreading this post far and wide in an effort to combat some of the misinformation being spread by news outlets like the National Post.
I will also be making a donation to the Red Cross to help with the housing crisis in Attawapiskat; the link is here if others would like to do the same: http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=41678&tid=001 Obviously, this is a temporary, stop-gap measure during a declared state of emergency; the government must make MAJOR changes to prevent things like this from happening again.
Thanks again; I’ll be following your blog from now on!

Laurie Harding · December 2, 2011 at 12:25 am

This is a Major Learning Opportunity- Begin to understand the complexities and the REALities facing Aboriginal people that implicates all Canadians. Please, do NOT have an opinion, unless it is an informed one.

chad gottfriedson · December 2, 2011 at 12:35 am

Indian and Northern Affairs has been failing us for decades, Indian and Northern Affairs has the second largest Budget in Canada all the money stays in Administration before it goes to the first nation community : example our education, health, land claim, Sharing the land revenue etc has to be dealt with , it states in our Charter of rights they have to serve and provide us those programs : in my opinion they (government) have been failing the first nation. The AFN is failing there job to hold the government accountable for those programs.
c. gottfriedson

landoncreasy · December 2, 2011 at 12:43 am

Thank you for your research and patience with folks who are clearly reacting without thinking. I too, wondered where the heck the money went… I will freely admit that I wondered this without any idea of what, beyond education costs, it would go to, if not infrastructure.

Clearly the arguments surrounding governance structures, management and audit results is for another day. Today’s focus must be on resolving the living conditions as quickly as is possible!

Once again, thank you for answering all of my questions in one spot!

Anne Gillan · December 2, 2011 at 12:45 am

Thank you so much for laying this out so clearly and forcefully, I appreciate the education.

Carole · December 2, 2011 at 12:49 am

As many commentators said before me, thank you for this insightful, researched, fact-filled post. Too many people make assumptions without understanding a fraction of the story and the history between First Nations people and the Government of Canada.
For anyone interested, an excellent read by a Canadian historian, J.R. Miller, is Lethal Legacy: Current Native Controversies in Canada. It explains through examples and stories this history that is so little known by most Canadians.

Mer · December 2, 2011 at 12:50 am

I have to comment, because I have been struggling with ignorant people lately. The more I become educated on these matters the more frustrating it becomes to listen to people and their unfounded opinions. You are SO right that nobody is educated regarding the Indian Act, or Indian rights in Canada. My husband is native and had an angry police officer put a gun to his head because he (my husband) was duck hunting on RESERVE land. The officer had NO knowledge of my husband’s rights in this matter and confiscated all his (registered) guns and treated him like a criminal. At the very least we should educate our RCMP and municipal police on these matters before someone gets killed. How will whites ever truly undersand anything about ‘Reserves’ and the Native people without being educated on the matters? It frustrates me to hear people’s ideas on how to ‘fix things’ when they don’t even understand the problems.
I speak as an average caucasian Canadian married into a Native family.
Please, continue to spread the word, maybe it will raise some awareness for all bands across Canada.

Proud to be..... · December 2, 2011 at 1:08 am

My fore bearers arrived in this country from Holland and Britain over a century ago. Unlike many I am not opposed to say that I am ashamed of the way they treated those that were already here. The wars that they fought in their homeland before they arrived gave them the advantage they needed to prevail in taking the lands from the aboriginal peoples.
I read your comments, although not completely, but I did notice a disturbing comment. On several occasions, I noted your reference to the FN relations with the Crown. This is a legal description only now. Fact is that the people of Canada “ARE” the Crown. This inclused the FN people who would seek to sever this tie. FN relationship with all Canadians requires an inclusive and open dialog. It is we who determine the people who will make the decisions that affect how issues are dealt with. It is we who will determine which issues are a priority. It will be we who set the course that this country will take moving forward. By we, I include the bigots and the ignorant s and so must you.
I appreciate the education, but, being from Alberta, where many reserves flourish and have become self-sustaining, I would postulate that location is everything. The reserve being discussed in this post will likely never become self sustaining. It is far too isolated, and in truth, if that is the land that originally had been a home for any tribe, they would have been forced to abandon it long ago. Simply put, resources would have dwindled and life would have become unsustainable. The alternative would have been that the tribe would have died off. i would liken it to a school of fish eating all the available food in one location. They move on and find another source, there is no choice.
Native peoples history shows a nomadic lifestyle, not an attachment to a piece of land. Those that I have known, have a deep respect for traditional burial grounds (which of us doesn’t?) and speak longingly of old hunting grounds, but they never speak of owning land. Rather they speak of using it and existing in harmony with it. I believe it is the very housing which you point to as being lacking, that is the thing that roots them to this place. Realistically, this land would not be desecrated by developers due to the isolation, and I’m sure there would be little objection by the people of Canada, to setting it aside as a protected area, even one accessible to FN alone. Why is there not some talk of relocating the reserve to a more productive site.
I believe that we need dialog, and that we need to find a solution to many of the issues raised, but if the premise of the solution begins with the unyielding stance that moving cant be a part of the solution, I fear that the rest is moot. I am not speaking out of ignorance when I say that home to a FN person is a tent with a dirt and skin floor and a fire in the centre. A house is a white mans convention that the FN people have adopted. I do not believe that the treaties promised housing since when they were negotiated, housing was not a concept that the FN poeples understood. I also doubt that they had a lot to say about clean water, education or health care. To be blunt, those that initiated these treaties were only interested in acquiring territories for as little in return as they could get away with, and were most certainly short sighted. The FN people had concerns such as fishing and hunting rights and were isolationists that just wanted to be left alone so I very much doubt that they had any interest in discussing anything else.
In the time since those treaties were signed, there has been a shift in attitude by both sides. FN people have come to want what most of us take for granted today. Education, heath care, access to electricity and communications, clean water and sewage, and many of the “comforts” like cars, nice homes and entertainment. non-native people have made equality and human rights a priority in conducting themselves.I believe that we are all entitled to pursue these things as we see fit. That we should all have the right to expect our Government to oversee and regulate the provision of the necessities, and even to pay for or subsidize them. But I believe this is the right of all “Canadians”
Isn’t it about time that FN peoples began to be a little more inclusive? Being in Montreal, you can surely feel the resentment so many Canadians have towards the separatist in Quebec. I am a proud Calgarian, I am also a proud Albertan, but I am Canadian above all. I can travel this country freely from PEI to Vancouver Island and am always home. I can travel to almost anywhere in the world and be accepted and welcomed as a Canadian. Why is it so hard for FN peoples to call themselves Canadian? After all Canada is a native word. Once that shift occurs, we non-natives will have no choice but to stand beside you and fight for you. I think it is long past time that you claim your birthright, not just as FN peoples, but as Canadians. I will never abandon my heritage as a Brit and a Scot, and I do understand the ties to my roots, and to the land where my father was born and many of my ancestors are buried, but my home is here and thus I AM Canadian. Aren’t we all?

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 7:35 am

A lot of misconceptions in this post (really? We were all nomadic? You need to brush up on your history). I approved this post not because I think it is helpful, or full of information that is worth sharing, given how extremely inaccurate it is, but rather because it does an excellent job of highlighting the kinds of things many Canadians believe. THIS is the kind of thing we need to change, as a nation. This is what we are up against…a very deep rooted series of myths about not only aboriginal peoples, but about Canadian history in general.

Nicola Smith · December 2, 2011 at 11:40 am

Even me, an immigrant of a whole 5-years standing, knows that not every First Nation tribe was nomadic, so not despair! Have you read any Louise Erdrich, by the way? I just studied one of her books, “Tracks”, in a Magical Realism class and loved it. That was a great class for learning things about colonialism and native cultures in the Americas.

lampro2008 · December 2, 2011 at 11:40 am

Actually you are also free to travel to quite a bit further east than PEI, and would be just as warmly welcomed in any community in Newfoundland.

On topic: The biggest impediment to change and healing for both the Government and the FN is the political will to do what is needed. The Government is ultimately accountable to the voters and as long as the ignorance and stereotypes are perpetuated on both sides, that political will is never going to gain traction. Education and reconciliation is needed and this starts with children. This generation can get the process started and lay the foundation, but it is the next generation and future generations that will ultimately close the gap. But we have to give them a solid foundation from which to grow.

Joseph · December 2, 2011 at 1:28 am

Thank you so much! You said so clearly what many reasonable and articulate Canadians wanted to see in the news. Please continue to do more. We are grateful.

RebaVerrall · December 2, 2011 at 1:28 am

I learned so much from this, thank you very much! Please do keep educating us, such a needed voice in all the adversarial chaos.

Denis L · December 2, 2011 at 1:30 am

Nice article. I am not native in any way, and often am unhappy with a lot of the stories that come out. Its nice to see actual facts explaining the situation, and fighting the stereotypes. Good on you! The more you know, the better off everyone is 🙂

maryam · December 2, 2011 at 1:43 am

to echo what so many have already said…THANK YOU for writing this

Amber · December 2, 2011 at 1:46 am

I haven’t had time to read through all the comments yet, but am very pleased to see that intelligent and thoughtful debate can exist on the internet. This is an incredibly complex issue, and the dynamics at play are so vast that it requires multiple conversations, and a desire from everyone across Canada to hear all points of view.

I know this isn’t exactly the same situation here, but maybe those who can’t understand why people, no matter who they are and what their culture is, choose to “stay” someplace and can’t fully understand one’s ties to their native lands might want to watch this documentary by John Pilger called Stealing a Nation, about the people of the Chagos Islands and the effects of being removed from their lands. http://www.johnpilger.com/videos/stealing-a-nation Perhaps this will help to start shedding some light on some of the delicate issues at play, and can bring forth the questions and concerns brought up from this documentary and putting it an Aboriginal/First Nations context to help shape this debate.

Wally · December 2, 2011 at 1:46 am

Thank you for enlightening me. I have been following this story ever since it broke and have attempted to inform myself. You cleared up some confusion for me especially regarding how reservations and native communities are governed and administered. In addition I can see more clearly where the Government of Canada’s response to this crisis to date is a continuation of a most shameful and intolerable charade.

George Will · December 2, 2011 at 1:48 am

Come on… You claim to be presenting the facts with “No spin”, and yet you’re comparing the salaries of a “Mayor” of a town with less than 2,000 people, which is basically a part-time job, to the Premier of the most populous province in the country. You’re pulling random jobs out of the air, from a much larger municipality, whose management requires much more expertise and experience than a small village.

What you should have done, if you weren’t trying to spin the story, and were trying to present the facts, would be to make a more reasonable comparison. Kingsville, Ontario for example. Population of 20,900, and the Mayor takes home $27,052 per year. Look across the board at communities of similar sizes, and you’ll notice that $71k is much, much higher than the average.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 7:26 am

Please don’t put words in my mouth. I have never claimed to ‘have no spin’ or no bias. We all do. My spin is this: people don’t understand enough about the issues, and end up pointing fingers at First Nations people and hurling accusations. What’s worse is we apparently have a Prime Minister and other members of government who are willing to play up to this rather than helping Canadians learn more about the situation.

No, in fact I was not comparing the salary of Chief Spense to the premier of Ontario. I brought up the premier’s salary because the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has been raising a big stink lately over chief’s salaries being higher than the premier’s. Since so many are questioning salaries right now, I put the recent comments into a wider context. I hope this helps clarify things for you.

I am getting a little tired of people telling me what I should have done, to be honest. Any one of you is free to do the research I have done, and to ‘spin it’ based on your ‘bias’ if you wish. I was clear about what information I lacked at the time I wrote the piece.

If you can provide a source for the salary you have mentioned, please do, because I have been asking for exactly that kind of information. I would love to “look across the board at communities of similar sizes”, but was unable to find any data yet. Do you have some that we can look at?

Taking Back Control · December 2, 2011 at 9:52 pm

A First Nation Chief and First Nation administration, even from a small community, have the roles and responsibilities similar to municipalities, however they also manage duties similar to both the provincial and federal government.

First Nations manage social programs, health programs, recreational programs, conservation, welfare, economic development, elder care, daycare, fire protection, membership, housing, lands and resources, child welfare, education (elementary, secondary and post secondary, employment, food banks, women shelters, infrastructure, public works, water and septic/waste water systems, road management and maintenance, wills and estates, cemetary, etc. etc. etc. And all this without the policy structure that is standard and provided for by provincial governments.

In addition to this a Chief is also the community leader who is required to be counsellor, a dispute resolution advisor, a public relation representative, a mediator, a negotiator, and an advocate. It is a full time, on call 24/7 job, that usually only has a 2 year term. It is a physically, emotionally and intellectually demanding life.

MJ · December 2, 2011 at 1:51 am

seriously somebody needs to pay you a $100,000+ not only for writing the post but taking the time to patiently and graciously educate so many folks that commented in innocent sounding but still settler-colonialist ways on your post. thanks for your gift of patience and generosity in engaging anyway.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 7:20 am

I am of the opinion that my article should have been unremarkable. I am not happy that it is the opposite, because it points to the extreme lack of understanding out there.

Lisa · December 2, 2011 at 1:55 am

Excellent!thank you for sharing my brain will stop spinning trying to do some of the same! How do we reference?

Jess · December 2, 2011 at 2:02 am

As a Metis, I’m always at lost when someone asks me why are the Natives the way they are. I just don’t know what to say. But your blog has helped me gain an understanding of the the tip of the iceberg that is entrenched with so much history that it’s difficult just to make a statement. Thank you.

Cheryl Wingert Hornoi · December 2, 2011 at 2:05 am

Wow!! I came here by way of George Stroumboulopoulos’s website (I think I spelled that right).

I had no idea of the way things work (or don’t in this case) with the Government and First Nations Reserves. I didn’t realize how little I know of the facts,and obviously, I’m not the only one.

Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to put this out there.

I can’t believe things were allowed to get this bad, it sickens me. As for moving away, a person should not have to…it doesn’t matter if they have a connection to the land or not. Their leaders and gov’t should provide for him/her as they should any other Canadian. Everyone has the right to basic necessities, and being in this country, I feel we have the right to ask and expect beyond that.

Big Sean · December 2, 2011 at 2:07 am

This is a very good post, thank you. One factual error should be noted. You state that s.64(1) of the Indian Act means the Minister of Indian Affairs approves all the Band’s spending. That section only relates to “capital monies”, which is defined in s.62:”All Indian moneys derived from the sale of surrendered lands or the sale of capital assets”. Our chiefs and councils are free to spend most of the money received from INAC and most other sources however they see fit (for better or worse)

Taking Back Control · December 2, 2011 at 10:07 pm

There are no discretionary funds for First Nation. Most programs are funded by way of Contribution Agreements, either year to year or three, five or ten year agreements. The funds are earmarked for the scope of the agreements, so education funds are to be used for education, housing for housing, band support for band support, economic development for economic development…

The agreements are usually Set Funding (funds can only be redirected within the same sub-sub activity with the written permission of the Minister, and Flexible Funding has the flexibility to reallocate funds within the program authority. And all require strick reporting.

Anny · December 2, 2011 at 2:09 am

I am deeply honoured by your words and your efforts to be clear, understanding and helpful in your post. I found it very respectful. I think perhaps it IS time… to address nation building. I see no reasons NOT to create a nation aborigional party to run in the election. It is ]futile to try to fix what is so completely broken that it doesn’t even know it’s broken or how it got that way.

“We can’t address nation building, the application of indigenous laws, proactive community planning or anything else until we have enough to eat, clean water to drink, and a roof over our head.”

I would also just like to point out that we are all…every one of us, native to this mother earth. No one dropping in from the sky. We are indigenous to this planet. We must all live to treat the land, all living things and each other with honour and respect. Ancient history… the ancient, ancient history, speaks of all cultures living together peacefully and interweaving… and sharing stories, lives, trade. for thousands of years before hatred, greed, avarice, jealousy, can along and we turned it into the ‘modern world’.

Anlina Sheng · December 2, 2011 at 2:13 am

Thank you, this is one of the most accessible, educational piece of writing I’ve read in a long time.

Philippe Theriault · December 2, 2011 at 2:15 am

Thank you so very much for explaining everything clearly.

As a non-native, I want to say that I am sick to my stomach reading the flood of ignorant comments from my fellow citizens.

I am so sorry that native people have to read and be hurt by these comments.

I really want our governments to step up to the plate and do what is necessary to aid Attawapiskat.

But most important, I would really love it if my fellow Canadians had a little more empathy and a little less ignorance towards their fellow man.

I feel gutted by this event and our reaction to it.

Aaron Paquette · December 2, 2011 at 2:34 am

Thanks for this. I shared it with everyone I know.

Hai hai

Bryce Kulak · December 2, 2011 at 2:57 am

Very balanced and well informed and a good explanative style; keep up the wonderful writing, you are making a difference by taking action! 🙂

P. Reed · December 2, 2011 at 2:57 am

Thank you for your very informative post. I, as a non-native, am very troubled by the ignorance and lack of empathy shown in some of the comments sections. I can only hope that this is the viewpoint of a small minority of Canadians.

Sean Preston · December 2, 2011 at 3:05 am

This is a fantastic introduction into a set of issues that, as a proud Canadian, I’ve been shamefully ignorant of. It took me several hours to read through the article and follow all of the links, but I feel all the more informed for it. Thank you. Your diplomacy and candor are greatly appreciated. I now feel much better equipped to ask intelligent questions and investigate further.
Judging by the resulting discourse following your article, I think you’ve done many people a great service–First Nations and non-natives alike.

Jon A · December 2, 2011 at 3:22 am

One thing to have a handy reference guide; it’s quite another to get out and use it. Say, do you think our elected officials would take offense if we told *them* how to run their how-to-do’s?

http://www.parl.gc.ca/SenatorsMembers.aspx

elina · December 2, 2011 at 3:25 am

Thank you so very much for this post – so thoughtful, clear and informative. I’ve been overwhelmed with sorrow (and anger!) reading through the racist and ignorant comments all over the web – and thinking of how horrible many Indigenous people must feel reading the same junk. I think most Canadians truly don’t know the basic history of colonization in this country, and less so do they have a respectful and/or accurate understanding of Indigenous peoples histories. I’m so glad to be able to repost this!

David Dudgeon · December 2, 2011 at 3:33 am

Well done, thank you for this.
This is something that must be corrected immediately and then the whole “native issue” dealt with in a meaningful and conclusive manner. It appears self government is the final solution, the logical solution.
I find it odd, yet natural, that all the healing and understanding must come first from the victim and then spread to the general population.
Anyone who would like to get a bit of insight to the problems faced by natives can read The Dispossessed-life and death in native Canada by Geoffrey York. This book outlines the attempted physical and cultural genocide of our native peoples which was government policy and i fear still is to a large extent. It also deals with the peoples and their connection to the land and family and community, which really are one. It delves into so much more but this nonsense of “Why don’t they just move?” is answered quite handily in the book, however i can’t understand how anybody could not understand why they should stay. Without home you have nothing.

Catherine (@cat_simmons) · December 2, 2011 at 4:20 am

This by far the best blog post and comment thread I have seen on this.
Thank you so much âpihtawikosisân and everyone who has contributed.
Keep up the good work 🙂

Nic Slater · December 2, 2011 at 5:52 am

These days, if Harper didn’t do it, then it’s all wrong and must be destroyed. Small consolation, I know, especially when this type of politics so destroys communities and civil society across this land.

Thanks for the article. Very well done!

Paulette Halliday · December 2, 2011 at 6:12 am

Thank you for your efforts to clarify a very tangled situation. I had been trying to make sense of it by reading a government report forund here
http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100016328
After several tries, I thought I was going crazy and contacted my daughter who also tries to figure out what is going on. She referred me to you. Whew! I am not crazy after all 🙂

Do not give up. At some point international attention will begin to terrify the persons who should be taking appropriate action.

Sharon Fitzpatrick · December 2, 2011 at 6:25 am

Why can’t journalists do this kind of research? I used to live in the USA, and when I would return to Canada the first thing I’d do is turn on the news. Cdn journalism used to at least TRY to get the facts, now it seems they grab a number like $90 million and drop it in our laps. No facts to back it up, just a big plop!!! Thanks for doing all this research, it must have taken you a long time. I will share your piece with everyone I can. I lived in a Metis community in Alberta as a teacher, I know the good, I know the not-so-good. Soon you will hear that the awesome women who is leading this community will be ill. They have so much weight on their shoulders, they work day and night, everyone goes to them with their problems. They want to serve their community but the issues are so many, mostly around funding, that the leaders crash and burn far too many times. Thanks again, great writing. Why aren’t you writing for a national newspaper?????

Steve · December 2, 2011 at 6:45 am

I appreciate the tone of your article and the effort to deal in facts. Two that require adjusting are: 1. federal hospitals, Sioux Lookout has one (until recently seperate facility, now a joint with the province; Moose Factory may be another, my experience up there is a tad out of date) and salaries, the Chief’s salary would be tax free (not that it would make a huge difference, however, simply stating nominal values isn’t apples to apples).

What i still don’t have a grasp of is (even after your article): why there are reserves in the first place? If it is to allow the preservation of an aboriginal way of life, then why are they getting $17 M per annum in federal funding? I ask that without any malice. What modern benefits should be offered to (thrust upon?) the Natives without the modern responsibility to pay for them? If they can’t pay for them (obviously Attiwapiscat has very limited opportunity for industry & wealth creation) what sort of existence is being subsidized by the funding of remote reserves? Aren’t the Natives of remote reserves left in limbo with one foot in the modern world and one foot in a traditional way of life? That by its self may not be an issue, but isn’t the result of years of external funding (with little of no localopportunities) that the remote reserves are a a series of miniature welfare states, with all the social problems that accompany every welfare state that society has seen?
If so, how do we get out of this welfare trap? If not, then i with draw my question.

Thank you.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 10:10 am

This huge question is one that needs to be addressed much better in our schools to be honest. I will keep trying to explain things, and talk to people about issues, but I can’t do it alone. The fact that you ask this sincerely, highlights how there is a need for information, a desire for it. I thank you for wanting to know, and I ask for your patience because this is not a learning experience that will take you a few hours, or even a few days. It is a learning experience that, at the very least, encompasses the history of this nation. Keep asking, keep looking, keep digging.

Athapee · December 2, 2011 at 12:47 pm

Currently reading a book called ‘Dances with Dependency: Out of Poverty through Self-Reliance” Calvin Helin. This may shed some light on how to get out of the welfare trap. Thank you Apihtawikosisan for sharing your knowledge, by the way what does your cree name translate to?

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 1:26 pm

It means literally “half son” in Cree, and is a common term for a Métis person. It is not my ‘name’, but a nod to the language and to who I am:)

Jan Johnstone · December 2, 2011 at 7:12 am

thank you!

Aakil Ade · December 2, 2011 at 7:29 am

it is so important to know more than the headlines

Danna Gifford · December 2, 2011 at 7:37 am

Thank you for presenting the facts.

aspearce · December 2, 2011 at 8:59 am

Lovely – thank you so much for taking the time to spell this out.

L Peters · December 2, 2011 at 9:25 am

thank you âpihtawikosisân. Thank you.
When I first heard about the Attawapiskat emergency (and how it embodies the indignity that First Nations communities are subjected to in Canada) the part of me that is proud of my country had the sharp shock of pain to a chronic but untreated wound. I feel this blog itself has become a source of hope for that Canadian-shame to change into justice.*

I am (as a sympathetic and inquisitive ‘settler-Canadian/Albertan-abroad’) extremely grateful for the information you have presented and the way in which you have done so. Not only in the original post but subsequent comments and responses have really provided a great source of knowledge that is thoughtful, accessible and meaningful. (Also thank you to the many other comment-ers who have given additional resources and information to help foster understand of the initial and deeper issues.)

I truly hope that there will be action like you (and others) have suggested: support the Red Cross efforts, educate all Canadians about First Nations people/reservations/Indian Act, demand Aboriginal Affairs improve their ministry as per the Auditor General’s recommendations and take every chance we have to dialogue to promote understanding and build relationships.

All the very best to you âpihtawikosisân and all the rest of you who have come here to learn – now we must take action! I do hope to hear more from you on this blog or otherwise: you are inspiring many people.

—
*don’t get me wrong I am grateful for my country but feel so ashamed when we are touted as “Human Rights Champions” but then hypocritically let these systemic abuses and inequalities plague so many of our own neighbours-at-home.

John Paul · December 2, 2011 at 10:21 am

The industry paid an estimated $11.5 billion to federal and provincial/territorial government’s taxes (corporate) in 2008 and that is only one industry. It does not include diamond mining, gold mining, zinc, nickel and copper mining. Oh yes, hydro makes a lot of money by building dams and hydro one personnel get luxury wages including Ontario Energy Board luxury salaries. Let’s say the industry revenue makes $60 billion a year (-/+). That’s a lot for corporate taxes and if we use 15% of the $ 60 billion, according to my calculation, that’s $9 billion in corporate taxes for Federal and Provincial Government. They say its Canadian payer’s money, think again, Canadian taxpayer. Where is our share of 10% and if we go back 100 hundred years, Man they owes us money, big time, darn those bastards. That is why and I will say again, IBA’s are nothing but bull shit and they are cheap, we get very less. Throw a bone to dogs and dogs will fight over a bone. Yes, our natural resources includes underground and open-pit mining of gold, oil, natural gas, diamonds, other minerals, etc, water includes hydro and off-shore drilling, don’t forget forestry industry. Government and the industry make big money on our natural resources. Yes, municipal government set their budget using 80/20 formula.

hcfitzpa · December 2, 2011 at 10:32 am

Thanks for making me more aware of the policies and my own reaction to sticker shock. this has been an incredibly insightful article.

Kiel · December 2, 2011 at 10:42 am

I just wanted to say thank you for all of this information. I have always discouraged blanket statements concerning funding for First Nations because they usually sound quite ignorant, but I’ve never had facts to relay in these situations. Thanks for putting in the time to deliver this. You’re helping make people like myself more aware of what’s going on in our country. Very much appreciated.

Geoffrey · December 2, 2011 at 10:43 am

Beautiful. In this day of public media, it’s great to have this sort of thing to spread around as well as to read. And thank you for taking the time to respond at length to the forum responses.

Valerie Harbolovic · December 2, 2011 at 10:56 am

My friend, Joseph Boyden, posted your link. I took the time to read the full article and I am glad that I did so. Your argument is informed and easy to understand. Thank you for your efforts.

Val Harbolovic

robert nelder · December 2, 2011 at 10:58 am

You have provided a great service to the Native and non Native population in making this information available. My hope is that the media will pick up on what you have written. This should be discussed on The National and made available to all.
Thank you for your service in presenting this very clear analysis.

Andrea Davidge · December 2, 2011 at 11:12 am

Finally, some in-depth analysis. Thank you.

Danielle · December 2, 2011 at 11:21 am

Perfect, thank you. Your article is well written, intelligent, and thorough. I will personally make sure that it is seen by many others.

Sasha Walsh · December 2, 2011 at 11:39 am

Well written! Thank you very much for an informative, realitivly unbias perspective.
Please keep it up 🙂

Marianna Annadanna · December 2, 2011 at 11:48 am

Love the way you’ve laid it all out. Everything I’ve been thinking and haven’t put to paper. Nice job.

My big frustration? Just what you’ve touched on about how INAC “didn’t know”. What a joke. Those community Contributions go out to this community just like any other through the regional offices of AANDC, Health Canada, etc . If the community has a hard time managing the funds, it’s ANNDC’s job to help them build capacity. And even if the community maliciously mismanged the funds (which I’m not suggesting they did) it’s still ANNDC’s job to mitigate that risk, monitor spending, and work with the community. The blame game is so annoying.

Bah!

Ethel Chynoweth · December 2, 2011 at 12:21 pm

I would like to thank you for a clearer intake of whats been happening around First Nations issues and how the government of Canada say they are TRYing to help, being an aboriginal woman, they do (government) forget that money is not everything, There is a crisis here no matter what anyone thinks or says and that is not moving as fast as it should be as other issues that have nothing to do with Canada they are on the hop…. have to say…. a lot of First Nations are always trying to appease the government and I say why is that?? because they have us being accountable to the monies that is sent and we have to rely on this money to survive…We were forced to live on these secluded reservations and some not so secluded ..there were promises and treaties signed, all we are doing is taking what has been offered to us, that’s where all that negativity stuff comes from about we get everything on a silver platter, I would still like to see or receive that platter?? I ask that more people of Canada or the world could understand ABORIGINAL PEOPLE”S way of living …before assimilation we were living a good and healthy life, it has been a struggle to be living in today’s society. We are NOT all treated EQUAL and it has been shown by the living conditions of Attawapiskat. I grew up on my reserve until I was 19 years of age and choose to move off. If someone wants to really know what its like to live there….all I have to say is…PLEASE don’t JUDGE first nations people until you have LIVED in our communities and have tried to WALK in our Moccasin’s….it would be a challenge for you believe me. Maybe that’s what non-nation people need to be doing to get a better understanding of Native people’s ways of living. And we treat you like the government treats us being accountable….try it sometime…when your name is always at the bottom of a list for housing or maintenance for housing…its years before any of the monies gets put to work and that’s only because we have to wait for the money to be sent and then follow the mandates and policies that are set for us….so here we are all of Canada and the world are wondering why , how, when, did a first nation get into a situation of housing crisis. Blame Blame Blame, you can blame everyone…no one…or just blame someone…that’s the easy way out. through all of this reading in these last couple of hours I have to wonder what they were doing in Attawapiskat while I sat here and read this document that was provided … as an aboriginal person…I wish the government kept sending my silver platter then and only then could I help my people to stay out of housing crisis…we are very giving people …we have our ways to live by…(7 grand father teachings) RESPECT comes to mind, can or would the government take the time to hear the teachings and take a look at how our clans work, etc etc etc its a shame that living a good life means $$$$ and lots of it for those politicians…let me walk in your moccasins for a week, I bet I could be eating health everyday, laundry done for me, reservations made to the finest places…and my children oh how they would love to have what government children have….everything….so can you see the difference of living…I really don’t care about how the money is spent because an understanding the differences should be taken a look at and i know the government talks about equality ..well were is my $100,000.00 to live like the government…and they are saying Attawapiskat received 90 million…and they need third party management…so here we are with this article and it has pointed out the governments spending for people of canada…its a lot..Billions and that’s just NOT for reservations its for all of us…no matter what color we are or where we come from…..so why is that our government is not under third party management as well…where is the equality here …I ask that all people think . …at least to be Indian for one day and see how far you will get with your silver platter.
At this point in my life all I can do is pray, and offer my sema to the creator to assist those in this world to understanding not just aboriginal people but understand yourself!!….so at this time, rather then blame blame blame…I ask that we all pray for those to have understanding and for all people of the world to be living with a silver platter…mii gwetch!!
Nowgeeshgokwe

Lillian Jones · December 2, 2011 at 12:31 pm

As a secondary teacher, and a First Nations woman; thank you. I will share these facts in my First Nations Studies 12 and English First Peoples & 11 classes.

shanda stamp · December 2, 2011 at 12:50 pm

Sooo true you couldnt have said it any better. its a tradegy that the community is in harsh times and it had to get to national news to be noticed, but what the country and world dont see is this is a common occurance on many levels and people like you getting the true, clear story out there is what us first nation people need. hiy-hiy

CBELCOURT · December 2, 2011 at 12:59 pm

Ah Hiy! For the excellent work and time it took. I’ve been busy posting this everywhere I can. I also noticed this blog cited on CBC’s Strombo who said it had gone viral. Hope we can meet one day, again, big thanks for this.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 1:25 pm

Thank YOU for your beautiful art, a portion of which is on this blog in stunning detail!

Alison · December 2, 2011 at 1:03 pm

Thank you so much for this …

Alina · December 2, 2011 at 1:07 pm

Thank you so much for all the research you have done and for putting it out there. In the middle of writing papers but needed to make sure I was informed. If I think of any further comments or questions i’ll definitely come back to this.

Peter · December 2, 2011 at 1:26 pm

So here I am in British Columbia doing my usual early morning News browsing. Once again I read about the financial woes of a First Nation. And once again I immediately think “aren’t we giving them enough money? What are they doing with what’s given them?” (sorry, being honest here). But someone responding to the news article left a comment and a link to this blog. I thought it might be an interesting read. Well that it is and more so! Makes we realize that my attitude needs to change and I need to get more educated. And with that, see what I can do to make a difference. Thanks for teaching me something today . . .

Aaron Paquette · December 2, 2011 at 1:44 pm

Good on you, man.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 1:54 pm

It’s responses like these that really make me feel the effort is not being wasted. Thank you.

Aretha · December 2, 2011 at 1:42 pm

thank you for this article.

If I could add one thing to this artice it would be over generalization. Just like people and cities not every reserve is the same and not every Native person is the same. Can they have simliarities or similiar issues, yes. But just because you heard about one incident on one reserve that isn’t even in the same provence doesn’t mean you know how it is on all reserves or that all Native people are the same.

Aaron Paquette · December 2, 2011 at 1:47 pm

A good point, Aretha. However in this case my understanding is that we are talking about Attawapiskat in particular. But you’re right, every community is different and the balance between Treaties and Indian Act will different. If the community even operates under a Treaty.

The Global Kiosk · December 2, 2011 at 1:51 pm

A really well-written and insightful posting — thank you. I am also wondering how significant greater empowerment for the community would be, possibly leading to new solutions for its many problems. I have done some research on this in my book about social movements of the poor, and although these were active in developing-world countries and contexts, I wonder if some of those ideas might not find a place in Canada as well.

robert nelder · December 2, 2011 at 1:53 pm

just sent this article to the National on CBC hoping they will contact the writer or at least use the material for coverage on the news.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 1:59 pm

The CBC has picked up on this blog. I was interviewed on As It Happens last night, and spoke to Thunder Bay CBC as well. Other CBC programs have been in touch, as has rabble.ca, HuffPost, and local alternative news outlets. The internet is a weird place, can’t believe this has garnered so much attention!

suezoo39 · December 3, 2011 at 3:47 am

I did the same thing using their Feedback link. I asked them to list this in their “External Links” list.

G. James · December 2, 2011 at 2:04 pm

It is no surprise that the thinking ability of mainstream society is so weak and narrow and inaccurate. The education system/curricula is pathetic. The dominant society produces artificial knowledge supported by invalid criteria and guided by false consciousness; and the ball keeps rolling. It is a system that cultivates apathy, ignorance, fatalism, and narrow-minded individualistic thinking. The system, as it is, functions as an obstacle to progress and meaningful change and thus, maintains the status quo. In my view, I believe those 4 elements I list above are the primary sources of flawed mainstream thinking.

P.S. Thank you for breaking down the facts for us to see and work with.

Kim Mullin · December 2, 2011 at 2:21 pm

In case anyone wants to see what a bullshitter Harper really is. Read this and see how he spins information to make idiots of the people who fall for his crap.

Ted Parkinson · December 2, 2011 at 2:30 pm

Thank you so much for your informed and clearly written article. I posted it to my Facebook so a few more people might read it. The subsequent comments are also fascinating with a lot of insightful comments. I wish the government would occasionally take the advice of its commissions and auditors and actually fix something instead of shelving most of the recommendations.

Regarding the issue of subsidizing people who live in remote areas: obviously the government has a historical debt to native cultures and you cannot simply tell people “you are going to move”. So initially that’s a non-starter. If the services could be delivered more efficiently the problem might be solved. What can’t a large percentage of these reserves become carpenters and help with the building and maintenance? I know many people are, but let’s have even more training.

However, I think the “connection to the land” is also over emphasized and a bit mythologized as well. I moved from the Yukon so I could get an education and a job. I still have ties there, but I’m happy in Ontario. I travel to the States for my work and meet many people who have moved for their jobs. Many would have preferred to have stayed where they grew up, but there were no jobs there, so they left. The early history of indigenous peoples is one of movement, first across North America as different tribes were formed in different geographic locations. And then many native cultures existed in a migratory lifestyle, following herds of caribou etc. throughout the year. When fur trade posts were build many native people made the decision to camp around them and exchange a migratory lifestyle for more of an urban one and this grew even more viable as fur trade posts turned into towns and cities. I am not arguing for assimilation because native cultures are an important part of what makes Canada unique and good. I am just pointing out that times change and lots of people move for economic and other reasons. Many fishing villages in Newfoundland and elsewhere closed because they were no longer sustainable and that is just what happens.

Anyway, thank you again for your service to clarity.

FN Councillor CC · December 2, 2011 at 2:36 pm

That is one of the problems…you do not understand the connection to the land. The land is Mother Earth and we maintain a connection to our mother. When you ask a Native person where they are from…the majority of the time, they will not answer with the place they live but with the place they came from, their First Nation. It is an automatic response, part of who that person is, like if you ask someone their name.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 2:52 pm

Absolutely. Where we are from, and who our relations are…this is often how we introduce ourselves. It’s true that SOME nations moved around (others stayed in the same area and built permanent structures, a fact often forgotten), but those movements were not random. People moved between the same summer camps and winter camps and large gathering places each year. 40,000 people a year travel to my community for the annual Pilgrimage. I have seen the same families there year after year since I was a child. Are these people nomadic then?

The connection to the land is not mythologised. The words we use in English to describe it do not do the terms or the concepts justice, and so it may come across as ‘new age’ or exaggerated to you. These are central concepts in our language and our culture however.

FN Councillor CC · December 2, 2011 at 3:10 pm

Yes…and my grandparents moved around a lot…within our territory. They had an area, a route they went on based on the seasons and the availability of game and other food. Once the reserve was established, they could no longer do this without interfering wih the activities of the newcomers. MY GRANDPARENTS did this and I am not yet 50 years old. Our lives have changes so much in such a short time.

Kim Mullin · December 2, 2011 at 2:32 pm

This is an excellent read to see how Harper and his like spin information to make themselves look like they’re not completely disinterested in Canadians who aren’t corporations and should sound some bells about how the Conservatives make uninformed idiots out of the people who insist on being duped by the political swine of choice for Conservative party faithful.

Brian MacDowall · December 2, 2011 at 2:59 pm

Excellent post! One thing to add, the discourse on financial distributions, band and personal accountability, and misuse of resources which has so dominated Harper’s response to this crisis has extremely long historical roots. My dissertation studies the Department of Indian Affairs in the 1920s, and the same sort of discourse about financial misallocation [couched in more explicitly racist terms than are used today, though with the same intent] was used to justify both a lack of resource allocation, and heavy-handed governmental approach to managing band and individual finances. Sad to see that colonial ideologies have not moved beyond frameworks in operation one hundred years ago.

adam enright · December 2, 2011 at 3:01 pm

Attawapiskat Who is mismanaging money?
Mulrooney Deficit: $38 Billion.
Paul Martin $16 Billion Surplus.
Harper Deficit: $55 Billion and counting, THE LARGEST DEFICIT IN CANADIAN HISTORY!
$90,000-a-day consultant firm to figure out ‘budgetary cuts’.
G8 gazebos $50 million.
$1 Billion spent militarizing downtown Toronto for the G8.
$13 Billion estimated cost of the C-25 Crime bill, when regular crime rates have been dropping since the 1970’s while white collar crime has had a steep increase, not covered by C-35. Meanwhile the conservatives are closing six prison rehabilitation farms where prisoners produce their own food because of their $4 million budget.
$18 Billion spent in the Afghan quagmire.
$16-20 Billion at least for 65 F35’s that won’t work as promised until 2020,
the largest military procurement in Canada’s history-over $1000 for each man, woman and child in the country.
$47 billion “Stimulus Spending” with no real accounting of job creation numbers, just lots of dolling out big cash.

When Harper spends like a drunken sailor or when Wall Street makes off with tens of trillions, no one comments that they did it because the white culture breeds mismanagement and greed.

Nadine Lumley · December 2, 2011 at 3:01 pm

Edit: I really hesitated about whether to approve this post or not, because I don’t want to stifle discussion. I understand that this issue has brought up a lot of Harper bashing, but I don’t see it as all that helpful. I’ve got some criticisms…okay a lot of criticisms about Harper’s policies, but this list is more like a litany of personal attacks against him, barely mentioning his policies, and I don’t think it moves the discussion along at all. I appreciate the time you put into it, but I think it may be more suitable elsewhere.

Marmotman · December 2, 2011 at 3:01 pm

In looking over the financials, I seem to see an accumulated surplus in Schedule M of about 58 million dollars. Is that correct?

Penny Wearne · December 2, 2011 at 3:07 pm

Thank you for your work and your article which gives facts, figures, and reason. I will be posting and sharing it with others.

Joel Wiens · December 2, 2011 at 3:16 pm

Really helpful, in the true spirit of organizing support for an important issue. I will be checking in again to continue to update my understanding. Commenter Ethel Chynoweth makes a great point that authentic participation in this conversation and the right to contribute suggestions for viable solutions absolutely requires a bare minimum of time spent in these communities. I refer anyone interested in authentically organizing for native rights to the excellent Al Giordano’s Narconews (www.narconews.com and http://narcosphere.narconews.com/thefield), which has documented struggles in Mexico and elsewhere in Latin America.

David Hickey · December 2, 2011 at 3:18 pm

Thank you for producing this. It is exactly what’s needed. I will be sharing it with everyone I know.

philip redford · December 2, 2011 at 3:19 pm

Thank you so much for this informative read. The illusions and propaganda broadcast as news from the “Hill” serve to keep the status quo of the main stream alive. However, as more truth is spread, circumventing the corporate state’s media aparatus, perhaps some change will happen. One day, perhaps the First Nations will be given a rightful place at the political table, as the founding nations and equal consitutional partners they must be. Am I dreaming the impossible? The desirable even? As a once ignorant white male, I’m never certain, but I know I’m sick and tired of mainstream garbage. Where are the new ideas?

Mike · December 2, 2011 at 3:21 pm

Your comment:
How much money was actually allocated to housing in 2010-2011? Page 2 of Schedule A (PDF) shows us that out of the $17.6 million in federal funds, only $2 million was provided for housing. Yes, even $2 million would be enough to 8 brand new homes, if those funds were not also used to maintain and repair existing homes.

I read schedule I. It states that of the $2 million, $400K was spent on Administration, $1.4 million on wages. And a surplus of $450K at the end of the year. What line item is actual bricks and mortar (or boards and nails). Is that program delivery ($60K)? Or is there another schedule for actual “things”. It just appears to be a lot of money on people but nothing on buildings?

Thanks.

Kristine · December 2, 2011 at 3:24 pm

Thank you for your eye-opening piece. I will share your blog whenever I can.
I am so concerned for all native people, in particular for those living on remote reserves. What can be done for the people to have a sense of purpose? I really feel a sense of purpose is needed. If I sound naive, forgive me. I am trying to learn.

Matt · December 2, 2011 at 3:25 pm

Kudos on an excellent post. You’ve made a meaningful contribution, and done so with extreme class.

Dean · December 2, 2011 at 3:29 pm

I completely endorse what you’ve done here…making sense of the crisis is fundamentally important in order for any of us, but especially our government, to come to terms with the situation and figure out a way to move on.
I just have one question…being referred by your link to the consolidated financial statements (in this case the one for 2011), I couldn’t help but notice that under the accumulated surplus, it was listed at approximately $60 million dollars. I was hoping you could shed some light on this…the annual surplus for 2011 was about $3 million, 2010 was about 2 million. is it the case that they’re saving for a rainy day? or is there something else going on?
Thanks

Michael B · December 2, 2011 at 3:30 pm

I would just like to express my heartfelt thanks for your having gone to the trouble of making such a clear statement on this. Forgive me for this aside, but as a young white male who grew up relatively poor but was able to build a good life due to a great deal of societal support, it pains me greatly to see that others growing up in difficult conditions do not seem to have the same opportunities. I am appalled at how little I learned of the realities of the INAC/First Nations relationship during my public education in Ottawa, and I greatly appreciate the reasoned, well supported, and non-confrontational approach that you took. I have learned alot, and I find it has only served to make me hungry for more information on this very troubling situation.

Thank you.

Kathy · December 2, 2011 at 4:58 pm

Interesting, Michael! You are brave enough and wise enough to be able to give credit to “a great deal of societal support” that you had. I used to believe that I deserved all the credit for “what I made of myself” – a typical conservative assumption, and an assumption that flattered me immensely. When I finally realized how much I owed to others and to circumstances quite outside my control, it changed my views forever.

I believe this old thinking is responsible for so much of the “why don’t those people just be more like me?” comments. My father thinks this way. Although he was born into a poor family, he has to this day never realized the privilege he has been given, as a white male born in this country in the last century. And at the age of 84, I guess he never will.

Rebeka Tabobondung · December 2, 2011 at 3:51 pm

Thank you so much for your important investigative research. I am dissapointed in Canadian mainstream media for failing to analyse this story and the figures the same way. The failure of the media to question and investigate the claims of the Government contributres to the racist banter that many Canadians are shamelessly expressing and mainstream media is more than happy to focus on! Shame on you Harper!

Vanessa in Manotick · December 2, 2011 at 3:53 pm

A long time supporter or aboriginal rights.
Profound respect for the North American Aboriginal people. I am thankful for this article because I have been searching for a perspective that actually states some facts and truth!! I am going to re-post this article on my Facebook page to keep the fact rolling.
Thank you and keep it coming!

Moira Dunphy · December 2, 2011 at 3:56 pm

I have a followup question: Attawapiskat has been co-managed for something like 12 years. DeBeers opened their diamond mine about 7 years ago. I am assuming the discovery of the diamond vein, getting the rights and negotiating, and then setting it up took several years. Some locals from there have complained that housing was in the initial draft of the Impact Agreement, want to know why DeBeers got out of that ithe final agreement signed. Is there any chance that co-management was a political play connected to the mine, that e co-managing may have impeded instead of improved that Agreement?

pleaseenlightenme · December 2, 2011 at 4:04 pm

Can someone tell me the rational behind keeping Indian and Northern Affairs? What is the argument about treating them the same as ‘regular’ Canadians? Wouldn’t the whole Band be better off under the sames rules as the rest of Canada? If life is so horrible for First Nations under the current set up, what argument is there for keeping things the same? I just don’t understand why there is support for Indian Affairs.

helen · December 2, 2011 at 4:41 pm

thanks so much for claifying this , I had the story on my facebook and received the same old comments of getting to work and off welfare and all the money they got for land claims , the story was about deplorable conditions not about money etc.

Preeti · December 2, 2011 at 5:08 pm

Thank you. If only everything could transparent about our government.

Preeti · December 2, 2011 at 5:09 pm

^^Could be***

Ren Nata · December 2, 2011 at 5:21 pm

While there have been significant recent advances including the apology to survivors of Indian Residential Schools and the establishment of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the general Canadian public continue to remain ignorant on what is happening in their own backyard. Why is it that In a country considered to be strong economically and socially, Aboriginal peoples continue to represent one of the most disadvantaged populations. Racism is thriving in Canada!!

Critical Thinking · December 2, 2011 at 5:34 pm

Yeah.

Go to Tyendienga, tell me why all the Maracles – the chief family – have beatiful homes, but everyone else is in squalor.

Yeah, its all the white mans fault.

How about joining the 21st century and stop thinking the world owes you a living.

It doesn’t.

FN Councillor CC · December 2, 2011 at 6:41 pm

What I can’t understand about this comment is how you can paint all First Nations with the same brush? NONE are the same…try visiting a few other than reading about or passing through one that is easily accessible by a 400 series highway. You have over 600 in Canada to check out.

We don’t think the world owes us a living. Canada is required to live up to their end of the contracts/treaties and personally, I expect that they would.

what is this I dont even · December 2, 2011 at 5:37 pm

I like how they have fibre optic lines in Attawpiskat but no paved roads.

Excellent management.

FN Councillor CC · December 2, 2011 at 6:19 pm

Say thank you to the Federal Government. The government has a pet project and they offer money for it for a short period of time and municipalities and First Nations must take advantage of them when they are offered or not have an opportunity in the future. Have you heard about the federal funds that continue to be made available for connecting the country for high speed connectivity? They will not be available forever. Do you know about the uses of high speed connectivity other than commenting on stories about First Nations?

Examples:
1. Telehealth – lower cost to visit a physician via high speed connection than flying to Kenora or Sioux Lookout.

2. Reporting requirements in receiving funding – electronic reporting is mandatory for some programs.

And I am sure the folks at the diamond mine appreciate the connectivity as well.

FN Councillor CC · December 2, 2011 at 6:22 pm

Please take a moment to consider perma-frost and paved roads. Imagine the maintenance costs of paved roads in that environment.

Chief Gibby Jacob · December 2, 2011 at 5:50 pm

I would like to thank Khodi Dill for this great explanation to a very complex set of issues and facts. We as First Nation peoples by enlarge are invisible in our own lands until it comes to such a very disturbing issue that is faced by one or more FN’s. As a memeber of an urban FN we face many of the same issues as the Rural and remote FN’s. We have a housing list that exceeds 1000 and we build 15 a year at present, you do the math! I would like to suggest that we need to look internally for answers to some of the questions and problems that we all face. As I see it most of the companies that provide services and goods belong to non FN people and it has been this way for most of our short history with the non natives. I am not a racist but until we develop a means to start owning and operating these companies we will be at the mercy of the market pricing. We need to develop a mind set amongst ourselves to multiply one dollar in to twenty by developing a concentrix circle of FN’ companies that I would see owned by FN coops and there to do the purchasing enmasse things like electrical supplies lumber, plumbing supplies etc. You get better pricing by massing together a number of FN needs and send out requests for pricing from reputable suppliers. What is needed is for FN’s who have been successful to step up and assist the others who have not been able to achieve this for one reson or another. Lets take the first step to creating the opportunity to becoming self sufficient! The only time in the history of our collectives peoples we had our hand out was in friendship ! Take care to all of our PEOPLES!

FN Councillor CC · December 2, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Miigwech. Great post.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 7:24 pm

I appreciate your contribution, but I have to clarify again that I am not Khodi Dill…unless he turned female and Métis 😀

Darlene · December 2, 2011 at 5:51 pm

No I don’t believe I have to use fancy wording to tell you how I feel. My husband are both hard working people who like to know where our money is going. We appreciate the fact that Bill C 27 (First Nations Financial Transparency act) could be coming into effect and people who live on reserves should too. This will tell you where some of the money is going that is being given to you and what your leaders are making. I don’t expect those leaders to be happy about the bill. Am I considered racist if I believe that we are all the same and should now be treated the same. Am I considered racist if I believe that you have been repaid many times over for what our and many of your own european ancestors have done to your ancestors and mine. That’s right. I am also of native ancestory. But if I and others who feel the way I do, voice my opinion (my average working person opinion) I am considered racist.

FN Councillor CC · December 2, 2011 at 5:59 pm

Myself, I don’t think it is racist to ask these questions. I think you are ignorant, meaning not understanding even though the information is right in front of you.

Do you know what a treaty is? It is a legal contract. When a contract is signed by two parties, both parties must abide by the contract. I have to wonder:

Have you read anything that is posted here?

Have you followed the links that are provided for more information?

If you have, I cannot fathom why you would not now understand about treaties and the obligations of the crown.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 7:29 pm

It is a little tiring hearing this constant defensiveness about racism. Have I called you racist? Has anyone here called you racist? Then why come and start defending yourself against attacks that haven’t happened?

What you’ve said isn’t racist…but in my opinion you are incorrect. I think you do not understand that it’s very nice to claim we are all the same, but that declaring it does not make it true, particularly when we are certainly not treated the same. On the positive side of things, our differences are not weaknesses to be stamped out.

The relationship aboriginal peoples have with Canada is not a relationship based on ‘reparations’ as you seem to believe. Instead, it is a relationship of peoples that needs to be constantly renewed. Such renewal takes effort and communication, not defensiveness and declarations about what is owed or not.

Troy · December 2, 2011 at 7:29 pm

Bill C27 is a farce. It’s a dog and pony show bill for people who want to embarrass First Nation leaders. It’s nothing more than that.
Here’s a fact for you: no First Nations chief or councillor is through the government paid more than the Prime Minister. Lemme repeat that, no First Nations chief or councillor earns a government salary higher than the Prime Minister.
Also, the majority of bands already have both internal and independent auditors, because INAC, despite all its flaws, comes down like a tonne of square rectangular building block things on any band that steps out of line in regards to finance.
In fact, my own band paid out of its own earnings for an independent audit at the request of the general band assembly ($100,000+ for an audit!). It’s always a contentious issue, but on the other hand, we do not see how it’s any business of white society how much our chief and council makes! If they earned too much, we’d have them out of office in a heartbeat, and vote in representatives who’d bring down chief and council salaries.
The salary of chief and council is of no business to the general population, just as how the salary of the local preacherman is of no business to me, as I don’t attend church and contribute nothing to it, too.

Darlene · December 2, 2011 at 7:37 pm

I do contribute. Much of my hard earned tax money. And I think I have a right to know where it goes. If you worked hard and your money went to church or any other place that is considered a handout, wouldn’t you want to know too?

Troy · December 2, 2011 at 7:53 pm

Okay, the likelihood of any of your tax dollars being used on First Nations is pretty damn low. In fact, it’s pretty much nonexistent.
The government, when it was still in the business of treaty-making, set up trust funds to be used for and on First Nations, regarding negotiations and anything to incur afterward. These trust funds are massive, and have been collecting interest for generations, especially considering the government has been underfunding First Nation communities for ages.
Legally, these trust funds are the property of the First Nations that have signed treaties with the government, but the government has actually never ceded any trust fund to any First Nation community. It still controls all the purse strings throughout Indian Country.
The government includes these trust funds in its yearly budget revenues and earnings. If anything, our trust funds are helping to fund your government, rather than the other way around.
In fact, I demand to know your salary or wage. I deserve to know it, don’t I, considering trust fund money that could’ve been used to send me to university has instead been used to pave the unused backroads in your community? Tell us your salary or wage, and then we’ll decide if you’re worthy of it.

Darlene · December 2, 2011 at 8:00 pm

Well, all I know is I have to work hard and pay for what I get including my education and I’m proud of it. And if there are funds allocated to reserves, where are they? The money is coming out of my taxes.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:37 pm

Did you not read this article before posting?

Troy · December 2, 2011 at 8:45 pm

The government holds the money, in trust. Hence, it’s a trust fund.
This money is monies owed to First Nations. I don’t know if the government includes this debt in its deficit.
The first dept the government owes is due to breaching the Royal Proclaimation of 1763: “First Nations be undisturbed in the enjoyment of their lands unless and until they sign a treaty with the Crown.” However, Canada claims ownership of the majority of lands in Canada, and does not live up to its obligations in treaties signed. This is a serious breach of law and right.
This dept is something your government does not want to fulfill. And depts collect interest.
Therefore, this is why it isn’t tax dollars going toward First Nations. Its repayment money. Its trust money.
First Nations have taken the government to court countless times, and have won. every. single. time.
It isn’t your tax money. Your government has betrayed First Nations countless times. This is dept money.
And we’re not even asking for money. We’re asking to have access to the Social Contract. We want to be written in, too, but on terms we can agree with.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:49 pm

Darlene, you are not addressing the information provided in the article. If you continue to repeat the same question over and over without engaging the material, your comments will no longer be welcome.

Thank you.

Cathy Snell · December 2, 2011 at 6:01 pm

I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to write this. When I first read the stories, my heart broke. Then I read the comments and my mind clouded and I just felt overwhelmed by the complexity of the issues and the impossibility of figuring out what to think. Thanks for making it all much clearer. Do you have any suggestions on how we ‘average’ and now slightly more aware Canadians can help?

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 7:30 pm

Short term, the community needs immediate assistance.

Long term, we all need people to learn more about the issues and start pushing the government to engage in real dialogue with aboriginal peoples.

Cathy Snell · December 4, 2011 at 7:18 pm

Immediate assistance is money? Supplies? Sent where?

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 7:59 pm

The Red Cross is administering donations to Attawapiskat: http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=41676&tid=001

If you call them, they can let you know what sort of aid is most needed at this time.

Cheryl · December 2, 2011 at 6:02 pm

Thank-you for this well written report on trying to educate the non-natives who seem only to bring out their racist views towards Aboriginals when the evil word “money” is mentioned, what the hell is wrong with these people being so narrow minded to think that we’re that stupid, we have struggled to hold onto our customs, tradionts and land of course, all IMMIGRANTS to Canada should be thankful to the First Nations people of North America, if it was not for our generosity of offering food to the first immigrants, there would be no whites in North America. I’m sure your article will raise eyebrows with the CSIS or other government intelligence agencies keeping an eye on this situation. Humm wonder if they’re wondering why their own leaders can’t seem to figure out their own number on yeaarly monies being sent to first nations communities. Enough said, too pissed to write any more, disgusted with reading some of the comments I’ve read on how some Canadians feel about our first nations peoples. Imagine a plague hitting a major city in Canada and the only people withthe right medicine to help were the fiirst natios, who get their medicines off the land they fight so hard to protect.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:07 pm

It is very hard to read the kinds of comments you’ve mentioned It is hard not to get angry, when those comments continue year after year, decade after decade. Look how long it took for non-natives to even be aware of residential schools? I remember when a miniseries produced in the US came out called, “Into the West”. It was a big hit in Canada, and residential schools in the US were portrayed at one point. I remember non-native friends crying, literally crying when they saw that and I was shocked to realise they honestly didn’t even know the same thing had happened here.

In the space of a few months however, residential schools were suddenly on everyone’s lips.

What I’m trying to say is, I understand the feelings that can overwhelm when faced with hurtful, ignorant comments based on a total lack of understanding. But we have persevered, and it has brought change. Slowly, and painfully at times, but we are stronger and more determined than anyone really gives us credit for.

Cheryl Bear · December 2, 2011 at 6:09 pm

Brilliant, thank you for your clarity.
Cheryl Bear

4loveofall · December 2, 2011 at 6:16 pm

Thank you so much for this article. It truly distresses me when people blame aboriginal people for the mess that has been created by my European ancestors. How many of us could survive the loss of most of our relatives to plagues brought in by outsiders? How many of us could raise healthy children when our communities and families were destroyed by the residential school system? Really, I think not many. This article is by far the best explanation I have read on what has happened in Attiwapiskat in particular, but I’m sure pretty much illustrates the case for many of other aboriginal reserves. Thank-you for educating me. I’ll do my best to educate others. I am always amazed at the strength of spirit and resilience of so many of our aboriginal communities under these horrendous circumstances. It is long past time for change. Too say the situation is complex is truly a cop-out. We clearly know what is not working. It is time to listen to those who have suffered much and start anew.

Peace and success be yours.

Darlene · December 2, 2011 at 7:04 pm

I know what a legal contract is and a peace treaty. But when does it all end and when do we start saying lets all work together to make this world a better place for all of us and our families ahead of us. There are people who want to look forward and people who want to live in the past. I see that you still tear us “white people” apart about what happened but this is a new generation of people now. I know what I see living close to a reserve and sometimes it’s not nice. Brand new housing built and literally given to residents on the reserve and 5 years later, torn apart. I actually saw this. Can you justify this behaviour? Also, when my husband took a small motors course, he went to a reserve and saw them dumping broken outboard motors in the lake. I saw just this year aproximatley 40 salmon laying in the bush in a pile close to a fish camp. Is that how you treat your “connection to the land”. I’d say Mother Nature would not be proud. Also, to state that you fed the Europeans when they came to Canada. Who’s given you the modern aparatus that you use now to hunt, cook and generally live and would you be able live without it now? Would you want to? I think not. I don’t think I am ignorant at all, just realistic and looking to the future and most of all I work for what I need in my life and perhaps resent a little that some people don’t have to work and are able to have more than us. I don’t even want the handouts, I don’t even deny the natives my hard earned tax money. I just want to know it’s helping people to be more independent. The attrocities that happened are over. There are other people in the world that have more recently been and are being treated badly. Perhaps you should focus on helping them as well. This reply has nothing to do with my Native ancestory or European ancestory. I’m proud of both.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 7:19 pm

A lot of assumptions in your post, a lot of mistaken beliefs about ‘living in the past’ when we very much want to move forward. Please read my comment on this sort of argument.

http://apihtawikosisan.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/dealing-with-comments-about-attawapiskat/#comment-682

So many things in your post that are assumptions, rather than facts. I don’t think it’s fair to call such things ‘realistic’.

Taking Back Control · December 2, 2011 at 10:49 pm

The last residential school closed in 1996. The effects of this are current. Generations of children stolen. How do you learn to be a good parent if you were taken away from your parents? How do you learn to love yourself, when you weren’t brought up loved? How does one deal with the pain without the tools? How many generations before we regain our sense of who we are?

It is hard to imagine that you believe that the people of Attawapiskat have more than you…

My First Nation is fortunate. We have selctoral self government over our lands and resources, we are urban, located along the Trans Canada Highway, we have a low unemployment rate, a low rate of welfare recipients, most families are 2 income households, most own and build their homes themselves, we have a diverse economy of band members and third party businesses, we have a secondary school, state of the art waste water and water treatment. This success has been long in the making.

And we still feel the effects of those attrocities.

Do you demand transparency from the federal government? Peter McKay cost the taxpayers, which includes me eventhough I am Anishinabeg, $45,000 for a helicopter ride, which came to light yesterday.

Sannica · December 2, 2011 at 7:12 pm

Thanks for this posting and for digging up all the numbers. I knew that much of the reporting was sensationalized, I just didn’t know how to figure out how and by how much. Your voice of reason is appreciated!

Steve P · December 2, 2011 at 7:19 pm

I thank you for posting this, and wish that the writer of today’s editorial in the Chronicle Journal had seen this first before writing their piece http://www.chroniclejournal.com/editorial/daily_editorial/2011-12-02/attawapiskat-await-audit
The editorial does raise some unanswered questions which I hope you can add your clarification or opinion to, specifically, and I quote:
“In addition to federal funds, Attawapiskat reportedly received another $4.4 million from the province in fiscal 2010-11 and earned more revenue itself, partly through an agreement with De Beers which built Ontario’s first diamond mine 90 kilometres away.
De Beers’ Victor Mine signed four community agreements with area First Nations including an impact benefit agreement with Attawapiskat in 2005.
While much of the financial arrangements within the agreement are confidential, negotiators representing the community worked to secure educational, employment and training, business development, environmental monitoring and other provisions designed to address the potential impacts to the community while ensuring increased capture of benefits from mining.
Citing confidentiality as a reason which prevented him from identifying specific aspects of the IBA, former chief Mike Carpenter did say a one-time payment of about $14 million was made for jobs and training for positions beyond general labour.
Linda Dorrington, manager of public and corporate affairs for De Beers Canada, said the IBA also outlines an annual transfer payment from the company to the community. “It relates to profitability,” she said adding the more money De Beers makes on the project, the larger the payment will be. Neither officials from De Beers nor Carpenter would provide other specific details.
Tom Ormsby, De Beers Canada director of external and corporate affairs, said in response to questions about what the company is doing to help the housing crisis that since the start of construction, over $325 million in contracts have been awarded to solely-owned or joint-venture companies run by the community.
This year alone, he said in an email published on Netnewsledger, contracts awarded to the community total $51 million.
Clearly, there is no shortage of money at Attawapiskat.”
Thanking you in advance.

Troy · December 2, 2011 at 7:38 pm

There’s two reasons:
1: Banks don’t mortgage on-reserve homes.
2:The money is there, but there’s rules and regulations preventing that money from being spent as it’s intended. It can’t be used, except through INAC rules and regulations, which are labyrinth, and full of traps for any First Nations council and organization. INAC comes down hard on any band that steps out of line.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:17 pm

I actually don’t see a question there. Perhaps you could clarify what it is you want to know?

The community brings in about $12 million in its own revenue, from the casino, from various other sources, and from the Trust set up to administer funds from the IBA with deBeers. The article mentions the fact that the community grew by 500 people in two years, sorely taxing available housing, but then seems to ignore this saying, “they have so much money how could it possibly not be enough”.

Huh? How many houses would have to be built in two years to accommodate 500 extra people? Even if you were cramming them in 8 to a house, that’s still about 62 houses needed which is $15.6 million devoted just to new house construction in two years. The housing budget was $2.2 million.

The financial statements are clear about where ALL the money, federal, provincial and band revenues, were spent.

So the ‘unanswered question(s)’ will have to be spelled out for me please, I don’t know what I’m supposed to be looking at here exactly.

colleenanderson · December 2, 2011 at 7:20 pm

Thank you. I haven’t had a chance to read this all but I will. It’s much more clear than the media has been giving, since they like to deliver sensationalistic snippets. This is quite clear.

Susan Munro · December 2, 2011 at 7:24 pm

For further good information, check out this post on Slaw, the online Canadian legal magazine; Michael Posluns provides some background on the legal issues: http://bit.ly/vBD6rH

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:25 pm

This is an excellent and clear article. I’m including it in the body of this blog post, thank you!

Bob Charlie · December 2, 2011 at 7:33 pm

Well the article sure tries to impart fairness to the native issues except….. If I were to earn $71K at a federal job, I would be producing something for the good of society. Of that $71K, I would be taxed at 43% which would go back to the government coffers. I believe natives pay no taxes and are not required to produce ANYTHING for society. I was not given a house or land but had to purchase it with the after tax money I earned. Now before you call me a racist, I have noticed a lot of natives are able to use their alloted monies for exceptional good. Some of the reserves are such an example which put some of our neighbourhoods to shame, but sadly not all reserves. If my house was not maintained and left to ruins, would I get a new home for free or would the Red Cross send me clothing and food? I won’t find out as I am just too proud to live like a slob. Just because you have little money doesn’t mean you have to lower your standards.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:59 pm

“Before you call me a racist”. More defensiveness. Is this the equivalent to saying, “no offense but *followed by incredibly offensive statement*”? I’ve explained to my children why saying “no offense” doesn’t get you off the hook.

You have particular socio-cultural beliefs about “production” and “contribution” and “society” that do not accord with my own, nor with the values held by many aboriginal peoples and in fact…plenty of non-natives would disagree with you as to what those terms mean as well. If you expect us to live up to your standards, you miss the point. We do not necessarily value the same things you do. This does not make us lazy, or wrong. It makes us different.

Perhaps you could expend some energy learning about what we do value? This would certainly help you understand why the suggestion that we “do as you do” is bizarre at best, downright colonialist at worst.

P · December 3, 2011 at 4:48 pm

Please, and understand this tone is soft not angry.

But why can someone with native heritage say “downright colonialist at worst” which is the heritage and ancestry of many of the people you are reaching out to (in hopes of educating them) – yet not realize that it is equal to someone with colonial heritage saying “downright native at worst” ? How is one racist or a sign of a bigot/etc, and the other is OK?

If both sides are to be open to the differences, and have a discourse, neither statement can be acceptable :'( There has been a lot of openness and trying on both sides, lets not shut that down.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 4:52 pm

Being of settler background, a ‘colonial’, is not the same as colonialist. Colonialism is: “the establishment, maintenance, acquisition and expansion of colonies in one territory by people from another territory” and if founded on unequal relationships between colonists and indigenous populations.

If you find the term offensive, you should. It is an offensive thing. But please do not confuse the issue by mistaking this term for a personal slur. Unless you are extremely proud of your ‘colonialist’ heritage rather than just speaking of the fact that you come from settlers, then this is a non-issue.

P · December 3, 2011 at 5:25 pm

(sigh) I do not recall I stated “my” heritage or what I am either proud of or ashamed of in any posts. I also don’t recall indicating I had taken anything personally, or if I found a specific term offensive. I simply stated through questioning that one heritage cannot slur another and not expect the same in return, or expect to keep open dialogue. A post intended for the benefit of future posts by all readers.

You’re tired, I get it. You’re edgy after a few days, I get it.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 6:24 pm

You have confused a term, and have misunderstood an important context. “Downright colonialist” refers to the act of colonisation. It does not refer to people with settler heritage, and is not a pejorative way of referring to them. I am not willing to allow you to import that meaning into what I said.

You have claimed that I engaged in a slur of another heritage. This is false, and based on your mistaken belief that this is somehow equal to saying ‘downright native’. If you doubt this, please do look up the term ‘colonialism’ for yourself.

This is not my misunderstanding. It is yours.

Moira Dunphy · December 2, 2011 at 7:40 pm

Re: hannexssso, and others referencing connection to the land: please, folks, there has been a respectful tone of discussion here. I for one do not chafe at the discussion about connection to the land. There are First Nations people here trying to understand why so many non-natives dismiss this connection to the land, and I think in some ways they are probably right. There are definitely cultural differences, as well as ones that develop from a history of political and economic practices. For some cultures, the idea of individual ownership of property takes prominence, as opposed to a strong sense of stewardship of common land. It is not racist to discuss these differences in a respectful way, and I trust that discussion here more than I would trust it on, say, the Sun’s website.

My ancestors left Ireland to escape starvation during the potato famines. I, too, have a strong connection to the Emerald Isle. I would bet that when you return to your grandparents’ land, you walk among people who look like you and share a common culture. I know my one trip to Ireland was eyeopening- every third person looked the spitting image of a brother, a cousin, an aunt. It is not a similar experience for First Nations here. First of all, this IS the land their ancestors roamed. Sure, the English colonized Ireland, but Ireland still looks Irish. Anyone visiting Canada would not have an overwhelming image of First Nation people, because THEIR land became the land of opportunity for, well, the rest of the world, really. Right now, I would bet that the only real place to see a lot of native faces would be on the reserves. So, it is more complicated than for those of us of European heritage. Many First Nations parents may never be able to take their kids to their ancestors’ graves, as the land was divied up and sold, even if there were burial grounds…

alwaysunderrevision · December 2, 2011 at 7:46 pm

Thanks for writing. Most helpful laying out of a number of facts many Canadians are not aware of.

Heather Murdock · December 2, 2011 at 8:00 pm

Thank-you for writing this. I was starting to find all the news reports very scattered and kept thinking “what is ACTUALLY happening?”

matapedia1vancouver · December 2, 2011 at 8:02 pm

Am wondering if the CBC reporters read social media…might be worth their time to become ‘culturally educated’. Thank you for the article.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:28 pm

They sure do. A number of different CBC programs have picked up on this discussion.

Christine Adams · December 2, 2011 at 8:05 pm

Thank you for laying this out so clearly and fairly.

Kurt · December 2, 2011 at 8:08 pm

90 million over 5 years to support 2000 people– That makes 9000 per person. To support infrastructure, healthcare, school, housing, utilities, and so on. It’s pretty laughable, I admit. I’ve never been to a reserve. I don’t know any native people. However, I’ve always gotten the impression that native society is somehow fractured. The idea of naturalism isn’t lost on me, here. I am aware that the Government of Canada has created pressure cooker-like situations all across Canada, much like those created in South Central LA after WW2. But what I have to ask is this: if it is known that the Government of Canada cannot be trusted to support natives (and seems to be inherently racist), despite its obligations, why continue to turn to them? It would be better for these communities to rally and formulate some sort of aggressive action plan to create additional revenue and eventually become independent, as others here have suggested. Surely that is possible with the right planning?

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:30 pm

If we had control over our resources on our territories and were not so heavily fettered by the Indian Act, and were allowed to govern ourselves according to our socio-political and legal systems then yes, I sure do think it would be possible with the right planning.

Except when we try to do those things, the Canadian state as often as not turns to using force on our communities to prevent them from continuing.

Darlene · December 2, 2011 at 8:21 pm

Everyone should read Chief Clarence Louie of Osooyos Indian Band’s speach. He has won many awards and his band is independant and thriving. Go to http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/article844275.ece

I really resect this young man. He is looking towards the future and he tells it like it really is.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 8:34 pm

“Tells it like it really is”. Yes. This is a cookie-cutter world and Chief Clarence Louie is a hero to the people who think the reserves should be abolished and aboriginals assimilated into business schools so they can ‘get with the times’.

Taking Back Control · December 2, 2011 at 11:03 pm

Another Chief Louie, Chief Robert Louie, of Westbank First Nation has been an incredible national leader who has maintained his community’s culture and traditions and lead them to impressive economic success.

http://www.wfn.ca/robert_louie.htm

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 11:20 pm

There are plenty of well educated, business minded Chiefs out there who respect their culture and expect the most of their people… but support them rather than trying to shame them or stereotype them. I see these people on the move constantly, promoting their communities and working hard to build relationships that will bring sustainability to the people. Living on crappy hotel food, away from their families, fitting meetings in between the spaces of other meetings. It must really gall to do all of that, and be constantly accused of corruption without a shred of acknowledgement for the work they put in.

Darlene · December 2, 2011 at 8:33 pm

Oops, respect him

Nokamis · December 2, 2011 at 8:38 pm

What a refreshing and much needed voice, clearly articulating the truth of the matter. The AFN leadership could take a page from your stand here. Unfortunately that voice is not as loud proud strong, united and free as need be in articulating and highlighting the pertinent facts in this matter as you have so succinctly and professionally done in this article. Just as in the past with ’round tables’ on critical FN issues providing smoke screens while the proverbial wheels turn and turn going nowhere fast, so too I fear is the lip service that the federal government is now paying to engaging in ‘talks’ next months with First Nation leadership going to go nowhere of any real consequence.

I hope the mainstream media picks up this piece and ‘runs’ with it however I am not holding my breath. I’d love to hear Rex Murphy do a commentary on this issue, and The National invite a strong knowledgeable First Nation voice to a panel discussion in this regard. Oh well one can always throw out a line eh?

Gchii Miiwech my friend and keep that fire going!!

Darlene · December 2, 2011 at 8:44 pm

Edit: you present only anecdotes, and no evidence, and your posts have all been quite inflammatory. Please refrain from posting more of the same.

Krista · December 2, 2011 at 9:04 pm

I’d like to thank you for such a clear, and concise response to much of the negativity that surrounds the issues with Attawapiskat, and many reserves in general. I have to say that I have done a number of searchs, and have also read many comments on a number of different sites, and yours has by far the most insiteful responses to your article, as well as reply’s to the responses.
I have shared this with friends, and hope that they do the same so that we can rectify the wrongs that are currently happening here, and on many other reserves across the country.

suezoo39 · December 2, 2011 at 9:15 pm

Very informative post.

I commend you for the composure you have shown during what must be a very trying time.

I’m white, but have lived in rural areas all my life, half of my adult life north of 54. I must step away from the computer some days because the lack of knowledge displayed by the “average” Canadian is dis-heartening. I keep reminding myself that 80% of people in this country live a sequestered, urban existence, which would be fine except that they have absolutely no idea how the rest of us live and worse, no desire to learn.

For the few that are innately curious, your posting of information and resources for more information are greatly appreciated. I hope this is the beginning of change and not just another flash in the pan ’til something else replaces the headlines.

Keep strong.

Sue-on-the-farm

Carmen Hockett-Houle · December 2, 2011 at 9:26 pm

So I am sitting at the hair dressers today getting my hair done- and the women in there other then my hair dresser starting with racist comments regarding Attawapiskat community. Then it continued on rants and ignorant beliefs about all native people and all our communities. This has happened to many so many times in my life cause people do not know I am native. One of the fist times was in Grade 11 English 20 class and I put up my hand to respond to what everyone was saying and I just broke down started crying, ran out of the class and didnt go to school for the rest of the week. Throughout the years these comments have affected me but today I calmly said what I needed to my hair dresser to offer education on the matters at hand and it felt good. Gonna put it in a book one day – here is a great responce regarding all the ignorants and the Governments responce to this community.

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 10:25 pm

One of the ‘benefits’ of being pale skinned is how people assume you are ‘safe’ to be racist around. Like you’ll probably agree with them or something. It is very, very satisfying to be able to respond to that sort of thing calmly, and factually even though what you really want to do is start letting the fists fly. Nothing drives angry people nuts like not letting them rile you up.

Darcy · December 2, 2011 at 10:11 pm

Thank you for his great post. I’ve worked in many Native communities and am still bothered but what I experienced and that was going on a decade ago. As I always tell others, at least I had a choice to leave. The most vulnerable of citizens there, children and elders, did not have the choices I had.

Clearly, I think the Indian [sic] Act has to go. It is too cookie cutter and treats all Natives the same. Not all reserves have access to the same opportunities and natural resources that ones in say Alberta, BC or southern Ontario do. I don’t think Fort McMurray is a place of ugly sprawl as you mentioned in an earlier comment though. (Personally I think Toronto, Hamilton or Winnipeg are ugly places.) I love this place and it provides great opportunity for many Native contractors and individuals here. But back to the original post, thank you for your well-researched article. I’ve been asked a lot about Attawapiskat given my experiences in Nunavut and around northern Canada and the facts and figures you cite give me the ability to construct a good explanation as I must admit my ignorance of the Indian Act.

Mike B · December 2, 2011 at 10:21 pm

I enjoyed reading your article. I agree with you in allot of your comments. I do sympathize with the people who live in Attawapiskat. Life is too short to have to survive in those conditions. It was sad to see how some of the residents were forced to live, on their own reserve, shoudn’t be that way.
There is so much going through my mind, which thoughts should I put on paper, I guess like yourself, I could write a book on all of the stuff we want to talk about.
Although my comments are not directed all towards the situation in Attawapiskat, by the end of my comments, it will be all relavent.
I know that there is a lot of reserves in Canada that face the same and worse problems that Attawaspiskat face. And they are saying (What about US). Every reserve has their problems and challanges, it would be nice to see all of these problems eliminated. I can’t see this happening anytime soon without change. I know that people hate change, we have all been sculpted in our ways from our ancestors and that’s how we want to live. I’m sorry to say (because I like a happy ending) but I think it is going to get worse for First Nation people in the futur instead of better without dramatic changes are not made.
I know you like facts, so here are some, the moneys needed to sustain First Nations comes from taxpayers. In order to sustain a nation you need 2.1 children per family. The white caucsian are about 1.8 child per family. This means that we are slowly eliminating ourselves. The only Canadian race that is sustainable is the native people. First Nations are over the 2.1 child per family , (good for them). This does mean that more money will be needed per child. We are now at a point we need to increase immigration in order to stay the same population wise. I was born here and have somewhat of an understanding of First Nations. Do you think that in twenty years, that our new immigrants (that also have been raised with their own values and beliefs and do not have the same understanding of First Nation values) who by that time will be members of parliament, will be willing to fork over millions of taxpayers dollars to sustain the First Nations. Because of our immigrants values and the way they have been raised, they already to this day want changes made in schools for prayers, in parliament with the Canada Pension Plan and more. Unfortunatly I think the task will become harder for First Nations in the futur.
Here is how I see the First Nation people surviving. as I mentioned earlier, change is hard to take and even harder to do, but change is needed in all our Canadian reserves.
– More restocking fo the lakes and rivers is needed to sustain the netting and fish population. Some reserves have hatcheries but most don’t. we need to keep the fish numbers up in order for natives to keep their heritage and also to keep sport fishing. We also need to keep the tourists returning for great fishing, spending their disposable income. Taxable income for us.
– I think that people living on the reserves should pay property tax, income tax and business tax to their own band office. This added revenue would go a long way in addressing the needs of their people on the reserve along with creating even more pride in what has been and will be accomplished on each reserve. Extra moneys towards better schooling for the kids, better health care for the elders, preserving their heritage. Many reserves are well situated and could generate local jobs and increased revenues for their people. To give back to their reserve,to their people, always feels good when you can be a part of the solution.
Whatever % of moneys each band can generate in order to sustain a healthy way of life for all who live on the reserve, the better everyone and everything becomes.
Here is where I said this would relate to Attawapiskat. Because a number of reserves would be able to generate some revenue, more moneys could be allocated to the reserves which do not have the means to sustain themselves, because of location or size or whatever, where natives want to live in remote areas of this beautiful country, keeping their way of life, close to their families, close to the land and nature, preserving their heritage. This way all reserves could have a better life for themselves and their kids.
I know that there is a lot of hurdles to cross, but the way the system is today is obvisously not working. With all of the problems throughout the world, it is imparative that all native people get together and ask not what the country can do for me but ask yourself what can I do for my people.
Good Luck
Food for thought
Mike B

Brad S. · December 2, 2011 at 10:25 pm

Brutal opinion piece in Winnipeg Sun. http://www.winnipegsun.com/2011/12/02/follow-the-money-to-attawapiskat

âpihtawikosisân · December 2, 2011 at 11:06 pm

Ugh. Who wrote this? I can’t find a name attached to the article! I love the rich facts and sources used in this piece. Oh wait. That didn’t happen.

Brad S. · December 2, 2011 at 11:23 pm

I guess since its an opinion piece it doesn’t need facts.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 7:21 am

I am surprised it would be published on a newspaper’s site without attribution. How is that any different than making anonymous comments ‘editorial pieces’?

Anna · December 3, 2011 at 9:45 am

Has anyone else tried writing a response in the comments section and not had it published?

Anna · December 3, 2011 at 10:34 am

And does anyone else feel like the comments are a joke? I mean they’re just over the top. I feel like I’m reading a parody of all the bad comments that have been up on other papers’ sites.

Anlina Sheng · December 3, 2011 at 10:11 pm

This is standard fare for the Winnipeg Sun. As usual it’s heavy with opinions and light on facts and actual journalism.

Your Grannie · December 2, 2011 at 10:26 pm

What about “the old ways”? You know? The nomadic life, moving from place to place to follow the seasons and the game?

Cynthia Preston · December 2, 2011 at 10:37 pm

Good work keep writing, the more we know the more walls can be broken down, if only attitudes at present.

Bob Charlie · December 2, 2011 at 9:43 pm

Edit: I think that people who want to say these sorts of things (and then complain that they are being censored when I edit them), need to remember that their fact-phobic approach is the dominant voice. They already get the bulk of the air-time. Feel free to import your negativity elsewhere.

Jacob Wilson · December 2, 2011 at 10:49 pm

od I wish information like that actually informed the public debate. I still have to express some skepticism though about (a) the basic viability of a community in a geographic location like Attawapiskat and (b) the logic of having government provide housing to the general population other than say people who are ill. I respect the ties to the land and the strength of the community identity but in the circumstances are the people not just desperate to move elsewhere? Not suggesting government-sponsored relocation which I know does not work. But I am genuinely curious for an explanation of why people stay.

Henry · December 2, 2011 at 11:02 pm

Edit: a lot of unfounded claims, accusations and ‘anecdotal evidence’. No thanks.

Troy · December 2, 2011 at 10:23 pm

Uh huh. You’re someone who’s believable. You know what? I doubt your word and question your sincerity.
I live on a reserve. Just twenty years ago, we had nine condemned houses, each with two bedrooms, and an average of five people living in each.
However, due to increased funding from both the federal and provincial governments, our lives improved dramatically. Of those condemned homes, only one still has occupents, but it’s been remodelled from the inside out, averting the worst of conditions. And we’ve had dozens of new homes built that’ve lasted as long as any house on the white market.
Another thing you’ve neglected is chief and council are elected. Were those servants of the people doing a poor job, they’d have been out of a job. I don’t know about your township, but the general band assemblies where I live can become quite contentious especially regarding financial matters. We’ve recalled chief and council before, and we’ll probably do it again should the need arise.
As for why our band received such lavious attention from the government so that we could actually build dozens of new homes? Possibly it’s because we’re quite a radical and combative community. We tend to block important roads off. We threaten important corporations. We take our disputes international.
But Attawapiskat doesn’t have the same advantage we do, which is proximity to large cities, and the ability to choke off major bottlenecks in the interior of BC should the need arise,
If Attawapiskat were to take a page from our playbook, and I certainly hope they do, they’d need to make adjustments for how to force the government to listen to and then act on their demands.
I’d suggest taking over the mine. That’d sure as hell get Harper’s attention, and mighty fast.

Cynthia Preston · December 3, 2011 at 12:30 am

Shes doing something even more powerful, she’s informing the minds of those of us who want to understand, WE are public opinion, INFORMED public opinion, She is changing hearts and minds by countering media bites with information, What you did gained much with violence but bred resentment and fear. The reason people come to Canada is so we don’t have to live in fear of those who insist on taking the law into their own hands, insist on undermining good government instead of opposing dishonesty, greed and theft in every cultural/racial community. Did you lose when you gained? The pen is mighter than the sword . And social media is changing swiftly the public and political landscape of the World or haven’t you been watching international news this past year?

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 7:07 am

Cynthia, I understand what you are saying, but please also focus on what Troy has described. Changing public opinion means getting public attention, and most of the time, the public eye passes unseeingly over our communities, ignoring the lack of potable water, the high rates of suicide, the crowded living conditions and so on. Communities are not silent during all of this! They try to go through ‘proper channels’. They submit the paperwork and the proposals, they ask for meetings with Ministers and they jump through the hoops set up for them if the government bothers at all…and quite often years go by with no change. There is no opportunity to dialogue with the public when we are so thoroughly forgotten and ignored.

If you look at some of the major moments of Canadian awareness of aboriginal issues, what are they? They are what you might call moments of violence, if you count any blockade as violent.

Being law abiding sometimes means we allow unjust laws to damage our communities further. Law is influenced by policy and policy is influenced by opinion. If we are not being heard, the law rolls right over us. It’s unfortunate that sometimes the only way we have a voice at all, is when we are refusing to allow bulldozers into our territory, or we have a crisis as horrific as the one in Attawapiskat.

Cynthia Preston · December 3, 2011 at 4:08 pm

Oh I understand WHY the took the actions they did but I also believe they didn’t use all the resources available to get the action they needed,, But I don’t believe those actions are appropriate in this situation. I feel your blog is a huge step in making the public aware in a different way . If we cannot learn to work together to make progress, which communities are next? Just as the most successful aid is not occurring in communites where outsiders go in with their own agenda and their own aid based on what THEY would want, so too do our native communities in Canada KNOW what is needed, not wanted NEEDED. Now I’m going to step back, because I’m coming down with the flu or something and its making me more short tempered and less able to respond without considered thought. Keep writing WE all need your voice of reason..

Jacob Wilson · December 2, 2011 at 11:13 pm

I’ve now read the comments and not just the article, what a fantastic thread, glad to see it’s getting so much attention. A lot of comments spoke eloquently of ties to the land — both native people and non-native people. I definitely understand I don’t have the same relationship with a place that native people in their traditional community lands do. But still there’s got to be a lot of other factors keeping people in places like Attawapiskat. To be blunt I don’t see how the place will improve in my lifetime or my children’s. Canada has proven for decades that it’s politically incapable of funding remote native communities sufficiently to bring people out of poverty and misery. The current funding is clearly insufficient to match service levels in the rest of the Province, let alone when you add in the increased cost of everything up there. I just don’t see economic sustainability growing out of the community or the land either. Not the kind of wealth that would allow people to live comfortable and healthy lives up there. Maybe one community will get massive diamond revenues but not all remote FNs across the country. I just don’t see it. So I find it hard to believe that people from Attawapiskat are going to have a real future unless they try to spend a good chunk of their lives elsewhere and occasionally go back to live for a time or maybe move back in their old age. To me the policy problem is how do we provide people in remote communities opportunities elsewhere in Canada that they can choose to take if they think it’s worthwhile — give them the best of both options. If people can succeed elsewhere then they can maybe bring some of those skills and successes back to the community. But it’s not going to grow out of this kind of squalid misery. And in the circumstances I also don’t know if putting a lot more money into homes up there, giving people an incentive to stay, is a good idea in a dead end town. I don’t want to minimize how wrenching the move is but I don’t accept that the ties to the community and the land are the be-all and end-all either. Anyway really enjoying peoples’ views.

JG · December 3, 2011 at 12:24 am

Your article is a great surface analysis of the issue. I believe if you really want to address the thousands of angry comments we see across the web other deeper issues have to be addressed such as:

Lets concede the point that the government (provincial and federal) funding isn’t “enough” for adequate housing. Are you implying that the canadian taxpayer is to be the sole funder of housing on reserves such as Attawapiskat in perpetuity? Does this obligation of funding continue for any population level, with climate change, with any global price of gas/oil/heating, no matter what the national debt is, in any ecnomic condition until the end of time?

Continuing the thought process above, concerning the mine within near the reserve. (I use the term near loosely) We know work at the mine usually pays quite well and that the mine usually transports people from all over the world to work there. Could this source of income be used to help relieve some of the problems? Does the mine offer to transport the citezens of Attawapiskat? Is this type of work not keeping in there traditional heritage and therefore unacceptable? I am sure many members do work at the mine… but is the pay levels there not enough to build/maintain a home?

Some concerns in the comment section of this blog cite the lack of band members “ownership” over their land/houses as a reason why personal funds/effort are not often used to build/create houses. I have seen this inability to personally own land on a reserve blamed on the Indian Act. Is the idea of the band owning the land in keeping with Aboriginal tradition or do native leaders want their members to be able to own and sell reserve land in a traditional personal or corporation style? Also, even with this legal restriction in place, can’t a band informally “give” a house to a member? You would think in such small communities there would be sufficient confidence that a family would not be evicted from their home, and therefore they would have incentive to build/maintain more?

I also see that the Bands descisions have to be approved by INAC and that this may be the reason why “enough” wasnt spent on housing (e.g. the band had money that could not go to housing). Is there any evidence that the band leaders/chief fought to use its money differently? E.g. We know that budgets can often be “massaged”. For example has the band made a news release or formal request asking to be able to spend more then the 5 out of 90 million on housing?” It seems reasonable for the band to say “look we want to avoid a tragedy, we are going to take another 10 million out of this pot and put it in housing?”, perhaps this request/news release is out there somewhere?

We often see the straw man argument that the white man wants to “force” people off the land. Is there a middle ground where the white man is only willing to fund so much and beyond that band members are welcome to stay or leave? Perhaps that point is not possible yet because we are so far from reaching our obligations?

If another non aboriginal township were struck with similar conditions, we would likely see emergency relief from military/red cross, third party organizations support groups, neighbors etc, massive insurance funding etc. But probably not calls for government funds to build homes, especially if they were not there in the first place or were poorly maintained. Does this analogy not fit on a reserve? If my instinct were to say donate to a third party organization to help with the tragedy, but call my MP to urge him not to force me to donate my tax dollars would I be insensitive or incorrect in some way?

(I conced that some of my questions may be pointed, although I hope they are not hurtful. I guess they are a response to the idea that you math analysis above somehow answers the reaction we are seeing by canadians. I honestly don’t think that the numbers are the point)

Mike · December 3, 2011 at 6:12 am

Schedule A, $2 million budgeted for housing, $1.8 on wages and administration, $450K surplus at year end 2010. Somebody please show me where the actual materials for houses were bought. Until then, this is all a shell game.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 6:53 am

“Until someone else does the work to provide me with evidence to the contrary, I am going to assume the worst and present my assumption as fact.”

That’s a position that conveniently does not require you to do any work at all, I note. I’d like to know why people are so willing to assume the worst. The beliefs about natives peoples that lie underneath need examination.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 7:18 am

I don’t have the time to go through a point by point answer to your questions at this moment…I think your questions help clarify in my mind what kinds of things people are wondering though, so I’m glad it’s here to look at again when I can take a breather. I just wanted to respond to this:

“I guess they are a response to the idea that you math analysis above somehow answers the reaction we are seeing by canadians. I honestly don’t think that the numbers are the point.”

The numbers are absolutely not the point, I agree 100%.

The numbers are a smokescreen for bigger issues. I hoped to at least go into it a little bit so we could put it aside long enough to admit those bigger issues are there. I hope it’s working, and from the comments on this blog it seems that it is for some. When all we do is focus on the numbers and endlessly check balance sheets, we forget that there is a bigger context.

Most Canadians honestly do not understand the history or the relationships here, and so in the absence of information, they fill in the gaps based on their own cultural beliefs. A real dialogue needs to happen. Real education needs to happen. We can’t move forward on these issues when many people don’t even really know what the issues are, much less understand them well enough to start providing suggestions for improvements. I think your questions highlights that need for information, and I am happy that you’ve moved beyond the numbers to ask them.

I’m going to try my best to address them in subsequent blog posts, but I can’t promise it’s going to be timely.

JG · December 3, 2011 at 1:50 pm

I appreciate your reply and understand you lack of time to answer the questions. Some are big picture questions that in truth could take years to answer.

But I have a comment about the idea of “education” I see here. It seems to me it is often used in two senses with regards to this subject: 1. that only one side has much to learn and 2. that if only they would learn it these problems would go away.

I would argue that “we” are much more educated then the generalizations in this comment section and across the internet would have you believe. While posts on the “sun” and ctv web sites, might seem unrefined, cruel and uncouth they sometimes reflect the knowledge we actually have. We know how money is spent on and off reserves, by working on them and by relationships so many Canadians share.

I also see a somewhat naive theme about contracts. That “white people” only respect contracts when it serves them or do not know the extent of our obligations under treaties. I would argue that instead the global population as a whole does not respect contracts as much as some believe. We do not care what contract predatory loan sharks had there desperate clients sign, we do not care about the contracts Doctor Kevorkian had his patients sign, or the contracts drug companies like to tuck in there boxes, or the contract dictators often have with their “people”. Contracts are continuously renogotiated in a variety of forms for better or worse and are judged by regular people by the effect they have on society (your society, my society and our society).

I also think the discussion needs to be informed/educated by the state of global discourse. You may have noticed that global economics is a hot button issue across the entire planet. Questions that the entire world is struggling to answer such as:
-What does Europe owe greece? And how do we factor in the Greece corruption and relative low production (e.g. laziness) when considering that it is productive Germany that will be funding unproductive Greece? (fyi I am partially Greek and visit now and then)
-How can we justify the salary of financial CEO’s that provided nothing but destruction to people on a global scale. Regardless of the contracts the CEO have signed much of the population demands punishment and revocation of their contracts.
-What social supports are optimal for social happiness and morally justified? What do unemployed people deserve? Will the “welfare funds” spur them to be productive and lift them out of there state of misery or will it incentivize them to become even less productive? Does it even matter? Don’t we morally owe our brothers and sisters a certain minimum standard of living regardless of silly ideas such as productivity?
-Arent the poor, and the rich, just a product of history? We can see many of examples of lazy rich people and productive poor people. How is this fair? Why is the economy rigged to allow Paris Hilton to continue to parade around the world whille the poor maid who works every day can barely feed her family?

Ok those were a lot of examples, close to going off on a tangent. But my point is that you will notice that none of the arguments or questions are race or ancestor based. Concerning my Greek example, it is irrelevant that this country was a seedbed for modern European culture and democracy. The argument that Greece today deserves something because it is full of Greeks, or because of some value of an ancient Greek culture is frankly ignorant and somewhat racist. Greece will have to negotiate its terms based on its VALUE to society TODAY and based on MORAL obligations of people everywhere.

The arguments about ancestry and treaties and “but you don’t know the historical context” are besides the point. I don’t care to learn about the legal details of historical agreements in slave based United States or the details of treaties in Canada from hundreds of years ago. Rather my opinions will be informed by what I see in my northern community today. I believe we owe all of humanities brothers and sisters respect and support, regardless of there geographic and recent ancestral heritage.

(Edit I put Jack Kevorkian in with some pretty bad people… which is odd because I respect him greatly and regarded him as a hero in many respects… Sorry Jack. I am just using your situation to show that contracts are not as powerful are relevant as one might believe)
(Also by “recent ancestral heritage” I am addressing the issue found here and other places that we are all not from the same family. We came from the same mammals who came from the same birds who came from the same fish who came from the same DNA molecule. Were all of the same ancestry, thats just a fact)

JG · December 3, 2011 at 2:17 pm

I must add, on another hand some of the social context stuff is definetely valid and some education is indeed valid in other cases. E.g. I know what the residential schools were because I am not deaf nor blind, even as a public worker I have had countless “information sessions” reminding me about them. They make me sick to my stomach. How can I actually call myself a Catholic knowing the complicity that organization had in the sickening affair. I really can’t can I? The values displayed in that and others incidents are values I utterly reject. I must confess I don’t what the restitution was in these cases but I am sure it wasn’t even close to sufficient and I support any efforts for more support of the victims and wider public knowledge of this scandal.

Nevertheless, this social context and history lesson is irrelevant in relation to the financial viability, corruption and productivity of the population of attawapikat today and I can’t fault the typical Sun Commentator (e.g. “fix your house and get a job”) for not mentioning it in this particular situation.

blah · December 3, 2011 at 12:47 am

The main problem with this article, in my view, is that it appears to suggest that aboriginal communities deserve funding by the public sector notwithstanding a total absence of contribution to the tax base. It’s unclear why the larger, diverse Canadian population should be expected to bank the questionable economic and geopolitical decisions of this group. It is those who stand out who are left out in the cold.

Cynthia Preston · December 3, 2011 at 3:50 pm

Dear blah this article in my view asks no more than a people in third world conditions in our first world country don’t deserve to live with a working sewage system, clean running water and a decent school that has heat, teachers who care, a library, and all the things even our welfare recipients in our cities and hamlets across the country have access too? Remember all that money that went to Cuba, to Malaysia, and other crises struck countries around the world. DOES or native population deserve less? WHen the RED CROSS sees the situation this this communite as DIRE you better be listening and you better sit up and take notice, and not rationalise why the government and we as a people have failed to do what has been recommended, by those who HAVE studied the situations in native communities. Pull your fingers out of your ears and imagine yourself in their position or don’t you have the imagination to do that?

Deb Prothero · December 3, 2011 at 12:55 am

Thanks for your interview on CBC radio this morning too. You were very eloquent.

After reading your articles and links and the comments here, I have one more question. What if the Kelowna Accord had been passed instead of turned down by the Harper government? I had the impression (possibly naive) that this Accord was going to go a long way to solving the systemic issues. Would the native communities be in a better place with Kelowna in place? Was it enough?

Look forward to your further comments.

Jason Haney · December 3, 2011 at 3:55 pm

The Kelowna Accord was indeed a great piece of work by the Martin government! Had it not been very quickly canned by the harper government, there is a good chance this dialogue would never have happened. I was proud be Liberal in the Martin years, and proud to be Canadian.
For lack of an unbiased source to read about it, wikipedia will do. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelowna_Accord

Rachel · December 3, 2011 at 1:23 am

The fact that this kind of explanation is needed in order to combat hateful accusation is part of the reason I gave up my Canadian citizenship.
Why should aboriginal people be required to give a break down of their spending, like children being reprimanded by a parent? Why can’t the claim of crisis and a lack of funding be valid enough?
I genuinely feel sad about the racist practices of the Canadian government and the lack of awareness among average Canadian citizens, not to mention the horrifying hate speech from uneducated fools.
I suppose I have nothing constructive to offer, but this is part of the reason that I will never return to my birth country. Canada is rich, spoiled and takes itself for granted.

Scott Kelland · December 3, 2011 at 6:23 am

Great and informative article, catchy writing, but . . . roller derby? Really? Seriously, I’ve forwarded this to my lists to help counter some of the spin from the PMO and Minister Duncan. It might also interest you to know that, according to the main estimates from the departmental report on plans and priorities, there are some 5,353 full-time equivalent employees at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (2010-2011). I suspect the median salary is not far from $69k, and could be quite a bit higher. So, INAC is quite busy creating jobs, just not north of Ottawa/Hull.

Keep up the good work, people are paying attention

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 6:50 am

Roller derby. Seriously 😀

Thanks for the info!

Moira Dunphy · December 3, 2011 at 8:33 am

This has been a very interesting post to follow! However there have been many comments that use anecdotal evidence to support a firm belief or fro. Which to male a generalization. In the world of science, anecdotal evidence is unsound proof that leads to false conclusions ( I saw a chief’s house once and it was really nice, therefore chiefs are corrupt). Even collecting a large number of similar anecdotes does not provide proof of anything other than opinion (ie x% of people believe chiefs are corrupt).

Anecdotal evidence is difficult to combat, because a person feels you are telling them what they saw with their own eyes is wrong, which can make them dig their heels in deeper. At any point, though, a reasonable person can step back and examine their own opinion, and see if is based on sound evidence. It does not mean your own experience is not valid, but it is only one story of a vastly diverse experience.

The author here has offered some facts that have been researched. This is useful, this is the opposite of anecdotal evidence. It leads to only one possible conclusion, and that is that Stephen Harper is a poopyhead.

Mike · December 3, 2011 at 9:24 am

As they say, the “devil is in the details”. Although all these links show financial statements (unauditied), there is no detail. Who and where did the $400K in administration fees for housing go to? Who and where did the $1.3 million in wages for housing go to? Why is there a $450K surplus in housing budget? Where are the actual costs of materials purchasesd? And so on. Whether it is $90 million, $17 million or $2 million, unless there are specifics, people can only imagine what is going on there…

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 9:45 am

It’s more detail than $90 million, which is a start.

Nor do I think the real issues are based on delving into the balance sheets.

Mike · December 3, 2011 at 10:19 am

But that IS the issue. Where is the money going… down to the detail. For example, $400K to administer a $2 million budget would raise a red flag at any business, city, etc.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 12:03 pm

I disagree that is the issue. I think the real issues are about people’s misconceptions about aboriginal peoples, about life on reserve, about taxation of First Nations, and about a myriad of other interrelated beliefs that the wider Canadian public has about us.

The ‘show me the money’ question is a smokescreen for ‘why the hell are you people getting my precious tax money when you’re a bunch of lazy Indians’.

David York · December 3, 2011 at 8:46 am

Thanks for this great work. I’m spreading it around.

Jon · December 3, 2011 at 9:56 am

âpihtawikosisân, you’ve done a great job in bringing so much concise information forward.

In re the poster who considers giving attention to band finances to be like a child subjected to parental oversight, be aware that in all municipalities in Canada there is an expectation that the city presents its finances openly. This helps to keep things on the level — as much as is practical. The fact that the band finances *are* available easily to view is an answer to critics who charge that “it’s just money thrown away”, etc, and proves that PM Harper has no excuse for misrepresenting these numbers.

That said, it is fair to ask why there is a cumulative $60 million surplus, including $3.1 million in 2011 alone — not because it’s an excuse to bash native administration or ignore the conditions, but simply to ask why. Are there bottlenecks preventing this money from being spent in a helpful way (while, as the surplus itself suggests, the band administration is ethical enough to not use it for personal projects or ‘make it disappear’)? It isn’t just about money, but perhaps studying how the money is not doing its job could help.

max · December 3, 2011 at 11:44 am

Great job of gathering information and giving some explanation. However I cannot agree with the direction your analysis is leading. There are too many questions left unanswered and problems unaddressed. One issue is the reliance on the $90 million number when you state yourself that the total income, federal, provincal and other is $34-35 million a year. So $172 million over the 5 years if we assume 34.5 a year. In 2001 the census reported the population of Attawapiskat was 1,293 and other sources put it at 1,366 in 2004. I will be generous and say it is 1,500 now. $34.5 million divided by 1,500 is $23,000 per person. The ratio of children to adults on reserves tends to be quite high so going by raw population can be misleading. Going by households is probably a better measure, assuming there are 4 people per household that is $92,000 a household a year. From the accounts I have been reading 4 per household is low.

$92,000 is some serious money. What also needs to be considered is that almost all of this is coming from outside, the Federal Government, Provincial, deBeers, and other sources mentioned in the comments. In most communities in Canada the amount of tax money they generate is roughly equal to the amount they spend. Not so for reserves they get far far more tax money than they give back to the rest of Canada.

Switching topics the the housing problems, where are the adults of the reserve? I’m an adult and I would never think about waiting for the government to come fix my house. If I have a problem I fix it myself. The real question if why do the adult residents of the reserve not take responsibility and work to fix more themselves? That is a tough one with no easy answers. I personally don’t see it being solved until everyone in Canada has the same rights and responsibilities. The reserve system in it’s current form needs to end, people on reserves need more freedom to choose how to live. Being stuck living in a remote community cut off from the rest of the world does not seem to be working. We need to embrace the fact that we are all humans and not dwell on how we are different. It only causes problems.

Jason Haney · December 3, 2011 at 4:15 pm

Lets give natives their land back in it’s entirety, then put you and your family on a poisoned reserve under the Indian Act and see how well you do.
After failing to exterminate the First Nations, the government forced them onto these reserves and wrote treaty’s they are supposed to be honoring. The government is failing miserably. Canadian’s do not understand the fiduciary responsibility the government has to the First People. Take some time to read some treaties, study the Indian Act, visit these isolated reserves then come back online and tell us your story.

Zitouni Skookum · December 3, 2011 at 12:10 pm

Merci. Excellent article. However the roots of all these problems are the fact of a federalist governmental organization and structure (organized by the constitution). This federal structure is inefficient, unfair and not respectful, not only for one or two First Nations but for all the nations of this countries, francophone, First Nations AND even anglophone. The rest of the world changed and adapted their governmental organization and structure but Canada is still organized and paralyzed in the framework written on the old papers of 1867 by people died long time ago. Most of the canadians refuse to even discuss about the real source or the cause of many problems and dysfunctions of Canada without also speaking of the assimilation: the colonialism and mismanagement aspects of Federalism. Yet Canada could be ruled very differently and for the best of its communities and Nations.

jg · December 4, 2011 at 2:04 am

well said, the structures of the past are holding us all back. Its far past due time to find a way to work together and as long the current structures are in place they breed nothing but resentment

Moira Dunphy · December 3, 2011 at 1:34 pm

Bob, please, take a second to consider what you see is not the whole story. I could observe any part of the world up close and make similar sweeping assumptions. Try, instead, to take the observations you have made and ask ‘why’? If you have been reading this thread carefully you would find some of the answers to these questions. We can all LEARN from others here, but not by digging in our heels and arguing.

Attempting to understand all the things you have personally witnessed is baffling, if you try to understand it from your experience of life. At the heart of your comments, I hear your outrage at the situation, because you cannot understand why anybody would put up with this. Just read more carefully, some people who have first-hand experience are trying to give you some answers. And remember that people living with poverty and need (let alone the legacy of residential schools, racism, etc.) suffer from a higher level of chaos, mental health issues, addictions and daily difficulties that are not as obvious as a rusted out car, so do not be so hasty to judge their actions from the outside.

Linny · December 3, 2011 at 1:47 pm

Edit: this is a really offensive and false dichotomy that has no place here.

Wayne Borean · December 3, 2011 at 2:05 pm

âpihtawikosisân,

I’ve completed my article, with comments. Thanks for allowing me to quote you in full.

Attawapiskat Revisited

Regards

Wayne

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 3:50 pm

I like what you’ve done, it was a pleasure to read your comments!

Wayne Borean · December 4, 2011 at 7:16 pm

Thank you. A love of history comes in handy at times [GRIN]

Wayne

jg · December 4, 2011 at 2:08 am

My favorite quote is “What most people seem to forget is that Canada and the United States exist because a bunch of adventurers with guns came and pushed the original inhabitants out of their lands. The same is true of all the countries in North and South America.”

Incredibly relevant and accurate to todays events. Many people often forget this though because they weren’t alive during the period you remember.

Wayne Borean · December 4, 2011 at 7:17 pm

Hey, I’m not quite that old!

Wayne

Jules K · December 3, 2011 at 2:11 pm

Whatchia,

Jules Koostachin here, I am from Attawapiskat First Nations and living in TO. Anyhow, wondering how one would get a hold of you? I am planning an event in Toronto in January with family members coming down, and all about Attawapiskat. We are all grateful for your work and honesty! I don’t want to write too much here, but hoping I can send you an email or a message. You can do a search on the work I have done through google…

I’m on facebook. Hoping to hear from you…

Mee’Kwetch

G.J.W. · December 3, 2011 at 3:14 pm

How many times have we seen on TV and all over the web…. F.N. children begging for a school? They have to keep their winter jackets on, to try and stay warm in their, wretched ice cold portables. The F.N. kids education is so poor, they have no hope, for a higher education. No wonder the kids commit suicide, they have no hope for a better life. If the everyday people know of this, so does Harper.

Many of the adult F.N. were forced into residential schools. They were beat, raped, emotionally abused and even murdered. Those kids were not allowed their language, customs nor their beliefs. Substance abuse is an escape from those, evil dreadful memories.

Those F.N. called a state of emergency, they were ignored for an entire month. That adorable little F.N. baby that died, because of the rotten health care they get from Harper. Our P.M. should be forced to resign. Harper has enough money for, $50 million dollars for gazebos. Three million for one members travel expenses. A stupid billion dollar fake lake. A $11.000 per hour jet, took Harper to a hockey game. While the F.N. are suffering conditions, worse than the third world country’s.

Harper wastes billions on, his stupid wars, jets, armored vehicles, a nuclear sub, ships and Stalags, when the crime rate is way down.

Harper gives billions of our tax dollars to, banks, mines, large company’s and gas and oil corporations. I saw that motion pass, on the House Commons TV channel. Harper also gives them huge tax reductions. Now those actions are hid, behind closed doors. Why is Harper giving our tax dollars, to the wealthiest outfits in the world?

Who in their right mind would appoint, scum like Gordon Campbell, as High Commissioner to England? He has the dirtiest and most foul, corrupt political record, this nation has ever had. Harper also had, a many times convicted American felon working for him. Strangely the robocalls to Canadian homes to confuse their voting locations, came from North Dakota. Way over half of Canadian citizens, did not want Harper for P.M. Many believe, Harper did not win his election on the up and up.

Harper is a fascist Reformer, everything is for his own selfish goals. Harper founded the Northern Foundation party, back in 1989. Harper belongs in prison, for his negligence of the F.N. People and the death of that, beautiful wee baby girl. Harper is the worst P.M. this country has ever known. He needs to be forced to resign.

Harmony · December 3, 2011 at 4:07 pm

Thank you for the article, I hope more people read it and educate themselves about the situation. I will continue to pass on this article.

thevenerablecorvex · December 3, 2011 at 4:45 pm

Thank you very much for this; I could tell that something wasn’t right when I saw a bunch of racists mouthing off their talking points, but this fills me in on the details quite nicely.

Judy · December 3, 2011 at 5:12 pm

Thank you so much for writing this article. I am a student at Fleming College taking a class on First Nations and Sustainable Development with Bob Lovelace as our instructor and I’ll admit that before this class, I was about as ignorant as the rest of the general public about First Nations issues. Unfortunately, many people out there think that playing the blame game is going to solve problems. However, education is a much better place to start; I will also continue to pass on this article.

Moira Dunphy · December 3, 2011 at 6:34 pm

Re colonialism: this is a political term. It is like using the words democratic, fascist, dictatorship. They describe the way the community functions. Colonialism is a part of our history, not our heritage. Heritage is defined as property or traditions passed down from previous generations. Colonialism is not a slur against any cultural group. I think you will find the author agrees that no racist comments should be made here. This was a political comment, not a racist one.

Roy Dahl · December 3, 2011 at 7:05 pm

fair enough, but among the costs associated with running the Attawapiskat FN are a lot of expenditures identified as “Administration” and “Appropriations and Transfers” … what constitutes these expenditures? Can you clarify?

Tanya · December 3, 2011 at 7:05 pm

Thank you very much for reading comments in articles and setting up a source for some answers. I really appreciate it.

Kathryn McGlynn · December 3, 2011 at 7:53 pm

If one turns the acusations around; like posing the question ‘where did all the money go’, and focuses that question at the federal government, then I think the answer to that will be solved much quicker. It is very sad that so much money can be funneled into a community, and still the people of that community be living in such squalid conditions. Once the government, (federal and/or provincial) is in charge of metering and doling out such funds, then suddenly administration fees are astronomical. And still they have the raw guall to point fingers, and accuse others of that which they perpitrate. It’s appalling, shamefull, and disgracefull. Makes me embaresed to call myself a Canadian

linda sabourin · December 3, 2011 at 8:08 pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you. T’is well written and deserves to be well read. I learned so much. You helped me understand so many misconceptions, I’m happy I found this blog and I hope the seeds planted here reap benefits.

Courtney · December 3, 2011 at 8:17 pm

In response to people who maybe don’t understand the disparity of health (and other) services for Canada’s indigenous peoples, here is a link to a World Health Organization report (November, 2010). Page 37 is the beginning of their topic on Canada. http://www.who.int/healthsystems/topics/financing/healthreport/33IH.pdf

This is just the tip of the iceberg as far as information goes, but gives a good overview about the amount of work needed for a healthier population. (Which is what I think the point of this conversation should be – not money or misconceptions)

Courtney · December 3, 2011 at 8:25 pm

While I may disagree slightly in the point of the conversation, I must thank the author for the read and the further breakdown on FN culture. It’s not that I’m not interested in learning more about FN misconceptions, or where the money in Attawapiskat went, just that I’m concerned for the welfare of these people. Very insightful article. I also appreciate your responses to comments.

âpihtawikosisân · December 3, 2011 at 8:45 pm

I completely agree that the money is not the point.

Someone said to me recently, “when we start looking at the balance sheets, we’ve agreed to play Harper’s game”.

Well I agree to a certain extent. However, this isn’t just about Harper. This is a way in to the issues for a lot of Canadians. I think these comments have shown that. Yes, some are focused on the money, but a lot more are focused on wider issues.

I think it has disgusted a lot of people that Harper is talking about money when people are living in such deplorable conditions. It’s like haggling over a will at someone’s sick-bed. I think it has outraged many, and has led them to question more deeply.

Anders Holm · December 3, 2011 at 9:14 pm

As someone looking to move to Ontario, and interested in the original inhabitants of the are, I find this a very insightful story. Not to mention revealing of the problems of the area. Thank you for sharing.

Kevin Fitzgerald · December 3, 2011 at 9:53 pm

I didn’t read the entire post, not because I wasn’t interested, rather, I felt that the content would not be unexpected. As a Non-Native Non First Nations Caucasian English Canadian, I find it reprehensible that the Collective Canadian people, treat our own brothers and sisters as second class citizens, while we assist others and wage war in far away lands that we have zero jurisdiction in. The amount of money is not even an issue. By comparison, it is a paltry amount to the funds squandered by the canadian peoples governing stewards on frivoulous programs and studies that are forever being done. What is required is action. Fix the problem. If the government is incapable of getting off their collective behinds, then lets just stop talking about fixing it, why it isn’t fixed and fix it. Co-ordinate the chief of Attiwapiskat Setting up an account – please, that is not managed by an outside agency, make a group on facebook and or linkedin and get the funds flowing from, concerned citizens, first nations people from other bands, corporations donations of temporary shelter, transportation companies, etc. I would be glad to assist. I can donate time at this point in my life and engage people that can help. Just let me know and I will be glad to start co-ordinating something to start. Lets get it fixed and get going. why wait. thats why I didn’t finish reading the post.

Marcel · December 3, 2011 at 10:08 pm

âpihtawikosisân, good job at putting some logic and providing insight to the chronic misconceptions. It’s sad that there is no short term solution to a historical build up of injustices. I agree, deal with the immediate issues that affect the health and welfare of everyone, then keep working on long term solutions and bureaucracy. This battle for just treatment has been going on for a long time and will not go away anytime soon.
Like you said “There are so many racist rants and outright ignorant responses that it can bog
you down. Where do you even begin, when the people making these comments do not seem to understand even the bare minimum about the subject?”.
And as Chief Theresa Spence has said in the National Post Dec. 02, 2011: “As a leader in my community, as a mother, I want nothing more than to be able to provide a safe community for my people. I want our members to be healthy and happy and thriving. I want roofs over our heads. I want a school for our children. A jointly developed approach is what we need to ensure our rights are respected and our needs are met. “No longer can First Nation poverty in a First World country be used as political football, further driving wedges within our communities and between First Nations and other Canadians”. “I encourage all Canadians to not judge us but join us with respect — help us move forward in dignity, recognizing our rights and responsibilities. This is the only path forward to creating a future that restores the pride and dignity for all”.
Isn’t that what we would all want?
The government must commit to work with First Nations to promote effective public education regarding First Nation rights, histories and future aspirations; First, Government needs to listen! (Angus Toulouse speaking at the Chief of Ontario Presentation to the Ipperwash Inquiry March 8, 2006).

Just a personal opinion, but our governments should implement mandatory First Nation courses into all Canadian schools right from the very first grades. This should be a minimum obligation from governments to help turn around years oppression, assimilation and racism. Arm Canadian citizens with facts so that constructive dialogue is possible to address basic needs, sustainable development, resources, progress etc….It’s time for our government to stop dodging bullets, put on its bullet proof vests, and step up to the plate. Long overdue!!!
Luckily we have individuals such as; Phil Fontaine; Shawn Atleo; Angus Toulouse; Stan Beardy, Theresa Spence, âpihtawikosisân and many other Chiefs/individuals/role models, that refuse to ever give up on its People.
Keep up the good work

Sabrina · December 3, 2011 at 10:36 pm

Thank You so much for your direct and concise writing. It articulates the misconception and leaves people with much food for thought. I am a student at U of Ottawa, I am also on the Indigenous Students Association and have been trying to find a piece like this to help with education on campus. I will be forwarding this to everyone I can. Thank you so very much.

Mike · December 3, 2011 at 11:29 pm

Edit: nope, no platform from which to hurl accusations and attempt to definitively define this discussion in negative terms.

LilDaddy · December 4, 2011 at 11:10 am

I think this kind of thing is created when people raise legitimate issues and concerns that a large percentage of the public feel and instead of having a dialogue they are recast as uneducated, ignorant, insensitive or someone puts words in their mouth.

Certainly if someone put the words ‘why the hell are you people getting my precious tax money when you’re a bunch of lazy Indians’ in my mouth I was raising legitimate auditing concerns it might irk me. Anyone can play the race card, but it doesn’t make it right.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 12:55 pm

Please read the initial post I made again. I did not intend to put words in any individual’s mouth. I summed up what is an unfortunately pretty accurate description of the dialogue happening right now in many comments sections.

“I disagree that[where is the money?] is the issue. I think the real issues are about people’s misconceptions about aboriginal peoples, about life on reserve, about taxation of First Nations, and about a myriad of other interrelated beliefs that the wider Canadian public has about us.

The ‘show me the money’ question is a smokescreen for ‘why the hell are you people getting my precious tax money when you’re a bunch of lazy Indians’.”

I apologise if this appeared to suggest that the person I was responding to had this opinion. Nonetheless, this is indeed a widespread and I would argue even dominant position, being stated just as baldly.

Bringing this up is not ‘playing the race card’. It is acknowledging the extreme racism being displayed across the country in online comments right now.

Mark · December 4, 2011 at 2:53 am

Excellent blog.
Lets be clear, no treaty provides for housing. When the treaties were signed, natives provided their own housing and would have never expected the Crown to provide it for them. they asked for education and medicine because they recognized how much more advanced the Europeans were in that regard.

Putting a modern town up North with no economic base is environmentally unsustainable. The carbon foot print of these remote reserves per capita is likely 10 fold that of a city dweller. The cost of food is directly related to the fossil fuels burned to bring them there.
The only solution that I see if to give each First Nation an economic zone along the transcanada highway (lots of lakes and space between Kenora and ThunderBay) where their kids can go to school and play sports against other communities. The reserves and traditional lands remain theirs, but now their kids will have a choice. Far too many see no hope, no way off the rez, which are like a Siberian prison camp,completely isolated.

I how worked with Young offenders for years, mostly First Nations, and they want to be like the rest of the world, with cars, computers, paved roads, and opportunity. I really think giving them both an urban and tradtional home is the only solution. I would gladly pay more taxes to make it happen.

JG · December 4, 2011 at 11:44 am

Very interesting info Mark. Thanks for your comments gained from working in this area. While your proposal does seem a “win win” for all sides we both know that no one can tell a parent how or where to raise their child. Also it seems there are already plenty of aboriginal families doing just what you suggest. There is no lack of opportunity and space between the Sault and Kenora. I know Thunder Bay is being increasingly regarded as an urban reserve and its supports, education system are always being changed to better serve our incoming population.

I am interested though in your idea of an economic base. I would think that the nearby mine which has a variety of job classes, an internet link that enables entrepreunrism, along with careers to serving the community and the highly valued traditional lifestyle that is so central to life (hunting fishing etc) there would be sufficient opportunities for people who wish to call the community home? Not everyone needs or wants downtown Toronto.

I mean given the area you mentioned, we have seen these towns dying and people lose their life savings specifically because of economic viability. How are the people in Dorion, Greenstone, Ignace, Manitouwadge, Marathon, and Schreiber going to feel about a government that did not subsidize them to stay on their land, shipping other people into it and subsidizing their lifestyle?, People in Screiber just lost 60 percent of their home value, are they to pay for other people to move into their houses now?

Just a thought not trying to be to confrontational especially since I appreciate the info you have gained from experience.

urbannish · December 4, 2011 at 3:06 am

Miigwetch!! 🙂 It’s about time, I would like to say! 🙂 Your writing is timely and more importantly, easy to read. I would like to add that this is not new. Bridget Moran wrote Justa: A First Nations Leader in the book, Out of the Background: Readings on Canadian Native History. It’s easy to read, and not very long. Among other things, he was a Band Manager and tells it like it was, and still is after all these years. The way he told it is entertaining to say the least.. 🙂

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 8:13 am

I’ll try to check it out! I’ve been long on the look-out for resources to pass on to friends who want to learn more.

marika2020 · December 4, 2011 at 8:39 am

Thanks for this great post, Apihtawikosisan. IOt’s so good, the National Post stole it almost word for word, without giving you credit. Your post predates the National Post editorial by three days: http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/12/04/brett-hodnett-the-real-math-behind-attawapiskats-90-million/

Another theft from Aboriginal peoples.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 8:44 am

They do actually credit me at the bottom, linking to the blog. I specifically chose a license for this work that would allow for wide dissemination, because to me it’s much more important to get the information out than strictly control who gets to put it up. As long as they say where they got it from, it’s fine.

Although considering just how hateful Nation Post commentators are, I’m a little wigged out about this. Hmmm.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 9:00 am

I wrote to Jesse Kline who appears to be in charge of the Full Comment section:

Tan’si,

I am the author of the blog this Full Comment piece was taken from:

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/12/04/brett-hodnett-the-real-math-behind-attawapiskats-90-million/

I do not mind that you reprinted the entirety of my article without asking first, as I specifically licensed it that way. I would like to note yours is the only publication who did not ask before doing so, however and I may change my license to reflect my unease with what you have done.

I do mind that despite the small attribution link at the bottom, this article appears to be attributed to Brett Hodnett. It is clearly misleading and I would appreciate it if your publication did not make it appear that someone else has written this.

You can reach me at ***, or at home at ***. I very much expect to hear from you on this matter.

Thank you.

marika2020 · December 4, 2011 at 9:00 am

You are very talented, Apihtawikosisan. Thank you for sharing your work with all of us.

Sheryl · December 4, 2011 at 10:31 am

Thank you so much. I was feeling so disheartened and discouraged by all the horrible comments and statements I have seen on Attawapiskat. I do appreciate all this info and will use it. Thanks so much!

Ernest · December 4, 2011 at 1:42 pm

Lets try comparing apples to apples? Atikokan has more people than the First Nation. here is their 2006 financial statement and compare it to the FN.
You can subtract the 8 million for education (works out to be about 12000 per pupil based on the 2001 census.
And note that Atikokan pays for social assistance 50%, policing, public health. whereas First Nations do not.
Most of Atikokans revenue is derived from property taxes. Local citizens do not have Non insured health benefits ( dental, prescription drugs, glasses, hearing aids).
Finally, look at the cost of administration including education. Honouriums for Ontario schools are capped at $6000. Atikokan councillors make less than 10k per year and their mayor less than 20. And there are only six of them. Our boards of education cover 20000 people at least and still pspend less on honourariums.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 1:59 pm

Hmmm, extremely isolated Northern community apples to near-the-US-border not so isolated Southern community apples. I’m not sure we’re discussing the same varieties here.

Ernest · December 5, 2011 at 5:38 pm

That is why I made the comparison very generous. The links are missing but the difference is over double the cost of Atikokan (11 million compared to 30 million (22 million without education) with 50% of the population (1400 vs 2800) plus all of the additional costs that Atikokan has. And the residents of Atikokan pick up 2/3rds of the cost out of their own pockets, whereas no citizen of Attawapiskat pays for any of their services (including the chief who not only gets $70 k tax free a year, no doubt gets free housing as well). Funny that she is not in a tent – I wonder who gets the tent and who gets a house. Any guesses how many band councillors are in tents….??? How is that decided in a communist community? If housing is assigned, who gets to pick the winners and losers. We all know the answer. That is why so many working natives let the outside of their house look like crap, so the chief doesn’t come by and see that it looks nice and gives it to his sister.
As I understand, the band manager acts as the town’s CAO. That salary is low for that position (you want someone with an accounting designation and experience so you should be paying $90k plus isolation pay and housing. But $70000 for a Chief who is not the band manager and paying for 14 people on council (some over $50 k tax free) and 11 on the school board is fiscally incompetant. The Kenora- Patricia District School Board that covers an area the size of France has 11 as well, but has 23 schools and only one rep from each community. Whereas the Catholic Board with just 5 schools has 7 trustees.
So to claim that white society is being mean when it is paying quadruple the cost of running a remote First Nation community with no individual in the community paying any of that cost, compared to its own citizens, (who also pay for their own housing, septic and water systems) is wrong and insulting.

No Treaty provides for these serivices (find housing or even social assistance in Treaty 9 or 3).

First Nation people need to realize how luck they are. They can move and work anywhere is this country, with their own benefit package. They can also work in the United States. They don’t need to save for their kids education. They just need to work.

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 6:17 pm

I am highly tempted to edit out the various unsubstantiated claims you have made about the people of Attawapiskat, and about the Chief and Council. I’d appreciate it if in the future, when you wish to make such claims, you back yourself up. I see very little value in saying the things you have when they are frankly nothing but conjecture on your part.

You said you were comparing apples to apples. I don’t see how you can claim this is true in any sense of that term. Atikokan is not a reserve, it is township. Atikokan is not an isolated community, and is quite far south. You have noted that the populations are not comparable at all….no, I’m just going to stop there and ask you what on earth has possessed you to use Atikokan as any sort of comparison at all?

Even if you do provide a link to a financial statement, your use of a non-native town would only be helpful if that town were of a comparable size to Attawapiskat and equally as isolated in the North. Those financial statements would have to show all provincial revenues for education, health care and social services as well.

I don’t know what else to do with what you’ve presented…I can’t make heads or tails of it.

Geesee · December 4, 2011 at 1:56 pm

Are we ever going to question the people who come and work as Co-managers, Band Managers, etc. and who are NOT from our communities and who (In my personal experience) are not working for the best interests of our Bands, but only to line their own pockets? I think this should be explored when the issue of mismanaging money comes into play. These people take advantage of political (translating to family) dis-function and use that to their own advantage, especially in places where leadership is not elected because of their education or qualifications but because they are deemed “lesser of the evils”.
We need a dose of reality and we need to keep these con artists (disguised as business men) out of our communities…regardless if they are falsely being trusted because they just happen to be native.
FYI…if you dig a bit deeper into Attawapiskat’s “Management” from over the years, you will see exactly how ‘trustworthy’ these people have been. Best interest was never the intent. Harper would be proud of those “managers”.
Lighter note: I am happy to see that the human issue of this disgrace has not been overlooked or forgotten despite the financial issues that are being spotlighted. The fact is that people are in need and the response is encouraging and hopeful to see.

Thanks.

Chris Brown · December 4, 2011 at 2:18 pm

Are you aware that this entire blog posting has been plagiarised by the National Post? They provide a link to this blog at the end of the article, but they make it appear as if someone else wrote it.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 2:29 pm

I am aware, but I am not going to get too upset about it. They did not alter my work or misrepresent it in any important way. There is attribution, though it is not immediately recognisable as such. I’m not going to assume bad faith here, since it is much more important to me that the piece be out there than having everyone know I wrote it. I have contacted the National Post, and I am hoping that they will make the attribution clearer. If not…does it really matter? It’s not like I’m losing money on this (none to lose) and the message is a good one even if some people believe another person wrote it. I will use a stronger license in the future though.

Chris Brown · December 4, 2011 at 5:49 pm

I assumed this was more or less what you felt about it, and I feel the same way. But I also think this is a colonialist attitude for the National Post to take, to publish an article written by a native woman as if it were written by one of their presumably white, male staff. That’s what really bothers me about it.

Brett · December 4, 2011 at 8:14 pm

Hi, I’m the one who sent the link to your blog to the National Post, hoping they could use the excellent information when they were reporting on this issue. I don’t have any relationship with the National Post, or any other media for that matter. They mistakenly assumed I wrote it and credited it to me. I noticed it on the site and emailed them to tell them that I didn’t write it, and they had my name removed from it within minutes. So I can’t fault them for anything other than just a mistake.
I apologize if it appeared that I was trying to take credit for it, I didn’t intend that.
I’m just some guy that happened across your blog and thought that finally someone had written something sensible about the issue and I wanted it more widely read. Thanks for writing it.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 8:21 pm

Hi Brett,

Given that you aren’t a staff writer, I pretty much assumed that was the case. I’m a little weirded out by the National Post picking up on this, but that’s due to my distaste with their comments section and since this post went so viral, it’s really out of my hands at this point. I do appreciate that you forwarded it along, at least as a counterpoint to some of the really hateful crap people like Christie Blatchford have had to say. I hope that this hasn’t caused you too much trouble, as a lot of people were getting very upset about this. I’m glad the mistake was fixed, and I’m glad you read the post in the first place:)

Aaron Pollard · December 4, 2011 at 3:05 pm

Thank you! This is clear and concise. I try to keep up with what’s going on but there is such a lack of compiled information out there and federal governments – past and present – have rarely assisted in unpacking this in any way. As an aside, an odd 70,000 per year seems to me to be about the same amount that a high school principle might make in certain places and is certainly comparable to a middling administrator at a University. This hardly seems excessive for the leader of an entire community – especially considering the stresses involved in this case. The other thing to consider within the context of communities who are disenfranchised is that it is important to try to raise the barre, wherever possible, and to emerge from a poverty mentality that insists that everyone be underpaid for their work. It’s also very disingenuous for Conservative pundits to point to pay within the private sector to justify raises to Senators, Prime Ministers and Cabinet members, then to turn around and point fingers at leaders within First Nations communities, comparing their salaries with the poorest of their constituents. Just sayin’.

Tainbo · December 4, 2011 at 3:09 pm

You (and National (re)Post of your uncredited blog are making waves….
http://www.reddit.com/r/canada/comments/mzrr5/national_post_is_trying_to_pass_off_attawapiskat/

Also, ShitHarperDid.com has made a point of clarifying your authorship of this, NOT NP on their FB page after myself and another posted the original blog. YOU should have credit – you brought clarity to a confusing and not well known area of law, facts and FN’s. It is something I think all FN people struggle with – how to explain and defend our rights and the MANY misconceptions of them. It is nice to have it so clearly and concisely presented -THE FACTS ARE IMPORTANT!!! Thank you for providing them to all 🙂
Migwetch!

FYI Reddit has posted the page for users to email their disapproval at them not crediting your work.
http://www.nationalpost.com/contact/index.html
“If you scroll down to the Comment part, you can email the editor of the section. You can also email the main editor too”

I hope others here, email NP as well. 🙂

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 3:18 pm

Yikes! I don’t really want there to be a huge stink about attribution. I don’t think it’s a good use of time or energy. The only issue I have with this being published on National Post is my personal unease opening myself up to the kind of hateful comments that the NP is unfortunately notorious for in its comments section. I wrote this blog specifically to avoid that atmosphere. Ah well. I don’t have to read the comments, and I’m going to try to stop myself from doing so.

It’s amazing how angry people get about what I wrote, and how they demand I tell some part of the story that I haven’t covered. Like I could possibly cover all the bases, or answer all the questions, in anything shorter than a novel. It was never my intention to be the definitive word on the issue, but rather a different perspective.

*sigh*

Tainbo · December 4, 2011 at 3:29 pm

I’m just grateful you wrote what you did. You have brought so much clarity and truth to not just Attawapiskat – which is the issue, I hope that is not lost – but to FN rights. It helps and is important. Thank you again!

Jenn Jilks · December 4, 2011 at 6:11 pm

You should make a big stink! Theft of intellectual property, both words and images, is a horrible abuse of people and the luxury of the Internet.
On your behalf, I am enraged.
People in the south want to know what is going on. You told it. Shameful the way this was done.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 8:05 pm

I assumed it was a mistake, and the mistake appears to have been rectified. No harm done!

Sean Holland · December 4, 2011 at 3:26 pm

I’m a school teacher in Victoria. When I first heard the story about Attawapiskat, it was the usual dribs and drabs from the radio while I was driving, or a bit of TV news. Like many people, when I heard that $92 million had been directed at the community over the course of five years, I thought, “Wow, that’s a lot of money. What’s going on?” I heard a soundbite from Question Period in which an opposition MP was yelling at the government that “some of that money went to education.” On the basis of that soundbite, I thought, “Jeez. A community of 2000? I could do a hell of a lot of educating for just a million a year!”
There is something satisfying in finding out that one’s first impressions and assumptions were mistaken. This blog has really opened my eyes to some of the complexities and realities that haven’t been coming out in the soundbites and brief news reports. I certainly don’t fully understand the situation, but at least I now know that it’s not an easy matter of $92 million being misspent or embezzled. Thanks for reminding me that the black and white view of things is seldom true.
However this all eventually pans out in terms of governance and funding, the obvious thing is that people are suffering now, and political opinion has to be put aside while the needs of humans are addressed.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 3:41 pm

Thank you for picking up on the overall point. I don’t know where every cent either, and honestly I don’t think that finding out is going to make a huge difference when systemic problems are left unaddressed. I found it unfortunate that people were focusing so intently on a single number without making much effort to go beyond that. I realise that in addressing this topic at all, I have continued to focus attention on the numbers…but I think the comments here have shown that most people have moved beyond that to deeper issues, and that is what I hoped for.

I don’t think there should be political opportunities for pot-shotting taking centre stage in Parliament or the media. I can’t imagine how it must feel being a community member right now having such angry attention and so much finger pointing and blame gaming when the immediate concerns are overwhelmingly more important.

Donald Dodge · December 4, 2011 at 4:58 pm

Thank you for taking the tome, and doing the research required to help us average Canadians begin to understand the situation(s). I am involved on trying to help Nova Scotia first
Nations improve their homes in regards to energy efficiency, and often by proxy, indoor air quality. We seem to get stymied by INAC everytime. We are presently working with Stan Johnson at Cape Breton University to see if we can do an end run to get our programs in place.

Leah Jane · December 4, 2011 at 5:33 pm

Hi, I posted this article on my facebook last week. It’s now published in the National Post, under the writer Brett Hodnett. Did the National Post plagiarize!?
Just want to make sure you knew. I really hope they asked your permission.

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/12/04/brett-hodnett-the-real-math-behind-attawapiskats-90-million/

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 6:09 pm

Nope, no one from the National Post asked me permission.

morehistory · December 4, 2011 at 9:52 pm

I’m glad the Post picked it up — I was in the middle of reading your article and I ran out of battery on my computer.

They did link back here, and seem to have credited you on their site. I think it would be nice if they contacted you, but I think it’s just as important for this to get good coverage — your blog article is fantastic and should have wide coverage.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 10:03 pm

Well, my lack of love for the National Post aside, a lot of people have read the article there and others have expressed their happiness of that fact. I’m not going to rain on anyone’s parade:)

Penney Kome · December 4, 2011 at 5:40 pm

Permission to reprint? I’m writing as Editor of StraightGoods.com, Canada’s leading independent online newsmagazine, to request permission to reprint this blog post. SG can’t afford to pay writers, but we do reach a wide national audience (about 1 million hits or, more realistically, 36,000 unique visitors per month) and we’d be happy to link back to your blog and to promote anything you like at the bottom of the web page, up to 150 words. Thanks for your research and your courage.

âpihtawikosisân · December 4, 2011 at 6:08 pm

You can reprint with attribution:) I do not have anything I can think of to add.

Holly Stick · December 4, 2011 at 6:58 pm

National Post has changed the headline and added a note:

“Note: This article was inadvertently credited to Brett Hodnett. Full Comment apologizes for any confusion, which was due to a misunderstanding on our part. As noted, the original article appeared on the site âpihtawikosisân.

coastlogger · December 4, 2011 at 7:48 pm

Interesting article. One observation. A provincial politician friend once told me that 60% of all program spending is eaten up by the bureaucracy in administering the program. Having done a fair amount of construction on west coast reserves over the years I see no reason to question his . If this holds true with Indian Affairs then there has not been $90 million spent on this reserve in the last few years but closer to $30 million.Having done a fair amount of construction on west coast reserves over the years I see no reason to question his assumption.

G.J.W. · December 4, 2011 at 8:22 pm

How many times have we seen, the F.N. children asking for a school? They have to keep their winter jackets on, to try and keep warm, in their ice cold portables.

How many times have we heard F.N. saying, they need clean drinking water? A pipeline burst made the First Nations kids so sick, they had to abandon their school.

Fresh vegetables and fruit, costs a fortune in the Northern Communities. They don’t have good nutrition. That needs to be fixed, for the sake of their health.

How many times do we have to hear, of the F.N. young people committing suicide, because they don’t see a better future life for themselves? Their standard of education, is so poor, they can’t go on, to a higher education.

You would have to be brain dead, not to see the poverty of the F.N. People all across the entire country.

If we can see it, so can the government. This is pure negligence. That’s also why, that beautiful baby girl died, goddamned negligence of Harper’s health care for the F.N. citizens. Harper should be forced to resign. He wasted $50 million on gazebos. $3 million on one members travel expenses, an $11 thousand dollar an hour jet, to take in a hockey game. And, a billion on a stupid fake lake. The F.N. are living in worse poverty, than third world country’s.

Harper gives billions of our tax dollars to, banks, mines, large corporations and gas and oil corporations. This is so. I saw that motion pass on the House of Commons TV channel. I hear now, they have their dirty little meetings behind closed doors. Harper also gives them, huge tax reductions.

Harper is wasting billions on, wars, jets, a nuclear sub, ships, armored vehicles and billions on Stalags, even though the crime rate is way down.

Harper thieves our tax dollars, for his own selfish goals, and to hell with the people. Harper is the most useless P.M. in Canadian history. He also has a very shady past political record as well. Those F.N. people had to put out an emergency called, which was ignored for a month. The Red Cross finally had to look into the plight of those F.N. people. Harper needs to resign, for his callus treatment of the F.N.

Rhoda · December 4, 2011 at 9:54 pm

Excellent and thank you so much for all your hard work on this.

native32 · December 4, 2011 at 10:39 pm

I have a copy on my desk, our class went over every word you wrote. You have made a great In packed on us as students which is great, in Aboriginal criminal justice today, we are looking at all you have spoken of in all our classes, thank you. We young and old hear you and are gathering to stand together to spread the word.

we have read over this in school, I know your comments and awareness has been an inspiration to us all…we thank you for being a women that has brought this to the eyes and ears of a nation that needs to know what is going on, the truth is needed.
thank you.Glenda L Hill sr

http://attawapiskatfirstnation-native32.blogspot.com/2011/12/take-action-first-nations-people.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AttawapiskatFirstNation+%28Attawapiskat+First+Nation%29

Alan Harrison · December 4, 2011 at 11:34 pm

I like what you wrote. The Indian Act is flawed (greatly) & needs to be scrapped. However, the ultimate solution is for native people to take their full seat at the citizenship table. Join the communities in the rest of Canada. Seek gainful employment off of the reserves & pay taxes like the rest of the people in this country. In this day & age, the reserves should exist only for cultural excursions for your people. Certainly, it is not reasonable to expect modern conditions in far-flung reservations across the country. Criticisms are easy. Solutions are difficult.

Time to join the country & the modern age. You cannot protest the Indian Act & the Federal Government and still expect the protections due to you from them.

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 10:06 am

I do not agree that what you’ve described is the ‘ultimate’ solution, the only solution, or even the preferable one. Your suggestion carries a lot of baggage with it, filled to the brim with assumptions about what it means to be a part of the ‘modern age’, what ‘gainful employment’ is and should look like, what ‘citizenship’ entails. I don’t have the time to deconstruct each one of these issues and explain to you the way we see these things. What you offer does not actually address any of the deeper issues that have been mentioned in this fuller discussion. It’s just a more general way of saying, “get a job (assuming of course that all natives spend their lives unemployed), get off the reserve (assuming reserves can only be ghettos and nothing positive for us), and be like the rest of us (assuming that our differences are bad and that the ‘Canadian way’ is clearly best for all)”.

The ‘protections’ of which you speak are not sourced in the Indian Act, nor were created by the Federal government. Hmmm. I’m going to have to do a post about that at some point soon I think.

I’d like to ask if you meant to sound like an authority on the issues? I’m asking honestly, because I’m assuming you don’t feel that way and that the way you phrased yourself was a result of using a rhetorical device. I want to point out that a lot of people say, “here’s the solution”, as though they have actually analysed the entire history of the situation, have analysed the various aspects of it, and have arrived at some inevitable conclusion. Except I can’t really think of anyone who has managed to do all that, no matter how many years they’ve spent embroiled in this.

I’m pointing this out because I hope that you understand you don’t have all the answers because you do not have all the information. You can have suggested solutions, absolutely. We all can. However, the value of those suggestions is very much dependent on what information you do have, and whether or not you have a ‘big picture’ view.

For the record, I do not have an ultimate solution to suggest. I have a procedural suggestion that involves real dialogue. I feel that this is the vehicle for creating solutions together.

natika33 · December 4, 2011 at 11:43 pm

Thank you for posting this and clarifying so many things! I know next to nothing about the Indian Act or the reserve system. It’s a shame we didn’t learn about it in school. I think just a little education on the matter would solve a lot of the tensions that arise between natives and non-natives.

Ben · December 4, 2011 at 11:46 pm

I need HELP. I really enjoyed reading this article and the related posts, frankly I should have been in bed an hour ago; but, I have some thoughts that I was hoping the community here could respond to. I know that I am privileged in my upbringing (not rich, but middle class, good stable “Leave it to Beaver” family…) but I feel resentful towards First Nations because I pay taxes and work hard and the media obviously works harder to portray a different life for the “majority” of First Nations which reinforces my frustrations. I am rational enough to know that there is more to the story then the public sees – and this article addresses some of that – BUT, I need to understand two things:

How can we work together as Canadians when even you, Apihtawikosisan, refer to your community as “us.” Isn’t it the continued “us” vs. “them” that drives the wedge further? Do you consider yourself “Canadian,” or are we (you and I) working to live separately, in one country? I thought that it was a collective “we,” and that we should find a way to live together as Canadians.

Secondly, I find myself wondering (as the resentment lingers) why we don’t hear more strong Aboriginal leaders calling for new solutions that do not require massive monetary support by “us?” Are there strategies and solutions coming from the First Nations community that offer new and innovative ways to live together, and built a self-sufficient Aboriginal community?

I want to understand the points of view. Can this community make me feel less resentful and more hopeful?

Thanks for listening, I look forward to your guidance.

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 9:45 am

Thank you for the respectful way you’ve phrased what are difficult questions that have the potential to provoke very emotional responses.

Hmmm, where to start? You asked about my use of the term ‘us’, and indicated you saw that as potentially divisive. Well, I’d say that every human being wears many hats. I am a former teacher, and I think of myself still as an educator. So when I talk about issues from the perspective of an educator, I’ll use the term ‘us’ to refer to those of us who are involved in education. Yes, it does separate me from those who are not educators, but I don’t think it is in a bad way.

Ditto as a single mother…I’ll say ‘us’ to refer to single mothers in general. Now does it mean I speak for all single mothers, or educators or aboriginal people? Heck no! No one can speak for everyone! “Us” isn’t intended to signal that I am speaking on behalf of definitively. It is just acknowledging that I am part of the group I’m discussing.

You see, part of “our” culture, in the way that I’ve been taught, is that you need to be clear about the fact that what you are saying is coming from your own experiences. In order to make that clearer, you tell people who you are and where you come from. I know that the ‘western’ approach likes a more ‘objective voice’ where you don’t bring yourself into the topic of discussion, but “we” don’t approach it in the same way.

What I’m trying to say is that it’s not “us” versus “them” so much as it is me, trying to be honest and clear about where I am speaking from.

I understand a lot about Canadian beliefs and history because I’ve spent my whole life learning about it…often as an outsider trying to wrap my head around it. The same is not often true the other way around. I do want to highlight the ways in which “we” (that’s natives and non-natives now) approach things from a different perspective sometimes. “We” have similarities too.

All of us in this country can have our own differences, and still manage to not let those difference divide us…but in the case of aboriginal peoples and non-natives here in Canada, that bridge needs a lot of work. You personally do not have to think the way I do on every issue for us to get along, and that’s true on a wider scale too. We do have to show respect for one another, however.

The whole point is to NOT work separately. The sad fact is that the history of interactions between aboriginal peoples and non-aboriginal peoples in this country is marked by very divided understandings of relationships, and the power dynamic has been extremely one-sided. “We” (aboriginal peoples) want that dynamic to become more equal so that we CAN work together. I think a lot of non-natives want that too.

Do I consider myself a Canadian? Sure, sometimes. As I’ve said before, I’ll identify as Canadian when that’s the only thing someone is going to understand, having no idea who the Métis are or that ‘Cree’ is a language. I consider myself Canadian in other ways too, when I identify with certain ideals I personally feel do, or should embody the Canadian identity. But I am very much of my community, and of my family and because those are culturally important identity markers, I refer to them to represent my cultural values. You, for example, may consider national identity as a more important cultural value, or a more pertinent one. I, and many of “us” approach it in different ways.

This need not divide us.

As for strong native leaders…oh my, in a way we really do live in separate worlds sometimes because I can think of so many strong native leaders who speak out and lead the way. They don’t necessarily get wider media attention however. Do their solutions involve money? Absolutely. What systemic solutions or suggestions don’t on any level? If funding aspects of those solutions appear to be just a request for bulk amounts of money with no further systemic change…then I hope you recognise you aren’t getting the full story. Our people spend endless hours engaging in planning, in negotiation, in capacity building…you bet there are solutions on the table, and they are not black holes of endless funding.

I’m glad you recognise your resentment, and are willing to address it and ask questions. I hope that as you explore, you find more details and see that what is presented in general tells a bare fraction of what is happening ‘behind the scenes’. I will do my best to provide you with some of that information, but I can’t do it all:)

ay-ay

Ben · December 5, 2011 at 10:04 pm

This is why – sometimes – open dialogue in this manner can be exceptional. I do feel better, and you have made you position much clearer, Thank you. My beef seems to be more with the media now. You seem to represent a strong and rational voice, I hope your platform for discussion grows beyond this site.

Cheers.

Rhoda · December 5, 2011 at 11:56 pm

The conversation about ‘us’ and ‘we’ made me think of the fact that the ‘us’ and ‘we’ are often native, métis, mix of same, non-native, on reserve, off reserve, identifying as of native descent, parents of natives, but, not natives, natives with reverse racism or not, natives removed from their culture, natives involved in their culture, natives able to succeed and welcomed off reserve, and those for whom the experience has been too unfriendly or even dangerous, enfranchised and disenfranchised, non-natives who are of a supportive culture, non-natives of an unsupportive culture, informed and uninformed native or non-native, recent immigrants and descendents of not so recent immigrants. Bearing all of this in mind it partly simply but, dealing with the initial declaration of a state of emergency or preceding that the actual events over several (many) years resulting in what should be declared a disaster, comes down to how should people in a state of emergency be treated especially regarding basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing? What standard do we hold for our own family in order that we can simply function and, better than that, what requirements do we have to function at our best: decent food, a good night’s sleep, protection from the elements, a sense of security, a sense of belonging, a sense of being cared about and for.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 7:25 am

The diversity of ‘us’ is exactly as you’ve pointed out, quite extreme.

I continue to be disappointed with the federal response. I heard this morning on Daybreak that the third party manager has been asked to leave the community. Charlie Angus said the only thing the federal government has done is to send two boxes of donuts to the community with the third party manager.

Go on and conduct the audit, but will the feds seriously wait for the results before they decide to provide real aid to a community that is in crisis? How utterly inappropriate.

Rhoda · December 6, 2011 at 10:49 am

Agreed. I have contacted Amnesty International about the human rights abuses here by our federal government. I have not yet heard from them, however, I am thinking that an observer from the United Nations should be invited.

Sheilagh Hagens · December 5, 2011 at 1:10 am

This may be a crisis but it certainly isn’t the sudden one the con’s are pretending it is. It is deplorable that people are living this way in Canada.

Rhoda · December 6, 2011 at 12:05 am

Exactly.

Tally Cola · December 5, 2011 at 1:17 am

Thank you for posting this, very eye-opening!

Steve · December 5, 2011 at 1:22 am

Sorry to say it but the opinion a lot of Canadians have about native populations is very poor. My father grew up on a rural farm in Saskatchewan and all I ever heard was horror stories of the neglect he witnessed on native lands. Rather than go outside for firewood they would cut holes in the wall to get at the framing of the house, and use that for firewood. Houses that were built a couple of years prior would be falling apart.
I just watched a video of The National where a basement had been flooded with sewage and left for two years. No one came to clean it up apparently. Give me a mop and a bucket and I’d clean sewage out of my own basement if I had to. And no one else in the town volunteered to help a family that has kids living meters away from this mess? Give me a break. Could they care any less about their own well being?

Do I think the conditions they live in are horrible, and something should be done about it? Yes
Do I think rural communities that have no chance at a self sustaining economy are the answer? No

How can a community survive when it costs so much to bring goods and services in. They don’t have the ability to produce anything that they could export. They wouldn’t be able to do it at a cost that would interest anyone in buying it. There are no exports. Only imports. These communities don’t have a chance. They will always be money pits. Are Canadians expected to forever pay the way for people who live in northern communities? What good is an education in a community of 2,000 in the middle of no where. How is that really going to solve anything.

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 8:40 am

“No chance at a self-sustaining economy”…

This statement, in all its various forms repeated ad nauseam, ignores the fact that most of these communities have never actually been given the chance to be self-sustaining. Again, when you spend the bulk of your time and energy just trying to get basic needs like clean water and shelter dealt with…how are you honestly going to be expected to develop community capacity and build up sustainable growth beyond that?

It’s like slashing someone’s tires, filling their gas tank with sugar, and then telling them, “better abandon that vehicle since it’s no good’. Yes, I’m equating the lack of implementation of the recommendations of the Auditor General and others to sabotage.

You can’t look at a situation like this and acknowledge the many factors that are hindering any progress, and then declare, “but hey there is no way that community will ever be self-sustaining”. You can’t, because they’ve never been given the chance to prove you wrong.

So if one wants to break it down to a cost/benefit analysis, which is more expensive in the long run? Ignoring these kinds of problems until public opinion forces you to step in and do something, rinse, lather, repeat for the next 100 years….or working on root causes of lack of capacity and sustainability with the goal of creating self-sufficient and healthy communities?

starhC · December 5, 2011 at 2:19 am

I keep reading and learning, thank you.

I have a question related to some information you posted in response to a question earlier:

“The community brings in about $12 million in its own revenue, from the casino, from various other sources, and from the Trust set up to administer funds from the IBA with deBeers. The article mentions the fact that the community grew by 500 people in two years, sorely taxing available housing, but then seems to ignore this saying, “they have so much money how could it possibly not be enough”.

While I am able to attempt to understand the connection to the land and why people would be reluctant to leave the community, especially if they were going to have to be very far away from it with little possibility of returning. What I cannot understand is why a community that is having such trouble meeting the needs of the people who live there now, would be subject to an influx of 500 people in a 2 year period? Why would that many people be coming to a community with ‘nowhere to live’ – I understand some of these numbers would be accounted for by children being born, but still, I do not feel that the band or the government or anyone should be expected to provide housing for anyone who decides to come to or even return to the community, when it is already overpopulated for the resources and the available shelter. I guess my point is – this influx of people is probably a big reason for the current crisis. I understand why residents want to stay.but if the community is so isolated with few jobs, opportunities, resources – what is bringing this influx of people and how is it the obligation on the band to provide shelter and services for them all? Seems like an impossible situation for almost any community to deal with successfully.

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 8:26 am

I don’t know how many of those 500 were accounted for by births, how many by people returning. What I do know is that this community has been struggling on a variety of fronts for much more than 2 years. Perhaps a sharp rise in population exacerbated already existing conditions, but they aren’t the root cause.

Harold Harvey · December 5, 2011 at 2:29 am

Excellant read on the inside information of spending needs, shortages of funding and our good friend Harper with plan for $9B in “fighter” jets. To go a bit further though: there is a reason for my comments on moving with the environment. The Sioux started out in Illinois and by the time of white contact they were living in the Dakotas, Montana and Canada. Why: their environment was changing and they needed to survive. Survival was why Indians came to the Americas. Survival is why there is such a ‘brain drain” to urban centers by Indians today: that’s where the work is, where the schools are, where the hockey rinks are and where the streets are safe to walk.

I love where I come from, my family has documented history there that dates to the early 1700’s – I go back when I can but I know there is little means to generate an economic base there to develop the infrastructure I noted above. There is a shortage of smart leaders who are willing to put up with the issues, the crime, the lack of pride in the community that is the reality of most reserves in Western Canada. I’m a realist, I’m an Indian and I share a pride in the attachment our people have for our Mother earth: BUT we have to adapt to a new environment or we end up like the dinosaur or any species that failed to move to where the food was. What smart cave man stayed when the food source, the hunting, the berries were no more? None, or those that did died off. That’s kind of us right now.

Yeah, I know: he wants us to assimilate. Wrong answer: Survival is not assimilation, it’s making sure your kids are able to move forward with the tools they need for tomorrow, to SURVIVE in the days ahead, because to live on most reserves today means having to deal with a systemic “rural ghetto” environment that is forced to accept the monthly/annual trinket allotment from Ottawa, just enough to get by on and keep the feds boot on your neck. It’s each individuals choice though: stay and starve and be drawn into a ghetto life or move on and provide your offspring with some kind of opportunity, chance at an education, a look at the rat-race environment where the strong survive and the weak fall by the wayside, or return to the reserve. Unfortunately the res has become the default move for too many of our youth.

As a people we need to develop a closer sense of racial community: Why do Vietnamese boat people flourish wthin such a short time when they arrive here with nothing? East Indians, Chinese, Philpinoes – same story. THEY WORK TOGETHER AS ONE, they suceed as one people. They maintain their cultural bonds, their language, their religion. WHY CAN’T WE DO THE SAME?

I see economic opportunities here in B.C. that are scoffed at by Indians, and for good reason: we were never made shareholders in past developments so their is a pervasive sense of apathy that the average reserve member shows because we see the rewards go to the power group and we get a few trinkets, cheap rent for one of the word’s “First World” countries.

So it goes on and we do nothing. Time for some serious road blocks, some in your face politics I say. On that note I will end this but the current make up of reserves, in 98% of the cases I see are recipes forgenocide, slow maybe but sure.

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 10:45 am

I just read a really great post over at the NP from a poster named Uncle Peter. I’d like to reproduce it here, because I think it provides a very interesting perspective.

“I have not had any financial dealing with reservations, but after reading the spread sheets it does look very much like housing co-ops, which are federally funded in some cases, which I am familiar with.

Something the vast majority of tax payers are not familiar with is the method by which grant moneys are dealt with. The government will decide that a certain amount of money will be disbursed for a financial need such as maintenance for the school. This money is “ear marked”, meaning it must be used for maintenance for the school and nothing else. The budget runs from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. But, as pointed out in the article, the money doesn’t arrive until March 1, 2011. A very common situation that requires the reserve to obtain finances to cover the period of January 1 to April 30. The “loan” is paid off, along with interest and life goes on.

But, and this is where the fun begins, there is a problem just before December 31, 2011. The government, while setting the new budget for the maintenance takes the position that since the reserve made it to March without actual funding so there is no need to have that amount in 2012. Therefore, that amount must be returned to government. The reserve takes the position that the amount they borrowed covered that amount and had to be paid back and therefore is a legitimate expense. The government just might accept that argument or, most likely say that they obviously had that money from some other line item so they really never needed it. Therefore the budget will be cut.

Or, the government will maintain the budget while demanding the two months of funding be applied elsewhere to a line item that is subsequently under funded by the government. Now, if the reserve returns the said amount of money to the government as unused funding that money is not recycled through the reserves. It is returned to the general funds of the government and used wherever the government wants.

So, it could very well be that the government supplied $90,000,000 to the reserve, but accumulated debts due to bad financial decisions and government claw backs has reduced the actual usable funding to a much smaller amount. Keep in mind as well that the worse possible thing any government subsidised program can have in their financial statement is called “retained earnings”, a nice word for “profit”. If this happens then the reserve or co-op is penalized that amount and the money is clawed back for other government use which is not used for it’s original purpose or explained to the taxpayer.”

Nokamis · December 5, 2011 at 11:36 am

Yes apihtawikosisan an excellent post by ‘Uncle Peter’ – a real gem there amongst what is mostly (aside from the few informed) a hotbed of the truly ignorant. The FP really needs to put a lid on the racist remarks spewing forth on their blog…so tasteless.

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 1:15 pm

I don’t know if they have any moderation over there…moderating comments can be a full time job, and the NP has a lot of articles being commented on.

I decided right away that I wasn’t going to tolerate straight up racism or ranting without any demonstrated desire to actually engage in dialogue. I’ve kept some things up that I personally find pretty offensive, but in a way I think it’s important that other people see their own views reflected here, and see people responding sensibly to them. That way we avoid the cloud of defensiveness that prevents us from really talking. I’m really proud of the people who have read those offensive and painful words, and have responded calmly and honestly. It’s not easy.

I’m also proud of the people who have admitted that they don’t understand the issues very well, and who have admitted that they held or hold some prejudices that they are willing to challenge.

Nokamis · December 5, 2011 at 3:43 pm

Absolutely agree with your balanced approach here, and YES it is not easy to respond to abrasive offensive remarks in a calm manner – you are a fine example. Finally, my hat is off as well to those whom have shared that their perceptions were skewed by long held prejudices and are voicing their desire to challenge those perceptions – much respect and well wishes as they start this new journey of ‘enlightenment’.

Connie Kuramoto · December 5, 2011 at 12:09 pm

Thank you for taking the time to detail this ongoing situation. I worked for a First Nations Band on Vancouver Island, and got to witness first hand the frustration of lack of commitment that the federal government had to programs. It was difficult to know whether a program that started could ever be finished because of lack of funding commitment. This is a situation that very few people understand unless they have been affected by it.
I am also infuriated by comments about how aboriginal people should just move. I goes to show how little these people understand aboriginal culture and the connection to the land that they have and downplays the amount of racial prejudice that exists in our society. I have seen many instances where it was difficult for my aboriginal friends to get a job, or in some cases even rent a home because of racial prejudice. So where do we stand? On one hand the racists say people should move off reserve, on the other they often will not hire them or rent them a place to live….go figure!! I wish there was an easy answer, however it would be a start if the federal government stopped subsidizing large corporations, stopped planning expensive prisons and finding ways to fill them,stopped supporting war, and focused instead on providing a solid social and economic foundation for all people in Canada, regardless of where they live or their racial background.

Rhoda · December 5, 2011 at 11:04 pm

Individuals, employers, landlords, etc. in the community off reserve must take ownership for racist inaction, ie. not hiring, not renting, not serving, etc. first nations individuals and assume the onus for being part of the solution, including standing up for and with first nations when their human rights are being infringed or response by government is unequal to that given to non-natives, ie. failure to provide emergency services in a timely and equal manner to first nations as to non-natives.

Morgan Sargent · December 5, 2011 at 12:30 pm

Good Morning! I found your posting through The National Post (viral dissemination has its benefits!) I am an instructor with Camosun College in Victoria, BC. I teach in an Indigenous College Preparatory program on reserve in the W’SANEC territories. I’d like your permission to use your piece in the classroom, and to distribute this piece to my colleagues. (I know the CC license allows this, but I’d like to tack on a background intro, so I thought I should ask first. All attribution for the piece remains with you.) I think it is an excellent learning piece on a number of levels (it works for politics and economics, and it works as an example of a strong, well researched, clearly written critical response.)

I hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks for taking the time!

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 1:16 pm

Thank you for asking, and yes you certainly have permission!

Morgan Sargent · December 5, 2011 at 2:18 pm

Thank you!

Linny · December 5, 2011 at 1:17 pm

I got my comment deleted. I guess that saying MOVING BECAUSE THE LIFE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MY LAND is “Really offensive and false dichotomy”.

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 1:31 pm

Yes. The false and offensive dichotomy you presented was basically, “If you do not move you want your family to die.”

Nope, sorry. Ugly accusations like that, not based in reality but rather demonstrating a staggering indifference to the complexity of the actual conditions being faced, are not welcome here. If you want to discuss something, you have to be open to the idea of a discussion. You are no expert to tell us that your portrayal of the situation is the last word. Try again, in a more respectful and less intentionally offensive manner, and you won’t have your post edited.

Bob · December 5, 2011 at 1:36 pm

Good article. Very informative.
But I do note the lack of the word “responsibility”. Are the people of Apihtawikosisan not responsible for anything in their lives?

I certainly don’t deny the $90 million over 6 years is not nearly enough to run a community but don’t the people on the reserves pay for anything themselves?

From your article it seems that people representing your point of view expect the government to pay for food, shelter and utilities (water, power, etc). You can’t expect the Canadian taxpayer to cover every expense in this community, can you?

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 1:48 pm

There were a lot of words that were absent from my article. I don’t have the space to put in all the relevant words, nor did I write it aware of what each and every one of the people critiquing the piece wanted to see.

I didn’t talk about what the community members are ‘responsible’ for. That I did not discuss this is not evidence that I believe that the community has no responsibility. I hope I am making this extremely clear for you. Please do not read my piece and then say, “well she didn’t talk about this, therefore she must hold this opinion and I am now going to demand she defend it”.

I do not hold the opinion you have described (and I don’t believe most people here do either), and I don’t really believe I should have to expend the energy to explain to you why the characterisation is inaccurate.

My intention was to not accept the $90 million figure at its face value. My intention is to not allow the dialogue to remain focused on what this community is supposedly ‘guilty of’. I think that discourse is shameful, and extremely inappropriate. This is still a community in crisis. This is a community now under third-party management while an ‘audit’ is conducted by a government who has itself been audited and found lacking.

Do questions need to be asked about Band Council management, about community dynamics and so on? Sure. I hope you understand my reluctance to do that right now, given the way the top politician in our country has so thoroughly poisoned the well. On top of a general attitude of hostility towards aboriginal peoples based on a host of misconceptions. We could spend the next decade just addressing the many non-factual things people believe about First Nations, and never once bother to turn our critical eyes towards the federal government. I for one want to avoid that.

I think that spending a lot of time analysing the community and ignoring the more systemic issues at play which involve a very unequal power dynamic between the federal government and First Nations is not going to change anything. It is going to reinforce the status quo. If I believed there would be a dialogue of “okay let’s look at and try to fix some of the serious problems with policy development and programming through INAC, as well as figuring out how this exacerbates problems of management in the communities, so that we can improve both systems” I’d be busting through doors like Xena the Warrior Princess to be a part of it. I don’t think we’re there yet.

As for your specific question “don’t the people on the reserve pay anything for themselves”…the answer is also in the financial statements. That community brings in $12 million of its own revenues, which also go into the expenses listed. Do you have any evidence that people in the community don’t pay for anything themselves? Then why ask me to show you that this assumption is incorrect, when you are absolutely capable of getting that information yourself?

Don’t let this be a passive exercise of information absorption. Verb it.

Bob · December 5, 2011 at 2:20 pm

“Do you have any evidence that people in the community don’t pay for anything themselves?”
Yes, I do. The dire conditions on this reserve landed it on the front page of every national newspaper in Canada because it only received $90 million from the Feds is pretty good evidence. This implies that they are not responsible for themselves.

My point was, your article ONLY points the blame at the government and gives no blame to the reserve itself. Your article, although informative, is extremely biased.

I hope the teachers who are asking to use your article are also giving their students the other side of the story.

By the way, answering a question by asking another question gives the impression that you are being defensive.

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 2:27 pm

My article is extremely biased? Seriously? That’s your complaint?

All of the articles about Attawapiskat are extremely biased. From Christie Blatchford’s disgusting racist rants and gossip about the Chief’s sex life to finger pointing back and forth all over the place.

This is my opinion, backed up with sources I found, not intended for general consumption. This is the work I did to get behind the numbers.

The ‘other side of the story’ is the current national discourse where the community is to blame, where the community must be corrupt, where the community must be full of lay-abouts. Mine is an extreme minority voice…why do you think anyone even picked up on it in the first place? Lol ‘the other side of the story’, like it’s in danger of not being seen by all.

Please. Feel free to write an ‘unbiased’ article (as though such a thing exists).

The ‘evidence’ you’ve presented is not compelling, sorry. Absence of evidence (of people in the community doing anything to help themselves) is not evidence of absence. If all you’re getting out of what I took a fair amount of time to say to you is ‘defensiveness’, then I honestly don’t know what else to say to you. It’s all very well to criticise someone else’s work. When you put something up yourself, I’ll gladly take a look at it.

Thanks.

morehistory · December 5, 2011 at 4:21 pm

Bob says: The dire conditions on this reserve landed it on the front page of every national newspaper in Canada because it only received $90 million from the Feds is pretty good evidence.

Really? I guess it had nothing to do with the fact that the band declared a housing emergency, and then was ignored by the Government for almost a month until the Red Cross finally shamed them into taking notice?
And even then, instead of sending in aid and relief, the first response was to say “we need an audit”.

Listen, at this point, it really doesn’t matter whose fault it is. Winter is coming, and people need adequate shelter. Whatever faults the band leadership might have, they were humble enough to realize the situation was dire and gave the Government 30 days to help. The Government didn’t, and THAT is what landed this on the front page.

Are there mistakes here? Sure. Lots of finger pointing to go around. But the lack of leadership the current Government has shown in handling this problem is monumental. They could have started the spin control after people were all winter ready.

Katelyn · December 5, 2011 at 2:45 pm

I’m not clear on where it says the people community bring in $12,000 of revenue. Are the “Wages and Employee Benefits” what you are referring to? Is this going to people in the community, or others outside?

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 2:58 pm

$12 million.

Schedule A, under the “Revenues” column.

The income the community itself is bringing in comes from the Casino, Contracting and User Fees, the Mushgegowuk Tribal Council, Attawapiskat Trust Distributions, and “other”. As this is a financial statement for the Attawapiskat First Nation, the wages and employee benefits would be going to those employed by the First Nation directly.

Rhoda · December 5, 2011 at 10:52 pm

Dear Brilliant apihtawikosisan

My hat is off to you! May I please quote you?

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 7:26 am

Yes indeed:)

Rhoda · December 5, 2011 at 10:45 pm

The Canadian taxpayer is paying rent for the ‘good’ land we took by extortion while the first nations people are forced to live on the lousy and sometimes dangerous lands ie. flood zones, drought zones, volcano zones, barren zones, etc. sometimes hundreds or thousands of miles from traditional and/or seasonal sustaining territories.

morehistory · December 6, 2011 at 12:52 pm

Rhoda says: The Canadian taxpayer is paying rent for the ‘good’ land

I have to disagree with this statement (although I agree with your sentiment).
First, the majority of non-First Nation Canadians don’t even believe it’s “rent” or some form of legal contractual obligation; to them, this is simply “another taxpayer funded handout”.
Besides that, it’s NOT rent. Landlords, who are usually the rent collectors, don’t have to fill out a myriad of forms and go through enormous amounts of paperwork to get their money. Their requests aren’t filtered by their tennants, and the tennants don’t get say over how and where the money is spent. Landlords get the pick of the apartments, rather then being told which spot they have to live in. Finally, I think it’s pretty rare that landlords live in squalor.

urbannish · December 5, 2011 at 6:53 pm

Omg.. I just have to say, we need more people like you on our side! 🙂 Love your shoot from the hip kinda talk.. 🙂

I’ve read sooo many articles published on various newspapers and have always been disheartened and hurt by the ignorance and blatant racist comments… you are a much needed breath of fresh air! 🙂

Peter · December 5, 2011 at 7:08 pm

In the calender year ending March 2011 they spent over $5 million on education wages and had an education board of 12 members and they don’t even have a school. This community of 2,000 people have 19 elected officials, a chief, deputy chief and a former chief on the payroll. These are efficient expenditures?

âpihtawikosisân · December 5, 2011 at 7:39 pm

They have an elementary school housed in portables, and a high school.

Peter · December 6, 2011 at 6:50 am

You still didn’t answer the question on the inflated wages or the bloated council. 19 people is WAY too many for a community of this size. And $5 million just for wages?

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 7:20 am

You’re right, I didn’t answer your question. I am skimming the comments while I study for final exams, and I did some triage…I chose to first correct the false statement that the community does not have a school.

You are free to do some digging of your own to help you figure out the issues you’ve raised. You could, for example, see what is the average size of a Council on reserve before you claim it is too many for a community of this size. As for the $5 in wages and benefits, you could also compare that to another community. You would then have one part of your answer (it isn’t too much compared to other reserves, or alternately it is way more than other reserves). Then you could start digging into what benefits are provided and what they amount to, how many staff are involved, and so on.

Nothing is stopping you from doing this work. If you did it, and shared it, that would certainly be a useful contribution. If you wish to wait for me to do the work, then do not make time-limit demands.

morehistory · December 6, 2011 at 8:59 am

One thing that is important to remember is what the cost of living is. $30,000 in some southern rural area might be a decent living, where that would more of a struggle in a big and expensive city. I admit I was a bit shocked when I first heard that the chief made $71K a year. Wow, I thought. But, as I learned that she has to manage not only traditional Municipal, but also Provincial and Federal items, it seemed more understandable. Top that off with the ridiculous prices of daily staples, and it seems that it’s not really that much.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 9:06 am

A roughly $63,000 teaching salary in the North gave me a comparable living standard to earning about $40,000 the next year down south. Cost of living in isolated communities is absolutely wild. Our grocery bill went from a very strictly managed $350 a month to about $1500 a month. I just stopped looking at the bill and paid it because there was no point crying over it.

CJ Gale · December 5, 2011 at 8:18 pm

Very much eye opener information for me, a general Canadian. Keep gtting the word out.

Nikpayuk · December 5, 2011 at 9:57 pm

You are an amazing woman âpihtawikosisân, certainly a role model to the coming generation of female leaders. Thank you.

I’ve been following the comments and your dedication to continue replying to them is amazing. You are strong; Xena strong. My heart pours out though, I feel that no person alone should have to carry the weight you are currently carrying. There is one of you and many many other people on the internet who are not you. It is so refreshing to see so many positive and respectful comments, but as anyone can read there are some that are less so. I think it is fair to say many of them legitimately want answers; many just want to vent, but there are others still.

I humbly ask to join your community. I respectfully ask to join your cause. If you find it becomes too overwhelming I am more than happy to share the responsibility in replying to these comments. I have an idea of how this could work. I hold no claim that it is the right approach, or even a right approach, but I cannot move forward without writing it out-loud. The idea is that if you send me some of the new comments, I could write appropriate responses and submit them to you for approval before posting. This way, especially given this is your blog site, the integrity of your standards would be held up. It’s much easier and less time consuming to read some of my responses and approve (I’ll do my best to keep them short), than to come up with your own each time.

Thank you again, respectfully,

Daniel Nikpayuk

Rhoda · December 6, 2011 at 10:41 am

Mr. Nikpayuk

You have eloquently expressed my own admiration and concern for âpihtawikosisân, I hope she is recognized and receives the Nobel Peace prize for her heroic work here.

Rhoda F. Taylor

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 10:56 am

Oh boy, no no no…there are people doing much more important on the ground work than just blogging about Attawapiskat!

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 10:59 am

I appreciate your offer, and I would have no problem with you addressing people’s questions. I don’t think we need a system where I’d approve your comments first…you are free to provide whatever information you have and like all the comments, I’ll pass them through as quickly as I can:)

Kevin · December 5, 2011 at 11:03 pm

You write very gracefully – and whether coming from non-native Canada or from native Canada, it’s nice to see calm thoughtful words for a change, instead of ranting from either side. Also nice to see a person back-up their statements with links to supporting documents.

You mention that you like sticking to facts. Under the heading “But $90 million could have built the community 360 brand new houses” ….your final sentence reads “in fact, many people forget that their own health-care and eductaion are heavilly subsidized by tax dollars as well”.

That may be true – but don’t forget that non-native Canadians would normally pay for their own housing. Many draw upon subsidy or welfare to accomplish but I would say most non-natives have to pay for all, or most of their housing.

That said – I understand the history and reasons why housing is (..supposed to be) provided to First Nation, Reserve communities.

My point being – facts are only useful to an arguement, if they cannot be countered by equally-important facts from other sides.

It’s easy to be an armchair critic after someone else puts themselves out there – like you did with your Attawapiskat posts. You present many great points in your writing – and you do it in a positive and dignified way.

Lisa Grover · December 5, 2011 at 11:10 pm

Read it.

anneke sabados · December 6, 2011 at 12:42 am

An excellent article. A must read for anyone not living in the Bantulands, and who is not familiar with the Indian Act.

daveM · December 6, 2011 at 2:04 am

This article, this blog is the start of something very worthwhile. This is going to be an authoritative source for many people including the politicians who may need to be enlightened. I hope that more statistics can be added as time passes.

Without understanding…… I see a very serious situation in Attawapiskat……. and I do not see our governments moving quickly to protect those children. I do see pictures of politicians and I know of squawking in the House of Commons…. but little action except in the case of the Red Cross. All talk and posturing by all parties while young children are being exposed to severe weather.

It is my sincere hope that this blog will be able to document information in a coherent manner so that Canadians can be made aware of truths that have for so long been hidden.

I thank you.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 7:22 am

I’m hoping it’s not seen as an authoritative source, but rather a model for how ordinary people can question what the politicians (and online commentators) are saying by accessing widely available information. I’d rather people develop the skills to curious about what they read, and to question it, than have them come here waiting for me to give them answers:)

morehistory · December 6, 2011 at 9:11 am

âpihtawikosisân says: I’m hoping it’s not seen as an authoritative source

Too late for that. 🙂 However, it’s a great tool and I think has inspired many to take a first step.

âpihtawikosisân says: have them come here waiting for me to give them answers

Two points here.
The first is that in some sense there is an information vacuum, and people don’t know where to go. You’ve given some resources, but I think that is just a start.
The second is in our twitter and SMS world, people expect to be spoon fed information. TV and radio have conditioned us that we are passive and that the information flow is to us. And I think for some, it’s convenient to be lazy, since what they already “know” confirms their worldview, nevermind the facts.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 9:25 am

I recognise that desire for information, and obviously I’m trying to respond to it by providing what information I can. However, I think real change comes when people take hold of their own learning and then share what they’ve found. I’m not the only person doing this kind of thing, but we need a way to compile our information and make it more widely available. I really do want to encourage people to dig. I specifically chose online sources so that more people understand that a lot of this information is out there, free to access if you look for it.

Obviously I was able to wade through some of it because I understood some basic principles like the division of powers between federal and provincial governments and how that relates to funding of First Nations. However, other people can bring expertise to this discussion if they have dealt with things like municipal finances, public office portfolio management and so on. This is why I said, “don’t come to me as an authoritative source”. I can give you some information. Do you work in the construction industry? If so, you’re going to have the inside track on an area plenty of us are only slightly familiar with. Do you work as an accountant for a municipality? That would be awesome, to have a more detailed description of how municipalities deal with deficits and capital financing, etc.

Not everyone has access to an area of expertise that can be brought to play here, but many more people than just I do, and that’s what I’d like to get across more than anything.

Jon · December 6, 2011 at 9:48 am

âpihtawikosisân: “However, other people can bring expertise to this discussion if they have dealt with things like municipal finances, public office portfolio management and so on. This is why I said, “don’t come to me as an authoritative source”. I can give you some information. Do you work in the construction industry? If so, you’re going to have the inside track on an area plenty of us are only slightly familiar with. Do you work as an accountant for a municipality? That would be awesome, to have a more detailed description of how municipalities deal with deficits and capital financing, etc.”

This is possibly the most thoughtful and positive approach I’ve seen in any discussions on this issue. I would really like to see some input from an accountant on how surpluses are handled in municipal governments; for example, the city of Toronto had a $136 million surplus last year (and they’re already arguing over what to do with it — but no one suggests that means someone cheated the city’s taxpayers). Meanwhile, Minister Duncan is issuing statements about how “moneys were unspent” and this is undoubtedly being picked up on in nasty ways in the blogosphere… Something is surely broken here, but I do not want to decide what until I get some solid information.

For the construction side, the Federal gov’t is claiming it will rush through new construction of homes; whatever number that turns out to be, it will most likely be the standard type of housing built coast to coast by contractors, which may not be suitable for Northern Ontario. Has anyone looked into (or built) lower-technology homes using more local materials, ie, the type of small-timber frame housing with massive brick stove still built in Siberia? Or offloading a shipful of prefab Oregon ‘yurt style’ home modules to the nearest port in James Bay, rather than trucking every bit of material in from southern Ontario?

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 10:05 am

Since housing is very much in focus right now, I’m going to use some of my contact with local architects who do project design for some of the James Bay Cree communities here in Quebec. I’ll see what I can find out.

morehistory · December 6, 2011 at 11:01 am

âpihtawikosisân says: I think real change comes when people take hold of their own learning and then share what they’ve found.

As a teacher, I agree wholeheartedly.

âpihtawikosisân says: I’m not the only person doing this kind of thing, but we need a way to compile our information and make it more widely available.

I’d love to help. Do you have my contact info through the site?

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 11:03 am

Yes I do:) I don’t think I’m ready to start planning a way to get information together quite yet though. I’m still just trying to keep up!

Nikpayuk · December 6, 2011 at 11:17 pm

To quote daveM: “This article, this blog is the start of something very worthwhile.”

âpihtawikosisân, the winds of change have favored your voice, it sings well and thus those winds are happy to carry its warmth and strength.

I know you said you are “still just trying to keep up!” and I certainly don’t know your ideas or plans for the future for all of this, so I hope you mean it when you say: “we need a way to compile our information and make it more widely available.”

I could be misinterpreting, but this sounds like a call to action for me. I am more than happy to be one of those “do it all” men that lead the way when I hear this call, but I look at the things people have written to you:

——————-
stevie:

I DO have some questions that are economic, but not about the balance sheet per se. Forgive me for not knowing, but I would like to know:

You say: “I’m hoping [this article is] not seen as an authoritative source,” but with your words alone you have become an authority to many who are legitimately looking for answers; motivated by their wariness of the existing (or nonexistent) relationship between First Nations Peoples and the rest of Canada.

You say “I really do want to encourage people to dig,” so to further this analogy, I would say sometimes people don’t (yet) have a shovel; some have one but don’t yet know where it is; some have it in their hands but don’t know how to use it.

Regardless of whether any of this was your intention, you have earned the respect and trust of many people (including myself), and you now have a relationship with them. As of the writing of this comment you have 882 responses, and most of them are quite positive, that’s amazing!

I write these things to you because I don’t want to see your amazing voice pinned down by attrition. It will only become muted in the long-run.

I’m not looking to make you a hero, if anything I hope the real hero of all this ends up being Chief Spence and her team as they continue to pursue the renewal of their community and to bring their people the health, safety, and rights they deserve. It’s a complicated situation, the roles are set, and it’s my opinion you have part to play in it. As I’ve mentioned, you have a relationship with Canada now, and what’s more, you have momentum, and so please please please use it; use the platform of this article blog to build a community blog.

Regarding this I have suggestions. Forgive my directness, it is not our way I know, but I feel an urgency about things. As for my suggestions, feel free to “shoot them down,” I won’t be offended; for each one you shoot down I’ll provide five more if you let me; my pride is nothing if I can contribute after all.

For starters, regarding this site itself, it might need some navigational restructuring. I will here admit though I don’t know the strengths or limitations of wordpress. In anycase, an example: as more and more responses are posted, it tends to take longer for this page to load. This is why some of the mainstream papers keep their comments section separate of the main article. I’m not recommending you do that here, the “digital/navigational” narratives of doing that suggest hierarchy and authority and from what I can tell that doesn’t seem to be your approach here. Regardless, there are all sorts of ways to have the best of both worlds. Someone as intelligent and capable as you I’m sure would know some computer savvy people to aid you with this if you think it’s a good idea. Even if you don’t know anyone, I certainly do, and I’m pretty sure if you put a call out to the other readers you’d find you have many eager to help.

As for the idea of a community blog. Notice, for example:

——————-
gaber79 says:

I have a blog about treaty information and history between Canada and First Nations. Check it out for some more information. I also have a few speeches and a quote from some very well spoken people.
——————-

People are willing to contribute. It at the very least makes sense to have a page dedicated to links by other people. Also, with comments like this:

——————-
Gabriel A says:

If you’re so curious, you are able to go into Revenue Canada and look at their budgets and financial statements there. Here is a quick search done on this site that brought this page up. It took a matter of half a minute to find this.
——————-

it might be worth having a page dedicated to methods of researching these things and links to source data. I recognise you have done much of this already but it is sparingly through your article and the responses and is less accessible, except to those dedicated like myself.

I also think it’s worth hosting blogs of other people who are able and willing to use facts to back up their arguments, able and willing to back them up towards the general education of First Nations issues. I know a professor or two who dedicate themselves to such education; I’m more than willing to ask them if they’d like to contribute. I have gotten permission to mention one such professor at the University of Alberta: Keavy Martin. She has written many excellent articles deconstructing the cultural assumptions of “mainstream readers” towards Aboriginal literature. Certainly there are many other brilliant people out there.

My opinion is that one of the better ways to avoid being seen as “the authority” is to show those who might interpret this to be so, that a larger community and support system exists for them to delve into. Certainly a larger community does exist, but its various voices are scattered and sometimes drowned out. You are right, we need to
compile our information and make it widely available. We are all equals, yet I will still make a request: Please lead the way.

Daniel Nikpayuk

âpihtawikosisân · December 7, 2011 at 10:52 am

Tan’si,

You’ve got some really excellent suggestions here both about content and format of the blog. It’s true that I haven’t had the time to deal with either yet, so having someone lay out some concrete suggestions is supremely helpful. I have decided today that in order to make some of this more accessible I also want to provide ‘print’ versions of the Attawapiskat and First Nations Taxation articles with footnotes rather than hyperlinks so they can be printed off and examined. In addition, I’ve put a call out to have more fluent speakers of French than I to help me translate the two articles (which would also require access sources in French where possible).

I am going to talk to some people about the formatting issues you’ve raised as well as possible content reorganisation. Thank you for taking the time to consider these aspects within a community-building framework, it has been very helpful!

Trevor Green · December 6, 2011 at 3:25 am

I’m a white guy in Saskatoon, and my community is getting $96 million in federal funding, over two years, to build a bridge. So I can get to work literally MINUTES faster.

$90 million over 5 years? You need some better lobbyists!

(And I bet the people complaining about Attawapiskat are the same people complaining about the construction detours…)

Hal Legere · December 6, 2011 at 4:42 am

Very simply, thank you for this information.

Linda · December 6, 2011 at 8:27 am

What I get from this article is that there is still not even a tiny acceptance of responsibility for conditions from the band chief or council for the deplorable living conditions of some of the residents. I’m sure she and the band council memebers don’t live like that. Let’s see her house. Not one single comment in this entire arcticle holds anyone within the First Nations responsible or accountable. I DON’T BLAME THE PEOPLE OF ATTAWAPISKAT FOR THESE CONDITIONS I HOLD THE BAND CHIEF AND COUNCIL RESPONSIBLE. I looked at the financial statements on their website. Look at how many last names are the same on the councils and boards. Look at how many people are double-dipping salary-wise because they are both on the Band Council and School Board. What about the acting Band Manager charging $68,000+ (in two months) for travel expenses? How as a taxpayer am I supposed to look at that as acceptable? I pay taxes every year (and have for over 40 years to both Liberal and conservative governments) and I have no choice or say as to where or how they are spent. How dare the opposition parties and aboriginal peoples tell me I, as a Canadian (yes white) citizen that I have contributed to this embarrasment of aboriginal people living in third world country conditions. Costs towards maintenance on houses after five years? Try to stop wrecking what you have and maybe that money could be better spent. I don’t know the solution here but I’m getting really tired of being held responsible for the problem. And as to all the historical BS, “Cry me a river, build a bridge and get the hell over it.”

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 9:14 am

“What I get from this article is that there is still not even a tiny acceptance of responsibility for conditions from the band chief or council for the deplorable living conditions of some of the residents.”

If that is what you’re getting from this article, then I think it is a result of importing this argument.

Nearly all of the mainstream media focus at the time I wrote this article was on Harper’s finger pointing at the Band, and the general acceptance that this crisis was caused solely by Band corruption and lack of accountability. I wanted to show another side to it.

The books of this one community are apparently the major topic of national conversation, more pressing and important than even the immediate misery of those who are in actual danger as the temperatures continue to plummet. I ask you however if you have done much digging into other financial records of entities that are funded by ‘your’ tax dollars? Have you compared these expenses which so outrage you with the expenses of other publicly funded functionaries? What exactly is the basis for comparison you are using here?

People were being led to believe, via omission, that the community basically had been given $90 million for housing. That is the false assumption so many were labouring under. I am glad people have been able to move beyond that and probe a little deeper…but it’s not enough anymore to just look at the financial statements in isolation. Not if you want to use those financial statements to claim that Chief and Council are ultimately the ‘ones at fault’ here.

Nope. I’m going to need you to do a bit more work to back that assumption up. I’m not willing to lay all the blame at the feet of Chief and Council in Attawapiskat, and do you know why? Because similar conditions (though not as immediately horrific) exist in First Nations across this country. Attawapiskat’s Chief and Council obviously cannot be responsible for all of that. In addition, the Auditor General has very clearly explained deficiencies in the federal system which exacerbate these kinds of conditions.

Oh don’t worry. There is plenty of blame to go around, if we want to play that game. I’d prefer to look for solutions that are not one-sided or based on a lack of context.

morehistory · December 6, 2011 at 10:55 am

Linda says: How dare the opposition parties and aboriginal peoples tell me I, as a Canadian (yes white) citizen that I have contributed to this embarrasment of aboriginal people living in third world country conditions.

Well, it’s ok, I’ll take all the blame, since it was my fault.
It was my personal fault that all Canadians weren’t better informed of this situation. It’s my personal fault that the dozens of times things like this have been reported in the media, you, I and other Canadians like you didn’t rise up and demand an end to the BS and stopgap measures, the papering over, the spin control, the promises while the glare of the TV cameras were there and then broken once the media leave.
While we non-First Nation Canadians might not have caused the conditions directly, now that we know about them, we can contribute to changing them. I’m writing my MP. How about you?

Linda says: What about the […] $68,000+ (in two months) for travel expenses? How as a taxpayer am I supposed to look at that as acceptable?

What about $16,000 for a helicopter taxi ride (for 50 minutes)? What about Millions spent as window dressing (for a weekend) for G8/20 world leaders?
I’d like to know if there is equal outrage in you against these things.

My outrage as a Taxpayer is in the bureaucracy bungling that the Federal Government has engaged in. While there is a lot of rhetoric and spin about “where my taxes go”, the truth is over 100 years ago the Federal Government entered into a contract with the First Nations people. But, ever since, the Gov’t has been trying to get away on the cheap from fulfilling that contract. Why is it that First Nations have to go through a huge amount of red tape to get what the Government promised them?

Duranda · December 6, 2011 at 1:18 pm

I agree with you Linda,

This blog is nicely written, but written with the strict goal of exonerating Chief Spence through the use of propaganda (E.G, there was brief mention of the reserves total revenue being 34 million, but then the remainder of the argument seems to keep referring to only the “90 million since 2006”, saying that it is insufficient.).

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 1:51 pm

This post causes me to wonder if you read my response at all. “This blog is written…with the strict goal of exonerating Chief Spence”…you are absolutely importing that and please refer to my response to Linda. In addition your claim of “through the use of propaganda” is hilarious, sorry. Feel free to write your own piece, completely free of those horrible things we call ‘bias’, ‘propaganda’ or *gasp* ‘opinion’.

I have provided all of my sources. Please feel free to use them to figure things out for yourself if you have specific questions. I certainly could not anticipate your personal needs in this regard, and it’s a little bizarre that you’d expect me to. This article is specifically about the $90 million dollar figure. If it’s propaganda to focus on something, then everything you read is propaganda.

Duranda · December 6, 2011 at 8:55 pm

The first section of your argument revolves around the 90 million figure, and that it is insufficient. Of course then the reader is left wondering, “Well, what about their total Revenue, is that also insufficient?”.

Another few questions I would like your response on:
“Were you aware that provincial building codes do not apply on reserve? Some provincial laws of ‘general application’ (like Highway Traffic Acts) can apply on reserve, but building codes do not. There is a federal National Building Code, but enforcement and inspection has been a major problem.”
Do various reserves want Provincial building codes to be applied to them?
How will applying more building codes address the problem of lack of enforcement?
If the answers to these questions are “No” and “It wont”, then beginning the section with “Were you aware…?” is misleading, and a good example of why I said your blog is propaganda.

Also, while we’re on the topic,
I was under the impression that the reserves wanted to be self-governed, or am I mistaken? If so, do these reserves actually want more enforcement of building codes?

âpihtawikosisân · December 7, 2011 at 9:30 am

I think it is clear that their total revenue is not sufficient.

The question really is, why is this revenue insufficient?

That is why I spent so much time focusing on the Auditor General’s report. That report highlights some of the major structural inefficiencies in the federal funding system. Given that federal funds make up the majority of revenue for many First Nations communities then it would make sense to take the time and energy to implement the structural changes suggested by the AG. That alone has the potential of greatly improving the situation of First Nations across the country.

Clearly that would not be the end of the changes needed, however. There are also structural problems with the current Indian Act Band Council system…a fact that even those within the system will generally gladly acknowledge. Governance structures need to be addressed, as well as many other issues which are impeding the ability of these communities to succeed.

The building code issue is a serious problem. There is a political issue of allowing provincial legislation to apply on reserve, because the reserves are a ‘federal concern’. What is more at issue however is indeed the enforcement of building code (national or provincial) standards on reserve. You’ve got contractors skimping on materials, you’ve got people cutting corners, and you’ve got a lack of qualified inspectors. This issue has been identified as a major reason houses on the reserve have such a shorter lifespan than homes off reserve (identified by diverse bodies such as the AFN, CMHC, etc.).

So no…reserves do not want provincial legislation applying to them necessarily…but that doesn’t mean they want shoddy construction either.

The information is not misleading. You see, most people expect that homes anywhere are going to be built to a certain standard…a standard that has been created by construction and design specialists. The average person is not aware of what these standards are necessarily, but we take for granted the fact that they provide us with increased safety and quality and that someone is going to make sure this is the case. You cannot separate the issue of application and enforcement in this case, because the provincial system code is enforced by a provincial system of inspection and enforcement, with no comparable equivalent at the federal level.

Understanding that becomes much easier when you realise that provincial rules and norms aren’t guiding construction on reserves.

Many First Nations communities do want more control over their own governance. Some might opt to adopt codes created by experts, perhaps modifying them to reflect indigenous principles. Others might have the expertise to create their own codes. There is no inherent rejection of ‘Canadian laws and regulations’ based on content…the objection is in terms of jurisdiction. There are many regulations and codes out there that are invaluable resources and that could indeed be adopted by self-governing nations…no need after all to reinvent the wheel when it can merely be modified to include indigenous principles.

Darren · December 6, 2011 at 9:01 am

Oh my. What an eloquent retort to those that labor away in grossly mis-informed states of being. This sounds so much like the type of commentary directed at aboriginal groups in Newfoundland as well. I look forward to reading your blog in the future.

Ernest · December 6, 2011 at 9:07 am

A 1500 person communist country with no history of institutions, entrely dependant on outside money and labour, run by poorly educated, democratically elected evey two years dictators, who can expell their own citizens (BCR), set their own salaries and take away housing – geez, yah think that will work?

Give every man woman and child $500,000, title to a piece of the reserve and end this farce! Let them become world citizens with the endless possibilities available to anyone with vision and determination. Or if they want to live the simple life up north, so be it. But they should have a choice.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 9:34 am

You start off well, discussing possible systemic bars to progress…the election turn-around of two years (the standard) is a major one. It makes it extremely difficult to bring new councillors up to speed on all the various management aspects before the next election, and it creates obvious difficulties when trying to engage in long term planning. The level of expertise brought to these positions is another excellent point…the communities are not glutted with holders of business degrees or graduates of management programs. Oh, these people are there, but not in comparable numbers to those found in non-native communities. That is a major obstacle as well. This is all entirely focused on the Band Council structure itself, and there is of course the additional problems associated with the way federal funding is allocated, managed, provided, and so forth. A lot of complexity here.

But you end with such a disappointing suggestion. I understand that addressing systemic problems is a long-term commitment and certainly not an easy thing to engage in. Perhaps that is what makes people so adverse to wanting to do it or having it done. However, to merely say, “Look there are massive systemic problems, but rather than address any of them, let’s scrap the whole system” is frankly pretty unrealistic. Sure, some people make similar suggestions when it comes to the entire Canadian political and legal system, but very few people actually think that scrapping it entirely is a good idea. Why? Because it wouldn’t address underlying problems. Cutting everyone in Canada a cheque and saying, “Okay now you’re all on your own” would never be suggested as a serious solution to existing systemic problems, much less offered up as a way to improve everyone’s quality of life.

You’ve demonstrated you have a least some grasp of the issues facing these communities. I think you could move beyond that to thinking about more realistic ways of dealing with these problems.

shelley · December 7, 2011 at 1:42 am

I just finish reading a head line paper at yahoo log in page .Harper addressing the crisises aboriginal people been facing for a long time. quote ” {” Help gets to, the people ” who” ” actually “”really” “need it” } ” and that we are accountable for doing that. ..Being so why not just get every reserve to send in their pictures of thier living condtions and then harper can send in his officals and clarify the context of it’s issue. Instead of having to say “the people who actually really need it” He “really ” needs to clarify his wording…p.s can someone tell me how many bands there are in Canada? Cause it also says the government spends on aboriginal population is 11 billion to 10.9 billion. Is this based on aboriginal pocket money or is this included with all the money that gets handed down by the time it reaches the band/ reserve? Example unichef monies etc…? In this case indain affairs, inac etc…? Just wondering cause i’m not sure what is the actual aborignal population is? I just want a break down if anyone out there knows lots about math..:) thanks

Trevor Green · December 6, 2011 at 11:50 am

I’m sure you mean this as a reasonable answer, but let’s just do the math. If we took the $84 million that the Feds are balking at and split it evenly among the on-reserve population (which by the way is much closer to 2,000 people), they’d get under $50,000. To give them each $500,000, you’re talking very nearly a billion.

And even if this were practical, giving people money without teaching people money management is a recipe for disaster (cf. Hobbema, or Paris Hilton).

shmohawk · December 6, 2011 at 9:35 am

With your permission, I’ll post a link on my blog, pass that link every other which way I can. Three words to describe what you’ve done: Informative. Invaluable. Important.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 10:09 am

Absolutely allowed and appreciated. Ahhh, coffee and alliteration!

morehistory · December 6, 2011 at 9:49 am

(Apologies in advance for the really long post)
I’ve commented already a few times, but want to give some context for my being here.
I’m not First Nations. I came to Canada as a baby, and my Dad is Canadian born. I grew up here, went to school here. In school, we learned that “Indians” helped the settlers, fought beside both the French and the British, and that we traded with them and they were our guides through the bush. We then signed treaties with them, and they moved to reservations.
When I was in my last year of high school, I worked as a laborer. Whenever we needed “quick extra help”, we drove down to where the “Indians” hung out, in a run down area of a big city. The boss would gather a few guys up, and they’d load into the van. They smelled of alcohol, but were some of the hardest workers, and much stronger then any of us.
I had some First Nations friends when I went to University. They were great students and we had great times. I now regret I didn’t ask more about their heritage, but I thought I had been “educated” and didn’t want to sound silly in front of smart people.

It’s now been many more years and I feel cheated on my education. I heard about the Attawapiskat chief declaring a housing emergency on the news. I thought, like any other declaration of an emergency, that there would be response teams and crisis managers, and things would be taken care of. Then the Red Cross arrived, and it flickered back into the news. Odd, I thought, but I guess the crisis workers needed some help. I felt bad, but tuned out — I was busy at the time, and “others would handle it”. I can’t remember which news station kind of woke me up to this, but I think it was a scrum NDP leader Nycole Turmel was doing after she had come back from a visit. Now, politicians can sometimes be dramatic, so I started digging, and digging.
Finally, someone posting in the comments linked to your blog. I clicked on the link, and started to read. I read the article. I then started reading the comments, and my computer crashed. (Damn technology! :)). I did a Google search on the blog entry title, and was led back to the National Post — and back here. (You mentioned that NP isn’t a daily you’d have picked — but I think it’s more important that your piece was featured there. First, it shows some Journalistic balance, and second, it’s something that readers can be provoked to thinking by — and that is good).
And then I did something I don’t usually do — I started commenting. Not here, where you make it easy to do so, but in a couple of those forums. (I hate going through, signing up, verifying, and then writing in the hope that it _might_ be published).
While it’s clear I don’t have all of the answers, I at least have some of the questions. And it was clear that while I was working on sketchy information before, the majority commenting were either making stuff up or regurgitating misinformation.

One thing I do agree with many of the commentators, though, is the need for education. While I do fully support all kinds of skill and other training for the First Nations people, it is clear that those Canadians outside the First Nations are severely lacking in information about the history and current status of the First Nations people.

Your entry was a first step in the correction of that wrong for me. I hope that it becomes so for others as well.
You

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 10:03 am

Thank you for describing the steps you took to delve deeper into this issue. It’s pretty heartening to read!

bmdarwin · December 6, 2011 at 12:42 pm

“Section 61(1)(a-k) of the Indian Act details that: “With the consent of the council of a band, the Minister may authorize and direct the expenditure of capital moneys of the band” for various purposes.
What this means is that Ministerial approval is actually a requirement before any capital expenditures can occur on reserve. In practice, a Band will generally pass a Band Council Resolution (BCR) authorising a certain expenditure (say on housing), and that BCR must be forwarded to INAC for approval.”

Hello, nice article. However this statement is false. Strictly interpreted, this section requires broad reporting and consequently, broad approval. Unless there is another law stating specific approval guidelines, this section gives the government very little say in how money is spent.

Thanks

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 1:47 pm

Actually this is an area that has been bugging me for a while and I haven’t been able to take the time to deal with it. My point was that the federal government cannot honestly say it doesn’t know where the money has gone…despite the serious institutional problems they have with keeping track of things. However, you are right, this is a flaw. The section can be and is applied as a way of requiring First Nations to get permission for certain kinds of expenditures, but not exactly in the way I described it. I’m going to have to come back and fix that, and deal perhaps with Contribution Agreements and the reporting burden as a way to illustrate how financial decisions are approved (in a general sense first as you mentioned) and then reported (much more specifically) along the way.

I will come back and edit to address this, thank you.

Rhoda · December 6, 2011 at 1:13 pm

Just letting you know I e-mailed the UN asking them to send an observer as our government seems to be contravening human rights in Attawapiskat, Ontario, Canada.

Gabriel A · December 6, 2011 at 3:00 pm

Still more people wondering where their tax dollars go. If you’re so curious, you are able to go into Revenue Canada and look at their budgets and financial statements there. Here is a quick search done on this site that brought this page up. It took a matter of half a minute to find this. If you asked that you wonder what your tax dollars are being spent on, then I’m sure you have the capability of reading this document and understanding where your precious tax dollars go.

http://www.fin.gc.ca/tax-impot/2010/html-eng.asp

Old Geezer in Markham · December 6, 2011 at 3:10 pm

I already commented a few days ago and was starting to feel enthusiastic that people were going to start working on a resolution. Now I read that the 3rd party guy was thrown out of Attawapiskat by the council or elders or someone. – What’s this????? Is that the way that you work with people?

Attawapiskat just lost a supporter.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 4:42 pm

So quick to judge. Perhaps you should ask why he was asked to leave?

I wonder if it had something to do with how manifestly inappropriate it is to send in a third party manager with nothing more than two boxes of donuts before providing immediate assistance to a community in crisis? Is that how you work with people?

The financial particulars can wait frankly.

If your ‘support’ is lost so easy, I question its sincerity in the first place.

morehistory · December 6, 2011 at 5:05 pm

Old Geezer in Markham says: Now I read that the 3rd party guy was thrown out of Attawapiskat by the council or elders or someone. – What’s this????? Is that the way that you work with people?

I say good for them — and the Attawapiskat have my full support.
This move was spin doctoring, nothing more, by the Government.

You don’t send an accountant with a box of donuts to solve the immediate housing issues. The band have submitted to audits and filled out the Government paperwork that is needed — the accountant could have started there, if he needed. Plus, they asked for help 30 days before the Red Cross arrived, but they only moved to 3rd party management after the cameras showed up.

Where are the temporary shelters? Where is the plan to get these people warm and ready for the winter?
The only thing the Gov’t has said in this regard is that there is space in the “Healing Centre” for people. But, since Minister Duncan hasn’t been there, he doesn’t know there is no running water and the facility is a few KM outside of town.

This is the difference between seeing the situation on paper and being on the ground. I can’t believe neither Duncan nor Harper have gone to see the place yet.

Moira Dunphy · December 6, 2011 at 5:05 pm

Re: Linda and any others suggesting the council chief has a nice home instead of a tent. Okay, I have never been to Attawapiskat, which is why, instead of scoffing and exclaiming on ANY side of the issue, I did online searches and read. So. I have no idea what Chief Spence’s house is like, or how many people live in it. I do know the housing crisis that made several homes uninhabitable was a sewage spill two years ago. Obviously, the people made homeless would be the ones whose homes were affected. Can we STOP assuming ANY stereotypes, be it crooked chief or noble Indian with a tear in his eye by the side of a highway?

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 5:13 pm

Thank you. This is what I would very much like to be a more common approach. I keep saying “absence of evidence is not evidence”…just because you don’t have proof to the contrary, it does not make your claim true! It is very frustrating that so many people are willing to jump to the worst conclusions without a shred of real evidence. Insinuations, innuendo, assumptions, beliefs…this is what we see a lot of instead of facts, proof, or sources. Shoddy critical thinking.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 6:16 pm

Just in case anyone actually believed Minister John Duncan when he claimed that Aboriginal Affairs was unaware of the situation in Attawapiskat, former Minister of INAC Chuck Strahl sets the records straight. INAC has been aware for years that this community was in dire straits, and headed to worse:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2011/12/03/pol-attawapiskat-thehouse-strahl-fontaine.html

morehistory · December 7, 2011 at 9:42 am

âpihtawikosisân says: Just in case anyone actually believed Minister John Duncan when he claimed that Aboriginal Affairs was unaware of the situation in Attawapiskat […] INAC has been aware for years.

Duncan is a politician, and a Harper Minister. We’ve already seen a pattern from the Government of dodging and weaving (Helicoptergate, Gazebogate).
If he admitted he’d known, he’d look foolish. Better to deny now (it’s not a long term strategy, ’cause you know those FIA requests are already flying) and not look idiotic.

I think he should tender his resignation after waiting for the Red Cross and the media to show up, and for STILL not having gone to see the emergency on the ground. Whatever the situation with band leadership is, they had the intelligence and humility to ask for help when they saw a problem they wouldn’t be able to solve. The lack of leadership by both Duncan and the PM should not only be embarrassing within Canada, but within the world community.

scansite2 · December 6, 2011 at 6:48 pm

My family has been here as White Europeans for three hundred and forty two years and as Iroquois (Onondagan) for some thousand years before. Times have never been easy for most First Nations. It’s not easy for many today. But a comeback has begun. More Aboriginals are better off, better educated and better able to interface with the majority today than ever before. In years to come they will build on what has already been gained and what they can get from the continuing treaty negotiations. If they will, they will prosper as others have prospered in North America. What will not happen is a return to the freedoms of a life in the forest sustained by hunting, fishing, corn and berries. That’s gone forever except for the reclusive eccentric.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 6:54 pm

“What will not happen is a return to the freedoms of a life in the forest sustained by hunting, fishing, corn and berries.”

I think that very much depends on the community. While I don’t know of anyone who lives totally off the land anymore, I do know plenty of people particularly in the North who live off the land for portions of the year. That lifestyle is not necessarily doomed, particularly if we stop engaging in unsustainable resource extraction that pollutes the surroundings.

morehistory · December 6, 2011 at 7:22 pm

This is something I’ve been thinking about, mainly because so many comments have bits that say “they need to get a job”. I know that a bit of this is because of our modern day capitalistic (rose coloured) glasses, of course.

I’m often tempted to respond that there weren’t any “jobs” before Europeans arrived, and no “jobs” were needed for quite a long time after. And, honestly, if you can feed, clothe, and do all of things you need to do without money, then I fail to see the upside of a “job”. (All of that is probably a full time endeavor, but not for an employer).

That said, there is obviously a need for cash, so there needs to be some jobs. Obviously, some jobs flow out of the band itself, in the form of services (health, fire, etc). For Attawapiskat, I think that some are employed at the Diamond Mine. But I’m wondering what other jobs and opportunities are there at present. (I think there are some interesting things that might be possible). I did try Google, but ran into a lot of advice on how to get jobs on US reservations, but not much info for Canada. Any pointers, when you have a chance?

gaber79 · December 6, 2011 at 6:54 pm

I have a blog about treaty information and history between Canada and First Nations. Check it out for some more information. I also have a few speeches and a quote from some very well spoken people.

scansite2 · December 6, 2011 at 7:20 pm

It’s not just resource extraction that threatens the northern lifestyle, although that will become an even greater challenge in years to come. It’s also climate change. The fact that Canada is the least progressive in the world in dealing with climate change is a terrible injury to our own people, the Inuit, as well as an insult to all the peoples of other nations who are trying to grapple with the problem.

âpihtawikosisân · December 6, 2011 at 8:07 pm

Oh I am with you on that, 100%. I listened to Inuvialuit and Gwich’in Elders a few times on the issue of changes that they have seen, and the increase was noticeable just in the space of a few years. Many of the structures in Inuvik which were built on stilts so as not to melt the permafrost were buckling, as the permafrost started to melt anyway.

I just don’t want to see these problems as inevitable. It’s the optimist in me.

stevie · December 6, 2011 at 7:51 pm

I read your post and every comment in this thread this evening. It was really eye-opening for me. I don’t hold the opinion that ‘they should move’ etc, but I had no idea about the realities around the cost of living and that was a form of ignorance for me, so thank you.

I DO have some questions that are economic, but not about the balance sheet per se. Forgive me for not knowing, but I would like to know:

– why, historically, aren’t reserves taxed, and then their programs self-administered out of the tax — like transfer payments work, so that there would be some autonomy over the budget (I’m not saying this is the best idea — I am asking why it is that it happens to work differently than for provinces)
– whether prefab housing, shipping container housing, etc could be used rather than building with wood and drywall etc, with the costs of importing materials and with the challenges of maintenance with the climate
– is there no way for food to be delivered at cost — it seems like a violation of a fundamental human right for food to be so expensive?

Thanks for your informative work.

Cynthia Preston · December 8, 2011 at 7:49 pm

http://maps.google.ca/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=np&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=Attawapiskat&fb=1&gl=ca&hq=Attawapiskat&hnear=Attawapiskat&cid=0,0,14957823733960512652&ei=eFfhTsjTCtTKiAKp-YSDDw&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&ved=0CAkQ_BI

For those who what to know where this community is located and LOOK no roads! Zoom in and see how much water surrounds this community. this community is not only cold but damp and cold, Land travel must be very treacherous during thaw and freeze up times.

How many years/decades/centuries has this community been here?

memebot · December 6, 2011 at 8:24 pm

Thank you for this post. I have been following this for several days now and have been trying to formulate a response that expresses my gratitude and appreciation to you for writing this and being such a clear, calm and reasoned voice in the swirl of misinformation and ignorance that surrounds all the issues that First Nations face. I tuned in to hear what Chief Spence had to say today in Ottawa and I was utterly moved and proud to hear her speak up and give a voice to the DECADES of frustration that has become the norm in many many communities across Canada. I am so proud of our women for bravely speaking up when we are told to shut up and go away at every opportunity.

Tiniki!

Ernest · December 6, 2011 at 9:25 pm

QUOTE:

But you end with such a disappointing suggestion. I understand that addressing systemic problems is a long-term commitment and certainly not an easy thing to engage in. Perhaps that is what makes people so adverse to wanting to do it or having it done. However, to merely say, “Look there are massive systemic problems, but rather than address any of them, let’s scrap the whole system” is frankly pretty unrealistic. Sure, some people make similar suggestions when it comes to the entire Canadian political and legal system, but very few people actually think that scrapping it entirely is a good idea. Why? Because it wouldn’t address underlying problems. Cutt ing everyone in Canada a cheque and saying, “Okay now you’re all on your own” would never be suggested as a serious solution to existing systemic problems, much less offered up as a way to improve everyone’s quality of life.

You’ve demonstrated you have a least some grasp of the issues facing these communities. I think you could move beyond that to thinking about more realistic ways of dealing with these problems.”

Shouldn’t band membership be voluntary, not a life sentence. Families that chose to leave the rez to become world citizen leave with nothing. I suggest that reservations should be held in trust for ever for those who choose the traditional life. But everyone should have the option to leave with money in their pocket if they so choose. I spent many a year doing 12 hour shifts doing sipuicide watch for a dozen young offenders who, while missing their families, saw only a future of isolation, sexual abuse, violence and hopelessness returning to the rez. A rope is their plane ticket out of Pikangikum, Sandy Lake etc. Most youth have access to the internet and see what is possible. But if they leave, they leave with nothing, like climbing the Berlin Wall.
Give First Nations the option of having start up money, a peice of land and a protected ‘reserve’ and let them choose.

PS, I may come across as a racist, but I am a atheist and realist who works around First Nations every day and could apply for Metis Status but my predominant Western Civilization outlook (Socrates and Plato, Rush are my heros) and complete lack of empathy for ancient traditions (Christianity, Islam, Buddism etc) who make me a hippocrit. I am the devils advocate so please don’t think I don’t care. I just like solutions. the other is to give an economic zone on HWY17 for all remote first nations. The kids need to have access to team sports and to feel included in society.

This is the best blog I have ever seen on these issues?
thank you

âpihtawikosisân · December 7, 2011 at 9:12 am

I am very aware of the issues you’ve brought up. Suicide rates in our communities are so much higher than in non-native communities, and it’s a sad fact that many of us are faced with coping with the aftereffects of suicide more often than grieving for natural deaths. Substance abuse, domestic violence, despair…oh yes, it’s there.

But you yourself talked about how even young offenders, recognising the dismal conditions waiting for them back home, nonetheless longed for their families and even their community. Shouldn’t the focus be on building capacity in these communities so that they become safe? I think you have some understanding of what our communities mean to us, even if we are conflicted by the lack of opportunities currently available there. Imagine what these places could do for us, imagine what strength they could provide us with, if they were given the chance to be more than a collection of people too focused on survival to engage in real community building?

I want to also point out that despite the conditions you’ve mentioned and that I acknowledge, there are still people who come out of these communities with hope, with fire, with a passion to make things better. There are so, so many native people that I consider my heroes, who have endured conditions that anyone would blanch at, who go on with such humility and strength to bring back much needed skills and hope to their communities. I want all of us to have the opportunity to do the same.

We should be looking to maintain those aspects of our communities that give us strength, things like our strong kinship ties, our connection with the land, our indigenous socio-political and legal structures and so on. These things are not what drive the suicide, the abuse, the despair. They are how we endure those horrors. They are what give us strength to heal.

I think it has been shown that ‘killing the Indian in the child’ is not an easy task, and certainly has not been an effective or successful policy for integration/assimilation. We don’t hang on to our cultures out of sheer stubbornness. We hold on to them because they have value. Perhaps part of the wider battle for the hearts and minds of the Canadian people needs to be making Canadians more aware of the value of our differences…but that is hard to do when generations have been raised on the certainty of our cultural inferiority. When generations of aboriginal people have been raised on the assertion of our cultural inferiority.

I have seen that attitude shift in my lifetime. I have seen less unthinking assumptions and more genuine interest. I have seen people who endured the residential school experience, alcoholism and homelessness, and the fugue of internalised racism, emerging not as broken and lost people, but rather as strong and compassionate leaders.

So yes. I believe with every fibre of my being that another way is possible…without discarding our culture, our communities, or ourselves.

A. Leo · December 6, 2011 at 10:46 pm

You quoted about structural impediments, and the OAG document you referenced also says this: We recognize that the federal government cannot put all of these structural changes in place by itself since they would fundamentally alter its relationship with First Nations. For this reason, First Nations themselves would have to play an important role in bringing about the changes. They would have to become actively engaged in developing service standards and determining how the standards will be monitored and enforced. They would have to fully participate in the development of legislative reforms. First Nations would also have to co-lead discussions on identifying credible funding mechanisms that are administratively workable and that ensure accountable governance within their communities. First Nations would have to play an active role in the development and administration of new organizations to support the local delivery of services to their communities.

So is this the major stumbling block – to get to the bargaining table to get these decisions made? Or what?

âpihtawikosisân · December 7, 2011 at 10:59 am

The Federal government has not shown much real willingness to engage, as equals, in the kinds of restructuring the AG mentioned. That is, in my opinion, a major stumbling block. First Nations have reached out time and time again to negotiate on a variety of issues, but the process continues to be driven by federal policy which does not recognise or treat First Nations as equals, but rather as supplicants who are confined by the narrow interpretation of Aboriginal rights by the Canadian Courts (such judgments are careful to note that First Nations are subject to Crown policy rather than sovereign nations).

It is that approach which must very much change before we can expect any true movement forward, together.

lina · December 6, 2011 at 10:59 pm

Hello and thank you for your post, I have been following this story and it is sad that it has been ignored forever.
What do you think might be realistic possible solutions to this problem? building a road, more funding, etc.
Do you believe the mining company has a hand in this?
Do you think the children should live in dire conditions on reserves until the time someone moves and does something about this, or do you think they need a safe environment with their families some other place, just for now?

NotNative · December 6, 2011 at 11:09 pm

Seems he is taking you on here:

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/1305119208001#.Tt6e5WyliIp.facebook

morehistory · December 7, 2011 at 10:35 am

I actually saw Ezra’s “rant” before, but thanks for linking to it again.

I have to say, my favorite part of the video is finding out he took more time figuring out how to pronounce Attawpiskat then doing any research on points in his piece.

How so, you might ask? Well, he laments on Charlie Angus for not doing anything “for seven years” about this. But, in 2008, he took the guy who had Duncan’s job before to task over Attawpiskat’s school — but his crack research team might have had difficulty tracking it down, since it’s posted on Youtube.

And the town is “rich” because they get $34,000,000 a year? It works out to be about $17K per person. What he doesn’t mention, or bother to find out, is that things like health funding come out of that, which in Canada varies between $5-6K per person.

Then he does explain the money doesn’t go to individuals, but to the “chief”. And, without offering a SINGLE shred of evidence, writes all the money off to “corruption and waste”.

After acknowledging that some of the money went to the hospital, he then says that “some of the money went to this school, built on a diesel fuel spill”. Well, the school was built in the early 70’s and opened in 76. The fuel spill happened in ’79, but the school was still being used until 2000. He then asks if Harper is to blame for this. While Harper can’t be blamed for the fuel spill, we can certainly pin the blame on him for cancelling the school, which had been promised by successive Ministers for 8 years. But, again, it seems while his crack team can find evidence in favour of their argument, they can’t find the Youtube video above — the one where Charlie Angus complains about the school building cancellation.

I don’t think this is a “taking on”, but rather a transparent rant. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that opinion should be at least a minimally informed opinion.

âpihtawikosisân · December 7, 2011 at 10:42 am

I had a bit of a chuckle this morning when thinking to myself that Ezra Levant would fit right into the current US political discourse…and that he’d likely be considered a moderate there 😀

Levant prefaces his entire discussion with the false premise that anyone believes he, or other individual Canadians, should feel personally responsible for the crisis in Attawapiskat. While there is of course a need for individual Canadians to make some effort to be more informed, this does not translate into, “Hey you! Individual Canadian! You caused the housing crisis, you big jerk!”.

You’re right, everyone has a right to their opinions…but some opinions (those based on facts, evidence and sources) are more valid than others.

morehistory · December 8, 2011 at 9:49 am

While I agree that individual Canadians shouldn’t feel personally responsible, I don’t think we should let Ezra off so easily. He’s not responsible for the crisis itself, but by using shoddy research and jumping to conclusions, bringing heat when what was needed was light. I understand he was playing to the audience, but using a crisis to score cheap points is worse then low.

Ernest · December 6, 2011 at 11:28 pm

QUOTE:

I’m sure you mean this as a reasonable answer, but let’s just do the math. If we took the $84 million that the Feds are balking at and split it evenly among the on-reserve population (which by the way is much closer to 2,000 people), they’d get under $50,000. To give them each $500,000, you’re talking very nearly a billion.

And even if this were practical, giving people money without teaching people money management is a recipe for disaster (cf. Hobbema, or Paris Hilton).

At the rate of reproduction nearly 4 x the rest of the population, 1 billion now will save our children a lot mor in the long run. You haven’t include OW, NIHB which makes the cost nearly 80k a year. And if you get them out of the trap of dependance, you can save a fortune on law enforcement, prisons and children’s aid.

I believe in free will. Let’s settle the debt, get rid of communism and move forward. Nothing to stop communities from practicing their culture, but it is far preferable if they are willing participants. Right now they are held hostage by the Indian Act, INAC, the Social agencies and the Band chiefs and councils who are profiting from it.

As much as I like Chief Loui ( I have met him) he is still a benevolent dictator. No individual band member can make it on their own without leaving with nothing. When he loses and election or dies it is a crap shoot whether the next one will be so principaled.

Emily · December 6, 2011 at 11:40 pm

Thank you for writing this. As a first generation immigrant I come from a completely different social and cultural background than your own and am surrounded by people who automatically assume the worst about the First Nations people, regardless of actual facts, so this helped open my eyes to the political realities of the situation. I doubt this will help to convince the bigots or those who have already made up their minds but it will help those who, like me, are simply ignorant of the situation. I will be directing others to this article, it is very informative.

I sincerely hope that the federal and provincial governments can truly work with the reserves to create solutions and hopefully make things better for the residents, instead of merely glossing over the situation and hoping the voters do not notice. Canada should be better than this.

JazzSoup42 · December 7, 2011 at 1:31 am

I have now been reading here for probably over an hour, and am very reluctantly tearing myself away. I am so grateful for the thoughtfulness and civility and depth of open hearts and minds that I’m seeing on this page!

When things take more than seconds to think about and “solve”, people tend to throw up their hands — that is certainly not the case here, and it gives me such hope, for all of us, everywhere.

Thank you all. Deeply.

JazzSoup42 · December 7, 2011 at 1:44 am

Still here. Can’t leave. 😉

I wonder if it’s occurred to anyone to check with Michael Reynolds (earthship dot net) to see if his group could get a team, or even just a consultant, up to Attawapiskat. Reynolds has been frustrated by North Americans’ reluctance to embrace, or even think about, alternative forms of housing, and has been building in other countries. Here might be a good place to show that some North American people are in fact open, and also that Earthships and their cousins are not just for tropical areas…

mpawliuk · December 7, 2011 at 10:36 am

Great article! In the world of Twitter and Facebook sound bites rule, but you took the time to source and back up your claims. A very informative read that clearly had a lot of thought put into it.

morehistory · December 7, 2011 at 10:55 am

The National Post has closed the comment thread under your story.

At first, I was frustrated, because some of those comments were unsupported accusations and misinformation. But, on closer examination, there are a number of rebuttals and discussion points that have been brought up. And taking account the readership, I think that’s a starting point of hope.
The other thing is there seem to be a core group of commentators as some have noted before, who repeatedly trot out the same arguments, often within the same thread. On the other hand, the rebuttals seem to be from a number of people.

Now, this isn’t a scientific study, just my own observences/biases and opinions. But I think it might be a good thing.

âpihtawikosisân · December 7, 2011 at 11:13 am

I wonder if the NP simply has a policy of closing comments after a certain amount of time after publication? Interesting.

morehistory · December 7, 2011 at 2:45 pm

From the fine print on the NP page: Comment threads are closed after 48 hours
So, I guess the message here is to comment at 47hrs 50mins. 😛

I’m amazed, but this little piece went up at NP:
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/12/07/keith-beardsley-help-attawapiskat-now-save-the-fingerpointing-until-later/

I’m actually impressed — someone who sees through the posturing, and appreciates the real issue. Maybe now the Government will too. (I can hope)

morehistory · December 7, 2011 at 12:52 pm

While reading the news this morning, I spot this press release (Bryan Hayes, Conservative MP):
http://www.sootoday.com/content/news/details.asp?c=36593

“Since coming to government, $80 million dollars has been invested in Attawapiskat First Nation for housing, infrastructure, education and administration.
It is facts like these, along with the deplorable living conditions within Attawapiskat that have caused this government to place Attawapiskat under third party management.”

He also states that he and the government are “committed to dealing with the emergency”.

But, so far, they’ve sent a total of two boxes of donuts and an accountant on the ground. But Mr. Hayes hasn’t been out to the site either.

One wonders if some large-scale emergency happened in his home riding, if it would be acceptable to him that a related minister or the PM didn’t come to visit.

FN Councillor CC · December 7, 2011 at 2:20 pm

http://www.bulletnewsniagara.ca/2011/12/07/attawapiskat-how-do-these-third-world-conditions-exist-in-one-of-the-wealthiest-countries-in-the-world-watch-video/
check out this one too.

shaneonabike · December 7, 2011 at 2:36 pm

Thanks for this really insightful and helpful break-down of the real issues. It’s pathetic that the government continues to slant things as though it were Attawapiskat were the guilty party!

This is awesome!

Nick Harland · December 7, 2011 at 5:26 pm

Thanks for the information, however I do have some questions.

The 12 million that the band brings in every year from non-government, how is it decided where that money goes? I would guess the band can spend that on whatever they choose. If housing is such a huge problem, why isn’t more of that being spent on housing for the community’s citizens?

Also, reading through the huge document describing where the money goes, I noticed a 57 million dollar Capital Fund. Was is that being used for? Is that something the band could use? I know I have money set aside so if an emergency comes up, I have the money to deal with it. It would appear that they have quite a bit of money saved for something, while the people are supposedly dying from substandard housing. What is that 57 million there for?

âpihtawikosisân · December 7, 2011 at 6:38 pm

Well this community has been in co-management for 12 years according to Minister Duncan, meaning they’ve been running a deficit for that long. I don’t know how that works to be honest. I’d have to do some more digging and learn more about financing, capital funds, capital expenditures and so forth.

âpihtawikosisân · December 7, 2011 at 8:23 pm

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2011/12/07/attawapiskat-ndp-military.html

Finally, looks like we’re getting closer to some concrete suggestions for immediate action…not happy with all the suggestions so far, but the focus seems to have shifted from just “audit first, help later!” to “okay let’s figure something out right now”.

morehistory · December 7, 2011 at 9:41 pm

Well, the Government managed to turn a housing crisis into a full-blown political crisis, so they had to do something to try and put a lid on things.
Let’s hope that all of those in the cold get warm surrounding soon.

Gayle Graham · December 7, 2011 at 10:57 pm

When I read news articles in the mainstream media about native peoples and their struggles, I am saddened and outraged at the ignorance and hatred expressed in the comments sections. Thank you for the excellent article. I wish your writing would appear in the mainstream press, so that people would understand more about the issues, instead of just reacting to the spin put on the total funding amounts.

Mike Dufresne · December 8, 2011 at 12:11 am

Lisa. My name is Mike Dufresne and I live in kingston Ontario. Thank you for all the work and effort you have put into explaining the situation in Att. This is a great article, in depth, and explains many of the problems in great detail. I have a question for you and I do hope you can answer me. I grew up in north eastern Ontario with a Cree native that was my good friend. His name was James Jacasum and we lived in a town called Larder Lake before Jim moved to Attiwapiskat. Jim and I were separated for many years but we recognized each other, on a street in Kingston after about 30 years apart, and renewed our friendship. Jim came often to Kingston Ontario by air escorting native residents from Att to the Kingston General Hospital for medical treatments. During these visits we enjoyed a lot of breakfasts together. A few times Jim asked me to take funds to some patients which I did and he always paid me back in full. The last time we spoke, by phone, Jim was in a hospital in Toronto with cancer and it did not sound hopeful. I sent an email note two or three years ago to someone, I did not know, in Att but did not receive any answer back? He was a big man and had a large family and sadly I have lost contact with him and if he is still alive I would like to make contact with him. I took Jim and his wife shopping once to the local mall and I do remember that she could not speak english but I cannot remember her name. My question is can you share any news with me regarding my old friend Jim Jacasum? Sorry to bother you with something personal but I just need to know. You now have my email address and hopefully you can contact me privately with your response. Please keep up the good work you are doing. Thank you and best regards. Mike Dufresne. Kingston.

âpihtawikosisân · December 8, 2011 at 8:31 am

I am unclear as to who you are addressing, whether myself or someone named Lisa who has commented? In any case, if someone does have the information being requested, they can let me know and I’ll pass their contact information on to you.

Mike Dufresne · December 8, 2011 at 10:42 am

Thank you so much for your help. Mike D.

Nat · December 8, 2011 at 11:27 am

Hi! Thanks so much for writing this post, I’d like to request this in a Word document 😀 super informative and I’d like to share with other people outside of the Net.

Tom Grauman · December 8, 2011 at 11:59 am

Real good stuff in your article. Please send me a copy that I can print out.

Stu · December 8, 2011 at 3:04 pm

Fantastic blog entry. So many questions answered in such a coherent way. In another comment a person asked what was so difficult for people to understand about the situation in Att. I am not sure that they don’t understand. People tend to externalize responsibility because it is easier to blame the victim than to accept that each of us [Canadians] is partially responsible for the systemic issues that caused the hardship in the first place.

Penny Ross · December 8, 2011 at 3:39 pm

Hi Can you please send me a corrected print version of this article with footnotes as a Word document? I work for a School Division and I would love to share this article with students, teachers and staff. Thank you for your informative article! Much appreciated….

Scott D · December 8, 2011 at 4:45 pm

Hi there, interesting blog!

I would like to know you’re opinion on the following newscast by Erza Levant of Sun News:

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/1305119208001

I agree that Erza’s sources questionable. For example, to see a single house with a flat screen TV and criticize that parents for spending money on a TV rather than insulating their house. Or to see a newer model truck flipped upside down in a snowbank and assume that everyone is “wealthy” because of this.

But he does bring up some very good points about questionable expenditures, such as the hockey rink. In addition, these poorly built homes did not sneak up on the community overnight. Maybe a hockey rink should be the last thing on the priority list? Also, if people are living in such poor conditions, why does the band choose to pay 3 chiefs (one who is no longer acting) and countless other members of the band nearly six figures? Perhaps if their people are suffering so badly, they should take a cut in pay.

From what we have been informed of through the news, the band’s accounting practices are questionable. Do you not agree that we as Canadians have the right to know that the money is being used to support the community? The funding does come from our tax dollars after all. If the band chooses to conduct such poor accounting practices then I believe the government has every right to send in a third party accountant to ensure that their funding has been properly used towards the needs of the community.

Regards,

Scott

âpihtawikosisân · December 8, 2011 at 8:56 pm

I am tired after a wonderful community meal, and I would simply like to point out the following:

Most of the people who feel that ‘Canadians have a right to know’ are completely unfamiliar with tax funded expenditures in any other area and thus haven’t a single basis of comparison to work from.

For example and to quote a friend, “take a look at the BC Auditor General’s take on how BC Hydro annually defers a five billion dollar debt, and how the BC Government has no plan to pay that debt (and how by deferring the debt, BC Hydro shows a profit which apparently allows the BC Government to collect some sort of dividend)

http://www.vancouversun.com/opinion/Auditor+finds+billion+snake+dilemma+Hydro+hard+swallow/5788297/story.html

Still quoting my friend, “Which leaves three options for paying the five billion dollars back (according to the auditor general): (1) increase electricity rates; (2) cut spending drastically; or (3) ask the Province for a cash injection to offset amounts the Province has been taking from BC Hydro over the years. Gee, I wonder which route the BC Government (and BC Hydro recommends).”

—————————————————

Five BILLION dollars. Where are the taxpayers who “have a right to know” on this? Why is all the attention focused on this community when ‘questionable accounting practices’ are frankly…the norm?

morehistory · December 8, 2011 at 10:14 pm

I’m not sure if you saw (there are a lot of comments here :)), but I took a bit of Ezra’s rant on here: http://apihtawikosisan.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/dealing-with-comments-about-attawapiskat/#comment-1305

Scott D says: But he does bring up some very good points about questionable expenditures, such as the hockey rink.

Well, he forgot to mention that after the school was abandoned in 2000, three successive Ministers promised to build a new school, until 2008, when they finally cancelled it. (They announced they would give it the green light again earlier this year).
No school means no gym, no proper library and a bunch of portables strung out where classes are taught. And it also means no place for any after school activities out of the freezing cold. So I don’t think it would be horrible if they did spend some money to help the kids.
Now where Ezra goes ballistic is over the purchase of a Zamboni. Now, I’ve seen it stated that this was actually bought with community funds — but it would have required fact checking to find that out.

Scott D says: In addition, these poorly built homes did not sneak up on the community overnight. Maybe a hockey rink should be the last thing on the priority list?

From what I understand, there is massive overcrowding and a huge wait list for housing. Desperate people do desperate things — like converting garages with no running water or electricity into a “house”, and moving into housing that is unfit for living to try to get more space. Unless shelving the arena (or the Zamboni, for that matter) would alleviate the huge wait, people who live in the overcrowding will just have their walls to stare at the whole winter.
I can’t really blame them — after waiting 8 years for their school, and then having it canceled, they must have lost faith in the priorities of the Government, to be sure.

Tina Crowe Maravich · December 8, 2011 at 5:16 pm

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This article has made my work so much easier 🙂 many blessing to you and those you love!

Kristopher. · December 8, 2011 at 7:01 pm

I would be grateful for the Word version. Thank you.

noah · December 8, 2011 at 8:27 pm

I do have to echo the other positive feedback here, it is refreshing to see a more honest appraisal of potential issues affecting this community, issues that are doubtlessly affecting a great many others across this country.

I did also want to mention something in relation to an earlier comment on here; the commenter stated that if they replaced the target ethnicity in the Indian Act with something non-First Nations how it would not go over well. This reminded me of what often seems to be a very little-known fact: the Indian Act was used as the basis for the system of apartheid in South Africa.

That’s something they really should teach us in schools.

Jeff · December 8, 2011 at 8:29 pm

I am so proud and thankful to you for having made this site. the extreme views, the ignorance, the status quo, the uneducated sometimes make me ashamed to be Canadian. i wish for once a teacher would run for PM, and specifically a teacher of social sciences and social studies. we have benefited enormously throughout history through cooperation and co-existance with our First Nations brother and sisters and to read what sounds to me as a lot of racially motivated comments instead of meaningful debate is frustrating!

I am proud to have known Donald Marshall Jr. – not the “folk hero” and not the “icon” but the man who claimed to be neither. he lived through a 13 year legal battle and lifelong stigma of being a wrongfully convicted murderer on racially motivated and fabricated charges and evidence. His community lived through those racist times as well, but thanks to the Marshall inquiry and more self government powers, Membertou is a shining example of success through self determination.

being a member of the white majority, it hurts me to see how few understand what they are asking when they suggest assimilating First Nations people. They all understood Braveheart and the 13th century struggle for independence, but they can not get a modern day people wanting self determination and a fair shake at success for their people here in Canada – fought for centuries peacefully and respectfully while successive governments – elected by the white majority – stall, suppress, rename the Indian Acts governmental body and publicly defame First Nations protests.

thank you for providing a well reasoned and well written page that at least provides some space for THIS side of the discussion.

peace.

Moira Dunphy · December 8, 2011 at 10:32 pm

It’s exciting to have so many people willing to do volunteer forensic accounting! Guess what I found out in Canada’s budget? Canada’s Economic Action Plan (CEAP) gave $3.2 Million to improve First Nations Housing!! Wait- no, it says ‘committed’, not gave; it says they WILL give the money. And then I found this: Hanover Ontario will get $3.5 million for a new recreation complex, and Kelowna is getting $3.8 million for improved bike trails! Wait- no, those ones say they already got the money, already finished… So, anyway, I think we should look for Hanover and Kelowna’s financial statements online and comb through them and make assumptions about fraud and waste!

OR: we could assume that when the Ministry co-manages for several years, they know enough about finances to take care of it without our help…

Jon · December 9, 2011 at 8:38 am

If poorly built, wastefully contracted bike trails and recreational arenas would mean people freezing to death, then yes, Hanover and Kelowna would be under the media microscope. Attawapiskat has been catapulted into the headlines because of the human cost and suffering being made visible, not because of efficiency or lack of it. But people are going to look at that efficiency, and that’s not a entirely bad thing — provided it doesn’t become an excuse to bash the Band for everything. Minister Duncan *will* try to do that, of course, and standing aside looking dignified will not oppose that effectively. I think most Canadians who are not actively prejudiced will be open to explanation of how a Kafkaesque organization makes it harder to do things that are badly needed, why public money sometimes gets spent (gasp!) on non-critical things, and what all we might do to start fixing that.

“If we look at X, then why aren’t we looking at Y?” There are citizen’s groups that routinely put out criticisms of government spending on lots of programs (Canadian Taxpayer’s Federation, for one, although I personally don’t care for their politics), Columns and stories do get written about it, they just rarely get headlines. And MPs spend many hours thumping their desks and decrying waste and spendthriftness (mostly if they’re in the Opposition). Mostly no one notices. I guess most Canadians feel their country is rich enough not to fret about the details; it’s just when something galvanizes public interest that the issue gets attention. Unfortunately, it can’t be controlled such that only the sympathetic people — the ones who actually might care about people freezing to death — get the mike. I can understand that the whole approach can seem distasteful when nasty folk are twisting it to suit their prejudices, but saying “Look, there’s more waste over there!” may not be the best way to deal with that.

âpihtawikosisân · December 9, 2011 at 9:11 am

I agree with a lot of what you’ve said here, and I’m not going to necessarily address it in the order you brought it up, so forgive me as I ramble through what your post has got me thinking about 🙂

Almost any time you deal with social justice issues…let’s pick something unrelated and say you are a supporter of stricter rules about smoking outside of schools for example. I was passing my daughters’ school one day and it was raining. There were construction scaffolds covering the sidewalk just outside the entrance to the school yard, and there was this teenage boy smoking there as the children passed by him. I said something scathing to him as I passed with my girls, but I felt that this was just too reactionary and so when I dropped them off, I came back to talk to him more humanly.

I brought up the fact that I thought it was a bad idea for him to stand there, although of course with it raining I could see why he’d choose the place. I pointed out that kids were streaming through that somewhat enclosed area, with no alternative to breathe his smoke. So he brought up a point I often hear in this particular context…he pointed at all the vehicles driving by and said, there’s a much bigger problem, why aren’t you talking to them?

While I applaud his quick thinking, and his willingness to actually talk to me, I’ve been having that same discussion for years and was more than prepared. Before I get to that, I want to point out how this intersects with something you said:

“If we look at X, then why aren’t we looking at Y?”

This is a very common tactic of deflection. If you don’t address poverty in this other country, then talking about this other issue you brought up is invalid. If you don’t also complain about car emissions, then it is invalid to get upset about second hand smoke, etc.

To a certain extent, I agree. IF THE ISSUES ARE RELATED. In the case with this teen, they are. Car emissions are by far the more serious threat to the health of the children I was defending (I’ve given up on us older folks I guess, puff away around me :P). I agreed with the boy, which surprised the heck out of him, and I pointed out that this is the reason I voted for Projet Montreal in the municipal elections, as they were committed to reducing traffic and promoting healthier transportation methods. I also pointed out that I choose not to drive a vehicle for the same reason. Acknowledging that his concern was absolutely valid and that I recognised this, meant that we could then focus on the issue at hand.

I don’t know if he kept smoking out front like that or not…I never saw him do it again, but it was a good conversation.

Back to the point. I agree it’s a good idea to look at the financial issues in Attawapiskat. But not if that is all that’s going to happen. Not if all it does is feed into the myth that Bands are inherently corrupt and that Councillors are running off with thousands or millions of dollars. Not if it ignores the wider problem of corruption and inefficiency and bad financial decisions being made up to the highest levels of governance in this country and elsewhere. In this case, I think it’s very on point to say:

“I you’re looking at Attawapiskat, why are you ignoring the wider context of similar financial problems in non-native society?”

You are correct that some groups are looking at these things…but that isn’t being acknowledge in this context and it is damaging because that lack of context helps perpetuate the kinds of stereotypes about aboriginal peoples that has influenced the shift from “shocked and wanting to help” to “giving up on the corrupt Indians”.

Jon · December 9, 2011 at 9:40 am

I liked the example you gave of smoking vs car exhausts… although the truly reactionary argument you could have used was “you’re breaking the law and they are not.” 🙂

Sure, it makes me livid to read how much this third-party manager is getting paid. And the examples of government waste are legion. I’d just like to offer that disallowing this line of inquiry is indeed going to be seen as deflection, as a defensive tactic, and that suggests to many people that there must be something to hide. (Right. As Blackaddder might have said, “The criminal always makes one tiny mistake — theirs was publishing their band financial schedules on the Internet for several years.”)

And yes, absolutely, people tend to look for reasons to give up so they don’t have to feel guilty or infuriated any more. It’s tricky! Confront them with too much and they become cynical; not enough and they forget. But keep on confronting. I’m learning a lot from this blog and the resources it generates.

morehistory · December 8, 2011 at 11:27 pm

Here’s an interesing article from the National Post, of all places:
http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/12/08/john-ivison-education-is-key-to-life-after-attawapiskat/

Here is a snippet: “at the moment they don’t get the same amount of government spending on services on a per capita basis.”

The article is about education, and has some interesting points. I was happy to see a NP columnist actually point out the shortfall, and break that down into some numbers.
That in itself is a first step.

I’m not sure I buy the rest of the article, but one point I do agree with — this is a good opportunity to improve the situation, if both parties are willing.

âpihtawikosisân · December 9, 2011 at 9:25 am

Ooooh, folks! If you were thinking becoming a First Nations Chief was somehow the ‘way to go’ to become rich (well you’ve got low expectations of what rich means but I digress), check this out! You should instead be a third party auditor! You’ll get paid $1300 a day for a contract total of $180,000 for only six months of work! Adjust your career goals, everyone! The way you address ‘shocking salaries’ is to hire someone who makes over double the most ‘shocking salary’ in the community! This financial lesson, brought to you by the federal government of Canada.

http://edmonton.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20111208/attawapiskat-ottawa-consultant-money-111208/20111208/?hub=EdmontonHome

morehistory · December 9, 2011 at 11:30 am

I think it’s a bit amusing that seemingly “fiscal conservative” people that comment are actually actively defending this exorbitant spending of money.
(You’d think, for $1300/day, he’d have brought more then a couple boxes of donuts).

But it seems that as long as Federal money which was supposed to go to First Nations goes to outside parties, it’s somehow justifiable.

JG · December 9, 2011 at 3:57 pm

I definitely think they get paid to much. Wayyyy too much. Man if I got back to school Im taking accounting!

Then again his wages are not controlled by the government because he is not under public employ. Government needs a contractor cause the band has money issues, and unfortunately they pay the market rate.. I sympathize that it must be hard to get a professional auditor to want to work under these conditions (away from home, isolation pay, etc).

Must be hard for this auditor to leave his “land” and move to another for 6 months, we all know how hard it is to move.

Moira Dunphy · December 9, 2011 at 9:52 am

I apologize for my last sarcastic posting. Let me be clearer about what I want to say:

I applaud apihtawikosisan’s initial post about finances. It helped to clarify several misconceptions that were taken as fact in the mainstream media. However, I find it extremely frustrating that anyone thinks they can do forensic accounting long distance. Anyone who can read a financial statement should already know this. I also think it is unfair to expect her to answer specifics about their expenditures. At this point let’s leave it be. Harper wanted the nation focused on potential financial scandal, and now we are, instead of a humanitarian crisis.

When, out of my frustration, I went to the budget website, I just wanted to find anything else we spend money on to use as an example. I love and use and support bike trails and community centers. However, I was surprised to see that more was committed in each instance, and had already been accomplished, whereas the housing dollars for First Nations was merely committed and not yet spent. I guess surprised is not the right word, but it seemed to support an overarching theme, which is the apathy and neglect with which we have allowed our government to deal with First Nations people.

I am guilty of having read through CTV’s online comments yesterday, and the baseness, the lack of empathy for an impoverished community, and the empathy FOR a $1300/day accountant- I guess it really got to me. So I put aside my sarcasm, apihtawikosisan, and will pledge to avoid those online comments, and commit myself to the open dialogue, and the spirit of respectful questioning that you have established here.

whiskybran · December 9, 2011 at 11:17 am

I just came across your blog…great job!
I am uneducated on the funding model and taxation details for First Nations so I can’t wait to delve into your posts.
I would love to hear your take on this article:

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/12/09/mark-milke-crunching-attawapiskats-numbers/

Keep up the good work!

morehistory · December 9, 2011 at 2:29 pm

My take is that Mr. Milke that shouldn’t compare apples to oranges and expect a useful result.

The small “northern” municipality he picked is a few km off of the TransCanada Highway. It’s Education is provided by the Rainy River school board, and it’s health infrastructure is provided by the province of Ontario.

The Mayor’s salary in this small community is $7,713. I can’t imagine anyone could actually live on $650 a month, so he’s likely only Mayor part time.

He also argues that the funding is adequate, without really providing any evidence of that. His line of thinking is that not as much is spent per capita here in the municipal budget, this official gets less money then that official, so you can obviously see that it’s bad priorities and not lack of funds. While it might support his ideological position quite well (he’s with the Fraser institute), it isn’t a very good analysis.

âpihtawikosisân · December 9, 2011 at 2:42 pm

I wonder if Mike Milke is one of the posters in this comment section who earlier made that comparison? I pointed out then that comparing an accessible, southern community to a fly-in northern community was not ‘apples to apples’ and he never came back.

I have recently discovered that under the Municipal Act of Ontario 2001, each municipality must report remuneration amounts for for all municipal employees. We could pull up every one of them and compile a list…but we still would not be able to compare what functions these people perform in order to assess whether their salaries are merited or not.

I am very annoyed that people continue to put up numbers and figures without providing sources for this information so it can be checked. How difficult is it to just say, “I got this information by phoning the Mayor” or “this is available online here”. My pet peeve.

morehistory · December 9, 2011 at 3:59 pm

âpihtawikosisân says: I am very annoyed that people continue to put up numbers and figures without providing sources for this information so it can be checked. How difficult is it to just say, “I got this information by phoning the Mayor” or “this is available online here”. My pet peeve.

Well, such numbers would reveal context, and with context, you can actually assess the information you are reading. Lots who are trying to make ideological arguments, the facts don’t matter as much as supporting your point.

âpihtawikosisân · December 9, 2011 at 2:59 pm

Here is another article which deals more realistically with the differences in duties and with the kinds of investment needed in a community like Attawapiskat if we want to see real change:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/story/2011/12/09/tby-attawapiskat-funding.html

First Nations already have many more responsibilities than municipalities which only have to deal with delivering services to their communities such as garbage pick-up, water and sewage.

…First Nations, on the other hand, are nations with a raft of government functions on top of the garbage, water and sewage duties. As well, First Nations are required to deliver and report on dozens of federal government programs.

The former mayor of Sioux Lookout, Lawrence Martin, said his experience running a municipality gives him insight into how First Nations get “cheated” by other levels of government.

So sick of the spin.

Stephen Price · December 9, 2011 at 1:53 pm

For those interested in how much the average Canadian receives in government services per year, you can look at the Fraser Institute’s study at:
http://www.fraserinstitute.org/research-news/display.aspx?id=17546
This study does (which is written on a different topic – suggesting that we subsidize immigrants to Canada by about $6000/yr), provides a breakdown of the costs of Government services that, as it comes from a conservative think tank, could hardly be criticized as ‘too left’ to be credible.

The results: each Canadian receives an average of $15,000 in government services annually and that’s without the suggestion that Government also provide housing within that envelope. I’m sure that simply comparing what all levels of government put into the Attawapiskat Nation budget is an apples-to-oranges comparison, but it does serve to show that $10,000 per capita is a narrow budget to provide health care, education and municipal services. In that context, it would seem to me that to suggest that there are also adequate resources to provide housing on top of those ‘core’ services received by all Canadians is an unreasonable expectation.

Perhaps the key is to write your nearest Conservative MP and ask them just which expenses incurred by the Attawapiskat First Nation are the evidence of ‘mismanagement’ and to ask them to provide a realistic budget based on another non-native Northern Community that would provide all of the services guaranteed by citizenship and treaty obligations that would accomplish what they say is possible.

JG · December 9, 2011 at 3:45 pm

I believe this article sheds much more relevant numbers concerning Attawapiskat.
From the article “given Atikokan [a town with 2x the population] spent $3-million on compensation for all city staff, why must Attawapiskat spend $11.2-million? ”

I doubt INAC is forcing the band council and chief to line there pockets with taxpayer money. Let them pay for houses out of the 8.2 million EXTRA salary they get over a functionaing, LARGER town.

Or do chiefs just inherently cost more then mayors? Must be a racial thing.

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/12/09/mark-milke-crunching-attawapiskats-numbers/

âpihtawikosisân · December 9, 2011 at 4:22 pm

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/story/2011/12/09/tby-attawapiskat-funding.html

A larger town that is next to a major highway and much further south than Attawapiskat. Talk about not comparing apples to apples. The link I’ve give you above also deals with the difference in duties between a small town mayor and Chief.

A small town mayor does not have to run land claim processes, does not have to administer health, education and social services, does not have to lead natural resource negotiations with huge mulitbillion dollar conglomerates like deBeers, or run housing programs, etc.

Do chiefs inherently do more than mayors? Yeah, in a lot of cases. It’s a division of powers thing.

morehistory · December 9, 2011 at 5:15 pm

JG says: “given Atikokan [a town with 2x the population] spent $3-million on compensation for all city staff, why must Attawapiskat spend $11.2-million? ”
{One arithmetic correction: 2000 x 2 = 4000, which is a bit short of the 3,300 that live in Atikokan — I’d say Attawapiskat is about 2/3rds Atikokan’s size}

If you search above you’ll see an earlier response I made to this article, but I’d like to point out the fallacy in this quote.

Atikokan relies on the Rainy River School Board to run the schools in town and pay the teachers. It relies on the Province of Ontario to run it’s hospital and pay it’s medical staff.
I’m not sure what other traditionally non-municipal services Attawpiskat also runs.

I wonder how much the budget would be for Atikokan if we added teachers and health staff to their budget.

JG · December 10, 2011 at 6:16 pm

My “math” was using the quoted population, 1549 of Attawapiskat, less then half of Atikokan.

And while I’ve taught quite a few students from Attawapiskat I do concede that payment of teachers would be a huge discrepancy between the towns even if it still doesn’t explain the large differences in council salaries

Melissa Gervais · December 9, 2011 at 3:53 pm

I posted a petition online to help with the school issue. the link is: http://www.petitiononlinecanada.com/petition/education-is-a-right/608. I also have a hard copy of this petition that has been signed by many as well. If you can have members of the community sign it that would also help. I have an entire presentation I am working on to present to Parliament and I will bring forth the petitions at the same time to let them know that this is not just an issue that affects the community of Attawapiskat but that it also affects the rest of society and as Canadians we do care. Since i am located in Ottawa, ON it is hard for me to advise the northeastern ontario First Nations people that we do care and we are working on helping them. Please let it be known to as many as you can from your end. That would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You.

saskboy · December 9, 2011 at 4:45 pm

Very detailed, thank you for a reasonable response.

Sasha · December 9, 2011 at 9:49 pm

Gah! I just made the mistake of venturing into the comments section of an Attawapiskat article. I read your post about a week back, but felt the need to come back and thank you for adding some actual FACTS to the discussion. Great post – thanks.

Slydermv · December 9, 2011 at 11:34 pm

I recently watched this news article and was wondering if you had any response to some of the points he makes:

http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/video/featured/prime-time/867432237001/understanding-attawapiskat/1305119208001

I post this because I have been following this story for some time and I tend to reserve judgement on issues unless I feel I can make an informed opinion. Some items he brought up in the above video really seemed to ring true to me. I understand the facts, as stated above, that remote northern communities face large challenges with respect to infrastructure and logistics when it comes to capital spending in addition to managing social programs, education and health care. It’s going to be more expensive then examples brought forth in the national post example above.

Additionally, some issues he discusses, including the relationship with Debeers, I have no idea about. Corporations setting up on reserve land and the relationships with surrounding communities is a much more complex issue then what I wanted to get at, which is fiscal responsibility of a community.

However, I do feel that any comments with respect to the funding and allocation of funds, in a negative sense, are met with instant indication that the poster is racist. Should we simply accept the work of the chief here that her intentions are honorable? Is having a third party come in to manage finances and get things in order in this community a bad thing.

Based on this report from the community website for their independent auditor, it looks to me like the community is in dire need of someone to help sort out their books.

http://www.attawapiskat.org/wp-content/uploads/2011-Management-Letter.pdf

This report is three pages of issues the way the community is handling their book keeping from welfare payments to the community not recording, or having record of where payments or money has gone to the lack of budgets and their preparation. Pretty basic stuff required to administer a community. Budgeting is key in any basic asset management system with respect to infrastructure maintenance and replacement in a municipality, as well as planning out future spending and priorities. The fact the community doesn’t even have a budget, I think, is an indication that the community isn’t doing it’s job.

A few other points there were brought up in the above video and from my review of their financial statements.

For a community of 1500-2000 why are there salaries paid, in 2011, to 3 different band chiefs and 18 councilors? Isn’t this a large number for a 2000 person community? (and on a side note, one thing I think the national post does get right is the 48% increase, in a year, in the band chief, councilor and administration salaries).

There is alot of argument about the $17.6M and $34M a year budgets. When it comes down to it, the communities annual operating budget is $34M/yr. That’s about $17k per capita. This is the number we should really be looking at when discussing if there is enough funding for the community.

As I stated before, the band administration has alot more work to do (thanks for this insight!). They are not just administering infrastructure, but health and education programs…. but at almost 10 times the cost per capita compared to the other communities presented in the national post?

Over 4 million dollars were paid, for a community of 2000, for wages and benefits for school staff (this doesn’t include school operations and maintenance)

$0 dollar spent on major and minor home renovations and maintenance. Wouldn’t prudent planning at least allocate some funds to retrofit homes here? These conditions didn’t happen overnight.

$0 spent on community building operations and maintenance

$0 spent on operations and maintenance for roads

$0 dollars spent on solid waste, and waste water infrastructure (wasn’t there a huge sewer backup issue in the community not long ago that caused 90 or so people to move into the debeers trailers… prudent planning would suggest dollars be spent here).

The community spend just as much on administering welfare payments through wages, and program delivery as it payed out!

But really, the biggest thing is their financial statements show a $60M dollar surplus at the end of the 2011 fiscal year! How can this funding not be used to house the poor people of this community? This last point, regardless of anything is this post you agree with or not, is an indication for gross mismanagement.

http://www.attawapiskat.org/wp-content/uploads/2011-Consolidated-Schedule-of-Programs.pdf

Schedule A of the above document for reference.

Sorry about the wall of text. While I understand that the relationship between first nations and the government is a very complex issue I certainly don’t have the solutions too, the issue of whether or not this community has been mismanaged financially is pretty black and white.

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 12:24 am

Too tired (it’s past midnight) to even begin to address all of this (as much has been dealt with before), but I’ll point this out again. This community has been in co-management for 12 years because they have been running a deficit. A surplus is the opposite of a deficit. Obviously someone more versed in reading financial statements is going to have to explain what ‘surplus’ actually means in this context.

I’m going to point you to two documents. One is a press release from the community dealing with some of the accusations Levant and others toss out so blithely:
http://www.attawapiskat.org/wp-content/uploads/20111205NoticeQuestionsAboutAttawapiskat.pdf

Another is a publication by the AFN explaining federal funding and why it is insufficient. It also tackles the issue of supposed FN corruption and mismanagement, etc:
http://www.csfs.org/Files/Public/Index/Archive/Federal-Government-Funding-to-First-Nations.pdf

I don’t have the time or energy to give Levant et al’s claims much credence given their stunning lack of anything resembling a contextual view (flat out ignoring the AG’s report for one as though the identification of deep, systemic flaws in the federal funding system are unimportant and can’t possibly have anything to do with this), or sources for their claims (yes you can SAY that this must mean financial mismanagement, but a claim is not that compelling of an argument).

Please read the above, and tell me what you think.

Slydermv · December 10, 2011 at 2:47 am

Thanks for the quick reply. I’ll comment on what you have, and welcome any further discussion if you feel so inclined when it’s not so late 🙂

I can only comment on the financial statements, which I did make some mistakes in my initial review, but I can break it down for you a bit. This should be extremely boring:

Going back the the link above (i.e the financial statements, total income in 2011 was ~$34M (i.e from federal and provincial funding and other sources). Total expenditures were $31M. ~$3M surplus, that has rolled over to ~$60M (this includes tangible capital assets, like buildings and infrastructure and includes funding expenditures for health and education, salaries, or cash they don’t see, but is provided by the government and other income sources for the programs they request). This is a good thing. The programs are payed for, and deprecation of tangible assets, amounts to be less then what money is left over.

What may be the reason for co-management is a cash flow deficit for the community itself. In 2011, of the $34M the community had to spend, they brought in ~7M. This should be higher, and I’ll explain why in a second. Now, they owe the bank $2.5M, have additional long term debt of over $6M, plus the yearly interest that has to be paid. The kicker here is, they have accounts payable and accrued liabilities of over $7M (i.e almost enough to get them completely out of debt, and defiantly get them to running a substantial surplus, and this number is increasing yearly). The band is owed a ton of money that they are not collecting, and if they managed this properly, their cash flow would be running a multi-million dollar surplus, running a total surplus of $3M plus this amount. This goes back to my link about the management letter above and how the administration of the community isn’t performing their duties (the last topic under collection of Revenues, in this specific example).

My mistake was, there isn’t $60M dollars worth of cash flow in the community, however, the net worth of the community is $60M. I had stated it the wrong way. My apologies.

As for the links. While it’s not really a concern of mine about who’s sleeping with who (as this just seems to be blatant mudslinging to discredit people, and in poor taste imo, but you gotta love politics), Just to stray off on that topic however, elected officials are held to a certain amount of scrutiny. Just as a politician in Ottawa who appointed a romantic relationship to a position would be questioned, I don’t see why people get up in arms when this question was asked. It’s part of the job of being a public representative, and this line of questioning, while convenient in terms of when it happened, would happen to any other public servant who was getting raked over the coals. It really has nothing to do with race.

But back to the actual point, it might have been more prudent to spend dollars on a housing crisis rather then for a Zamboni and an arena. I’m sure you can appreciate, within your household budget, you buy food, clothing and pay your bills (essentials) before you go out for dinner or go to a movie (entertainment/recreation). It really is poor decision making with respect to the communities administration.

As for the last link, I read it all. It’s great! I’m all for people managing their own business, but what I’ve really tried to stay away from, is generalities. While there may be systemic issues with funding and rights afforded to aboriginals across Canada (I have my opinions, but I’d rather stay away from that discussion for the moment, because getting into a discussion of the sustainability of 600+ reserves where 61% of them are 500 people or less, as per the report, is a whole other mind boggle), what I’m really trying to look at is how this community is managing the money it’s getting. All people are in a place right now when the money they are making isn’t making the same gains that inflation and the cost of living are. We all have to figure out a way to get by with less. In this situation, looking at these financial statements, to me it looks like this community is doing a poor job. Not because they are Indians, just because they aren’t imho. Now whether the solution to this problem is a $1300/day government watch dog or $1300/day worth of training for the band chiefs in asset and project management (I’m not sure what their and their administrations backgrounds are) I’m not sure. They can defiantly do a whole lot more with their money, and re adjust some priorities to deal with with essentials first to at least get people into warm homes with running water.

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 9:18 am

There are management problems, for sure, and as you mentioned some of these have been outlined in the auditor’s report.

The issue goes far beyond Attawapiskat, however. The Auditor General’s report and its recommendations, rather than addressing a single community, address all First Nations. There has been no talk about the federal government implementing its auditor’s recommendations. ALL of the focus has been on Attawapiskat, and what they must do. That is short-sighted, and frankly a waste of all our time. By the way, the AFN paper I linked you to discuss how much money gets eaten up by interest, by debt servicing and so on. No amount of managerial finagling in that community can affect the systemic federal deficiencies. Working under such conditions not only require Attawapiskat to manage its finances well, it requires them to be financial wizards.

When the government says, “Okay, we’re going to help Attawapiskat build some management capacity AND we’re going to clean up our own mess”, then I won’t be as frustrated with the calls for a more detailed audit on this one community.

Attawapiskat is the community with the most immediately severe housing problem…but there are many other reserves that are on the verge of crisis, with homes that are not fit for human habitation, and no amount of talking about Attawapiskat in isolation can change that.

morehistory · December 10, 2011 at 11:07 am

Slydermv says: The band is owed a ton of money that they are not collecting, and if they managed this properly, their cash flow would be [.. in a] surplus.

The real question is where that money is that they aren’t collecting, of course. The Government usually pay slow and on their own schedule, with lots of hoops to jump through. If it’s rental income from those living on subsistence amounts, there might be a systemic issue. Or, it could be that they need an A/R manager. But this is all just speculation for now.

Slydermv says: While it’s not really a concern of mine about who’s sleeping with who […] however, elected officials are held to a certain amount of scrutiny.

In the comments I’ve observed, it’s a way to discount that the band has been in co-management for 12 years. Without a shred of real evidence, the romantic relationship is _itself_ “evidence” of wrongdoing. Usually in bedroom peek-a-boo, the relationship is covered up and denied, and I haven’t seen that here. And while it should raise an eyebrow and maybe more scrutiny, it in itself isn’t evidence of anything.

Slydermv says: […] might have been more prudent to spend dollars on a housing crisis rather then for a Zamboni and an arena. […] It really is poor decision making with respect to the communities administration.

The Zamboni is an interesting thing, actually. I’ve read in a few places that the money for it was raised by the community, and not paid for out of Federal monies. But, I’ll be devil’s advocate for a minute, and let’s say this is a massive boondoggle on the Band’s side, allocating funding for a Zamboni and the Arena.
The thing is, the Federal Government have promised, over 3 ministers and 8 years to build a school, with things like a gym and a library, since the community is now using portables for this purpose. After cancelling it in 2008, the present Gov’t agreed finally to build it in early 2011. Now, if you had the opportunity for your kids to have some kind of rec. center, so they could play out of the cold … would you? Before answering, remember that an ENTIRE classes of children went through their entire primary schooling without ever having a proper building.

Now, there have been things highlighted that are issues in this First Nation. But it’s clearly not just the band that have been mismanaging things.

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 12:01 pm

But it’s clearly not just the band that have been mismanaging things.

And yet the only focus that is influencing current actions is squarely on the community. That is the most frustrating aspect of all of this. That wider systemic issues have been shunted aside in favour of the very, very narrow view.

Slydermv · December 10, 2011 at 8:46 pm

Great responses and thanks. Really, though this wall of text, I was just hoping that your side really did understand the issues with the way the community is administering the cash. And I was hoping, with some informed posting, that I could get across the frustrations of the tax payer, who supplies a large portion of these funds, is feeling when they hear stories of mis-management. Again, I’m in no way trying to point the finger and blame one person. From what I’ve read here I understand that the federal government has it’s own hand with respect to whether or not funding is even adequate in the first place. It takes two to tango as they say

But what I was really hoping I could leave people with was, when tax dollars are spent, and they are spent efficiently, there is alot less resistance to increases in budgeting and funding because tax payers know their hard earned dollars are being spent wisely.

I think the catch-22 of we won’t accept outside help without you first supplying us proper funding is a dead end road. The community may just have to accept the fact, that within the community there isn’t the expertise to handle the day to day books and financial operations. This wouldn’t mean the council and chiefs aren’t the decision makers, just that they have a qualified administration to recommend courses of action and develop budgets.

While I accept the fact that the auditor general recommendations indicate there is a deficiency with respect to funding to first nations communities, at the low level community scale, we will not know what these deficiencies are (if any) without prudent planning, budgeting and fiscal responsibility shown by the communities. They really do have to build this business case, and at least both sides seem to be in agreement that some portion of the problem is, in fact, issues with the way the local government has handled a portion of the funds, in addition to what sounds like a whole lot of red tape in dealing with the federal government, and 12 years of ineffective help, a poorly implemented 3rd party management solution they seem to keep falling back on, and possible funding deficiencies.

I think the first nations also have to accept the fact that may not always get all the money they are looking for, and may have to get by with what can be budgeted. Very few federal, provincial or municipal organizations get by without getting their budgets slashed and having to make do with less.

In any case, I’ve kind of said what I’ve had to say. I appreciate the possiblilty of thoughtful discussion that doesn’t resort to name calling, and I’ll be sure to point my friends to this blog and these discussions for their own better understanding.

Troy · December 11, 2011 at 1:03 am

Consider the term, austerity. It’s the popular new term in European politics, but it’s how First Nations have been living in Canada for generations. Generally, the Canadian government’s policy toward funding First Nation communities has been, enough to keep them alive. Nothing more. In fact, where in its budget can the town cut without people finally dying? People are suffering through the harsh winter conditions, already.
Attawapaskit isn’t asking for more than what white communities receive in funding, but for equal funding. Personally, I think they’re too humble. They should be demanding, rather than asking. But it’s getting to that point. The federal government has done much so far to refrain from intervening, which would be a betrayel of the Reform/Alliance principle to discredit, dismember, and destroy First Nation sovereignty. Perhaps Harper and Duncan see this tiny community as a test, but I can’t even guess at their motivation. It’s just unfathomable how far the government has gone to refrain from actually just helping this tiny little town out.

Slydermv · December 11, 2011 at 11:37 am

Hey Troy, I hear what you are saying. I do have a bias before I post. I am, for the most
part, a supporter of the conservative federal governemnt (with exceptions to some policies of course) before I go forward.

Now, with this community in particular, I don’t think the issue whether or not they want to deal with the problem, but the fact that they want to understand the problem before they throw money at it. While, I think the federal solution of 3rd party management isn’t working, as has been shown in other communities, wanting to see the books and find effiecenies is a logical next step. And really, if you want to determine funding defiecienes, you really can’t get a good idea of what that number is until the community is run properly. How is the conservative government supposed to know how much money this town needs if they aren’t ever preparing annual budgets? In my honest oponion, with the proper personel, are there families living in shacks in this town without running water a heat?

I don’t think so.

Are dollars spent per person on health care, education, etc. per capita less then other non native communities? It looks to be the case according to the literature out there… but making the claim that enough dollars are being spent just to keep people alive is an attempt to illict an emotion responce.

Now, deal with the emergency issues first, I agree…. get people in warm shelter. But after, take a very close look at the books, and start figuring these formulas out. The onus is on the shoulders of these communites to get their finances in order, develop budgets, present this information to their native representatives, then have this information compiled and brought forth to the federal governemnt. From there, we have an avenue of discussion of what is really needed

Ernest · December 10, 2011 at 12:19 am

QUOTE:

A small town mayor does not have to run land claim processes, does not have to administer health, education and social services, does not have to lead natural resource negotiations with huge mulitbillion dollar conglomerates like deBeers, or run housing programs, etc.

All municipalities hire a CAO who does the day to day operations an manages staff and makes the business decisions. Allowing any yahoo who wins an election for two years to lead land claim negotiations in the most stupid thing I have read here so far. No wonder things are so f’ed up!
Hire a CA with an MBA for 100grand, pay the chief 10 grand , 6 concillors 6 grand and let the manager manage the reserve

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 12:27 am

Yes, let’s hand over the entire process to ‘educated non-natives’. That’s worked wonders for us so far.

Slydermv · December 10, 2011 at 2:57 am

Since it’s 3 am and I just saw this after finishing my last post, what the hell. Ernest isn’t wrong (although he could have stated it alot better). Running a community takes a certain level of expertise. A lot of money could be saved by having a chief and council do the lobbying and politicing and giving overall direction, but having someone with the proper background running the day to day things and implementing councils decisions. Whether that person is white, red, black, yellow or green doesn’t change that fact. It not about race. It’s about properly managing a community.

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 8:59 am

It is also very much about understanding the issues. As has been amply shown lately, not many Canadians do understand those issues yet.

Ernest · December 10, 2011 at 12:42 am

Let’s stick to educated nan natives- well if you want to be racist in your hiring, why not let natives do everything, like be the doctor, dentist, nurse, teacher,engineer. heck, why should natives need anyone’s help. Lots of deer, blueberries and wildrice.

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 9:13 am

You are quick to jump to accusations of racism. Please do that somewhere else. We’ve managed to keep this discussion from falling off the tracks into foolishness so far and you actually have to actively participate in that process as well.

bono · December 10, 2011 at 12:59 am

Edit: a bunch of fallacious arguments not worth responding to.

morehistory · December 10, 2011 at 11:58 am

bono says: rent the land from who? Natives don’t believe in land ownership, remember.

Ah, but the various Europeans who came over and helped to form Canada _did_ understand that. And the Settlers got the First Nations to sign these pieces of paper, where they promised to give up “rights” to the land.

bono says: Besides, land is only worth something when it is developed. I don’t think a few totem poles, and pictographs count as devlopement.

What an enlightened view of the world, I have to say.
It’s pretty amazing when you consider that for generations upon generations the First Nations flourished without any concept of “owning” the land or modern development. They also had no European economic system with things such as money. But they did have a respect for nature, and lived an economically sustainable lifestyle. On the other hand, the “post-totem pole” land development lifestyle is not so much so.

bono says: Natives never put the minerals in the ground, trees on the land or water in the lake.

True, but neither did the Federal or Provincial Governments. If your sentiment is true, De Beers and lots of Oil Sands companies are owed boatloads by various governments.

bono says: Hitler liked the idea […]

And, so we see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin's_law held true.

bono says: I was born here which according to UN conventions makes me a native of this land too!

I think there is a distinction between being a natural born citizen and being an indigenous person.

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 12:03 pm

Wow. I must have missed this fellow’s supremely ignorant series of claims. Can’t say I’m sorry.

JG · December 10, 2011 at 1:14 pm

Trying to understand what was so offensive about bonos post that it warranted editing?

I would imagine we could all agree that the idea that all nonnatives are “renting” the entire continent from the the native is an offensive concept.

Edit: stop putting ridiculous words in people’s mouths.

Budnick · December 10, 2011 at 10:31 am

Thank you for a well written and researched article.

Tom · December 10, 2011 at 10:35 am

Thank you or enlightening us sheeple on the real numbers.Government spin people are a disgusting bunch.
Tom

K. Harker · December 10, 2011 at 10:37 am

Thank you for laying it out so clearly. I hope this helps decrease the ignorant and racist ranting around this issue.

Jennifer · December 10, 2011 at 11:09 am

Thank you for posting this.

For some odd reason I keep going to the comment section of the Attawapiskat articles as well and end up feeling so frustrated by the end.I have tried posting rebuttles, but nothing works. Every time I look back, I hope that the mentality will have shifted even slightly, but nothing changes. If you look at comment sections for other articles (for example climate change), you see the same ignorance, it’s not just for Aboriginal issues. What I’m trying to say is that these news article comments are not the majority of people. These are people who feel that they have something to prove, but don’t have the facts to back their argument up and a comment forum is a sneaky way to add BS to a news story.

It’s not worth our time.

I do have one question for you though. How do you feel about volunteering opportunities on reserve? I have seen first hand how bad the conditions are at some of the more remote reserves and can’t understand why there aren’t any volunteer opportunities for Canadians. You can find loads of opportunities to volunteer in African countries, but there’s next to nothing for non-Aboriginal people to volunteer on reserve. I think it would be really important, not only to help the conditions, where possible, but to increase the sense of awareness to the issues.

Any thoughts?

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 12:06 pm

I would have the same concerns as I do about well-meaning volunteers going to Africa, to be honest.

Jennifer · December 10, 2011 at 12:38 pm

I think that volunteering is important. It may not fix a crisis, but it at least opens people’s eyes up to the issues. I know that you have seen the comments and know that the public perception of Aboriginal people living on reserve is extremely skewed. I just think that if more people actually made it up to reserve, some people make actually be able to help, others not so much, but at least the majority would leave with a better understanding and appreciation.

Jon · December 10, 2011 at 9:30 pm

Volunteers with certain critical skills might be helpful, but it should be considered that in an area experiencing a housing crisis and with exorbitant food costs, every additional person staying there will need housing, food, etc.

There used to be a practice called ‘twinning cities’ where a large community in a prosperous region would officially create links with another that might not be as well off. Since most reserves seem to have small populations, maybe larger towns could twin with reserves, allowing even a fraction of the town’s population to take interest in what was going on there?

Or perhaps reserves that doing better could be assisted in sending people to consult/help within the more hard-hit ones. Of course they aren’t interchangeable — language, culture differences, etc — but they might do more good than suits from Ottawa with briefcases.

morehistory · December 10, 2011 at 1:35 pm

Jennifer says: For some odd reason I keep going to the comment section of the Attawapiskat articles as well and end up feeling so frustrated by the end. […] you see the same ignorance.

I share your experience. The thing that encourage me, just a little, is that there is a core group that brings the same thing up, again and again, on many different threads. They lack logic and make their arguments based on hate, and it oozes out over time.

Jennifer says: It’s not worth our time.

Priorities are difficult to choose, to be sure. However, it was in my reading of these hateful comments that I came upon âpihtawikosisân’s wonderful piece here, with things that biased/uniformed rants lacked — facts, references, and the ability to admit mistakes and misconceptions.

While I’ll agree it’s not worth the time to argue with the core group, I would say that occasional comments and replies, well informed and with facts and sources, will be an information source for those with an open mind. You can lead those people to the “water”, and then it is up to them to drink it.

I’m not sure how many came here through links from comments, but I was one, and as I’ve said before, it made me take the first step in an educational journey.

I thank âpihtawikosisân, and those that spread her message to me. I have tried to spread that message further still. So, I thank your for the time you have spent, it was worth it for me.

Ernest · December 10, 2011 at 11:22 am

Village activist Greg Shisheesh has been lobbying for a revised IBA for several years. He has collected more than 600 signatures asking De Beers to reopen its agreement with Attawapiskat. His petition has not been answered. “It’s not that we don’t want De Beers on our land,” he said. “We just want to make sure they’re doing their part.” After a pause, he added: “It breaks down at our level. … We don’t understand who we’re dealing with – we’re dealing with a giant that’s dealt with aboriginal people all over the world. And our staff is not educated, so we’re not able to catch up.”

Mr. Shisheesh, however, acknowledged there have been governance issues in Attawapiskat. And he welcomes the fact that Ottawa recently sent in a third-party manager to oversee the community’s operations – a deeply divisive move that has angered many.

“There’s no doubt we’re in a mess financially,” he said. “We lack training and we lack education. But regardless, we need help cleaning up the financial situation.”

From Saturdays globe and mail.
Read the whole article.
Seems those not in power welcome third party management.

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 11:58 am

*rolls eyes*

I certainly haven’t heard anyone saying, “no one is going to look at our books!” or “no one should look at their books” and frankly I’m tired of the characterisation to the contrary.

The issue as phrased by myself, by Chief Spence, and by so many others…is the manifestly inappropriate manner in which a third party manager was sent in before any actual concrete crisis intervention from the federal government, in addition to the hypocrisy of pointing fingers at the band while steadfastly refusing to acknowledge the Auditor General’s audit.

ALL communities, native and non-native alike could use more transparency. That is not what this is about.

Moira Dunphy · December 10, 2011 at 11:57 am

Why is everyone upset about money spent on a rink? Do you know the history of where that money came from? What commitment they were fulfilling? What decisions the community made to address a problem with youth, substance abuse, boredom, depression? Do you know what the co-management from the Ministry had to say about this? Do you honestly think a community dealing with overcrowded housing and homelessness got distracted by a shiny new zamboni? I look at all of this- all, every little piece posted here about the history, challenges and problems connected to finances and First Nations’ relationship with the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs- and I can tell that it is extremely complex. While it has been interesting learning tidbits from people who dive into details- as this original post was all about!- I would like to think about things that we NON-Attawapiskatians can do. Fundraising, get OUR communities interested in fundraising, connecting with that or other First Nations communities, how to educate our children so the next generation does not grow up as ignorant as I have been, how to push our government for change in how they relate to First Nations, how to let them know that Canadians are not willing to accept the status quo.

Moira Dunphy · December 10, 2011 at 12:21 pm

Apihtawikosisan, I shudder to think what people would think of me if they studied my financial decisions over the last couple of years! 🙂 Folks, they don’t need advice or judgement from us about who to hire or how to use Excel. They already have Aboriginal Affairs doing that. When Haiti had a devastating earthquake, the PM’s first words were not about concern about where previous aid money had gone. He spoke about Canada’s grief, concern, and immediate assistance. I cannot believe how Harper’s attempt to shift focus on blaming the victim has worked on so many levels. I bet even he is surprised how successful it has been.

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 12:30 pm

It really is baffling.

âpihtawikosisân · December 10, 2011 at 12:32 pm

December 10th- I just wanted to let people know I am taking a break from responding to comments while I work on other projects (including paying more attention to my family).

Jennifer · December 10, 2011 at 5:34 pm

Have a great holiday! Thanks again, for posting this.

TanyaL · December 10, 2011 at 11:39 pm

And your friends. 😉

p.s I think it’s funny when people refer to you as “Khodi Dill”. LOL.

Tzo · December 10, 2011 at 5:19 pm

A few things: (followed by a huge list of complaints)

Edit: Utterly tired of people ignoring the context in which this post was originally made (that context btw being a contextless $90 million figure) and then lecturing me on what I supposedly have to explain, failure to do which supposedly leads to everything I’ve written being invalid.

I am not here to digest everything for you. Do the work yourself.

Lee Wainwright · December 10, 2011 at 7:00 pm

I was discussing how the conditions in Attawapiskat have deteriorated to the point where it is now at a crisis level. Discussions were with a First Nations lady living in the Timmins area. Unfortuneately, she just felt I didn’t understand but never made an effort to help out. She did suggest that the people that live in Attawapiskat and were voicing their concern over how the Band’s money was being handled were just “attention seekers” and “s… disturbers” and that they never took the time to look at the Band’s financial statements. I took the opportunity to have a very quick look at the financial statements as posted on the Band’s website and I was surprised at the numbers I found there, especially after reading and hearing how much money would be required to begin to correct the situation.

I’m not an accountant but if I am interpreting this correctly, at the end of fiscal year March 31, 2011, Attawapiskat First Nation had a total surplus of $60.6 million of which, $58 million was carried over from the previous year. Of this surplus, $2.2 million was allocated to housing, $1 million for infrastructure. $7.1 surplus in Education but a $5 million deficit in Governance.

Not being an accountant nor someone who is knowledgeable of the accounting restrictions placed on Band’s either by the councils or the different levels of government, the numbers make me wonder why Attawapiskat is in this distressful situation. Is it not possible to reallocate some of the surplus funds from other line items to the housing item and at least makes funds available to begin to rectify the housing shortage?

Troy · December 11, 2011 at 12:06 am

“Is it not possible to reallocate some of the surplus funds from other line items to the housing item and at least makes funds available to begin to rectify the housing shortage?”

This was already answered in the blog post. Money cannot be freely spent by any First Nations band without federal government approval. Attawapiskat is already in co-management by INAC (and has been for years, now), so monies aren’t free to be directed without approval.
Also, there are probably mitigating circumstances as to why the money was spent as it was. If you want to know, don’t be asking people who aren’t part of the band how the money was spent.

morehistory · December 11, 2011 at 10:27 am

Lee Wainwright says: Not being an accountant nor someone who is knowledgeable of the accounting restrictions placed on Band […] Is it not possible to reallocate some of the (surplus) funds […] (somewhere else, like housing)?

I’m not an accountant, and I’m not an authority on how the band has to allocate money, or what the rules are.
But, respectfully, what you are suggesting is robbing Peter to pay Paul, and if the band does do that, something else might or will suffer. It’s possible that the “surplus” accumulated is for supplying the new school they are slated to get, or repairs in the future to the hospital. (I’m just speculating here).

I think it’s easy for us to be “armchair critics” of what is going on, and say they should spend on this or on that. I think it’s even easy for Government pencil pushers in Ottawa to look at forms that are missing a dotted “i” here, or who are looking at some spreadsheet to hit “reject”. Much harder to tackle is the problem of where to spend. Does Shannen get a school, does Lily get a house for her family or do we fund so Chelsea’s mom doesn’t have to fly out to regional hospital to get her monthly treatments?

While there are lots of calls for “where are my tax dollars going”, there’s a profound silence around the question of “are we investing enough” — and I think both questions need to be answered.

Slydermv · December 11, 2011 at 11:12 am

I overviewed this on my post above. the $60M dollar surplus includes tangable capital assets (i.e. the deprecated values of roads, house, public buildings, etc.) It’s not cash flow. In terms of cash flow, the band is running in a deficit largely due to about 7$ dollars owed to the band in accounts payable. This isn’t government funding to the band, but most likely money the bad has to collect from it’s residents or local businesses (assumption here). The money isn’t there. Could it be? Possiblely, with some better financial managment on the bands part, and move effective control/regulations/whatever from the federal government side. While additional money may be part of the solution, according to the AG report linked in the comments, a further part of the solution is having qualified personel running the towns finances (I’m not saying government personel, but the elected leadship now isn’t doing a good job according to reports from their independant auditor.

Also, as to the voulenteer part, I’m a firm believer of give a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach a man to fish….. helpful in a crisis, but not a long term solution.

Cynthia Preston · December 11, 2011 at 2:18 pm

From what I have seen, the community needs mold abatement teams, sewer, and fresh water, plumbers, perhaps a small wind generator or two for electricity, electricians, building construction personal, insulation, and a several project managers to divide up the work, working with community elders to organise the community members themselves to work with those plumbers builders mold abatement teams. A west coast community worked with a mold abatement team and were inspired to go ahead and meet provincialor federal requirements to become trained and licenced in mold abatement.
Twinned communities take equipment they would have sold off, personnel from their various depts, fire fighting, planning, accounting, taxation etc with them and work with the twinned communities to exchange techniques and skills to the mutual benefit of both communities.
One of the reasons education is so important for out land communities w;hose links to the more populous communities to the south, is the fact most in the south can’t take the isolation of the north, but once you begin to train the population in northern communities, they become more efficeintly self-sufficeint,

The flaw which reveals itself as a Canadian systemic problem is the almost non existant apprenticeship policy for trades across this country in every community, 50 to 60% of tradesmen in this country are between 45 and 65 and a good proportion of those are first generation Canadians. Just as retooling our ease of access to accomodate our handicapped citizens benefited young moms, and senior citizens equally. So too, I believe, “retooling” our native communities northern, isolated or not will benefit ALL Canadian communities north south east west.
So as any professional aid worker knows when they go into a crisis zone they must take their own food, shelter, health care, tools and supplies to do the job of providing and working together with those in crisis help rebuild, safe, warm, secure, shelter; safe water and food supplies (in this case what are the local ‘supplies’ for food-living off the land -who are the local experts who can be sent out while voluteers look after the shelter and water, waste management etc.
Australia runs a first class distance learning radio school and I have always wondered why Canada has never adopted this program to educate our northern and isolated communites across the country. Teachers could be located in a more major centre in the northern parts of each province so access to first nations translators could be hired and the benefit would not just be the education of our northern children but their parents and grand parents too, Now that satellite internet is available the system could be even more effiecient. and be more cost effecient to those communities who already pay higher prices for southern foods, fuel, etc..
The federal government should pull their fingers out of their butts they say they want to provide for all Canadians but leave native communites in the dark ages because of ‘cost of services’ to remote communities. They spend more time paying attention to the whiners complainers and misers who only approve of programs which benefit there own communites. thinking only of their own political life span based on the opinions of loud mouth nasty ;minded twits instead of doing what is right because it is right because in the long run kindness and generosity pays for itself.in good will, creativity,in jobs, arts, lower healthcare costs and lower addictive behaviours.

Jamie Reid · December 11, 2011 at 11:51 am

Thank you so much for this. I’m sure there are many honest people working in the public service and the public at large who might be educated about the true situation by reading your clear and thorough article. However, I do not believe that Harper and his cabinet are acting solely out of ignorance and lack of knowledge of these facts. The events of the past few weeks in parliament indeed clearly indicate a vast ignorance in Harper and his cabinet, but also a refusal to investigate the actual facts. Instead of launching a genuine investigation, Harper has deliberately made the imposition of a third party administrator a punitive exercise, blaming the band and making them pay for the structural deficiencies of the funding system, thereby shifting the blame from the government to the band. And not just the Attawapiskat band, but all of the many bands suffering similar emergencies. The actual deeds of Harper and his cabinet seem to me to reveal their severe bad faith in dealing with this matter, plus the fact that they are directly and deliberately providing misinformation to the Canadian public….in other words, lying to us, without conscience or concern for the consequences.

Your patience and apparent lack of rancour seem amazing to me, because I have been raging here for days, trying to piece together some version of what looks like the truth from the events represented on the mainstream media.

I believe that the ongoing patient and unrelenting efforts of the First Nations people to recover and defend their natural rights are an essential component of the struggle to achieve full democracy in Canada. Until the rights of the First Nations people are achieved and fully recognized, the democracy in Canada will remain a sham and a delusion. Again, many thanks for your efforts.

bono · December 11, 2011 at 12:05 pm

Edit: guess I should be more careful which posts I approve. I’m not giving you a platform from which to spread hateful stereotypes.

Nikpayuk · December 11, 2011 at 12:09 pm

Here is a link to an article about the Housing Crisis written by a non-Canadian media source:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/dec/11/canada-third-world-first-nation-attawapiskat?fb=native&CMP=FBCNETTXT9037

Moira Dunphy · December 11, 2011 at 2:07 pm

@slydermv: you do understand that the MINISTRY has been co-managing the band for TWELVE years? That they submit SIXTY-FIVE reports a year? Plus audited financial statements? My understanding is they have to go through lots more paperwork to request to spend money. I also believe that they PAY for the Ministry’s co-management time. In twelve years, I would expect that ministry to not only intimately know the finances of the band, but I would have expected them to help move them towards sound financial practices. And please note, this is not about Harper, because he wasn’t PM for the last twelve years. Harper’s RESPONSE is about Harper, but a systemic problem is about any given government having the resolve or being pushed by the citizens to face it and fix it. I say it’s time to push, and Harper happens to be in power.

Slydermv · December 11, 2011 at 3:41 pm

I absolutely understand that and have indicated in my posts that federal red tape, and current third party and co-management solutions do not seem to do the trick. However, self-sufficiency is key. There is a time when people have to stop trying to point fingers and assign blame and make things better for themselves.

It is the bands responsibility to prepare budgets, which they are not. It is the bands responsibility to keep their books, which they haven’t been. It’s the bands responsibility to account for dollars spent and received. They have not. It is all in the auditors report. Have any government solutions helped rectify this problem? No. But they are also afforded funding for educations, homes, municipal services and health care that no other people are. My home isn’t subsidised, I pay a portion of my childrens education, and I’m required to pay for water and sewer service to my home. Would I fill out more paperword to get this susidy. Absolutely.

How can any government assign funding to a community, if the community doesn’t have enough foresight to prepare a budget and outline how many dollars it needs? Regardless of the the AG reports are, with respect to estimated budgeting short falls, things need to be completed at the local level to provide appropriate funding.

I don’t mean to be curt, but I feel like I’m talking in circles a bit. Yes, government solutions have not been effective. But the band has not been either. Rather then trying to assign the blame back to the government, move forward…. get help, get the community educated to run the town or bring in the appropriate people. An earlier post is great at outlining this. Get some community members trained are carpenters. Unenployment is an issue here. I’m sure a few people could make a nice living fixing/building/renovating homes. Do you know how much money they would save just by having locals do some of this work rather then flying in contractors?

I’m surrounded by family that came to this country with nothing, wasn’t assigned any government subsidy money as native people are, if they choose to accept it, and had to work their butts off to get ahead and make a life for themselves.

I also don’t need to see capital letters all over the place. My reading comprehensions is fine, thanks.

âpihtawikosisân · December 11, 2011 at 4:22 pm

(sometimes it’s easier to capitalise than use bold or italics tags:) )

âpihtawikosisân · December 11, 2011 at 5:41 pm

December 11th, I am now closing the comments. There are over 1000 responses so far, and as I do not intend to continue responding further on this particular post, I figured it was time to shut things down:)

Rob · December 22, 2011 at 10:01 pm

Some of your points are valid but the community has nearly 60 million in the bank. They had nearly the same amount in the bank last year. Could they not have eliminated at least the worst of the crisis with some of this money? Seems to me like they’re saving for a rainy day but they’re in the middle of a deluge.

âpihtawikosisân · December 22, 2011 at 10:26 pm

What you are saying flies in the face of the fact that this community is running a deficit and has done so for the past 12 years. Seems to me, there is a misunderstanding about what assets this community actually has.

Brandi · January 26, 2012 at 11:33 am

Thank you so much for writing this! It’s easy-to-understand, informative, fact based and now I am better educated to deal with comments from people with ignorant assumptions that make negative, racist, culture bashing remarks about First Nations regarding their finances- THANK YOU.
May God continue to bless you in your writings.

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Dealing with comments about Attawapiskat

Published by âpihtawikosisân on November 30, 2011

Harper said Attawapiskat got $90 million, where did it all go!?

Okay fine, but where did it go?

But $90 million could have built the community 360 brand new houses!!

What’s the point here?

Fine, they got $5.8 million for housing, surely that is enough?

The Feds are just handing that money over and the Band does whatever it wants with it!

If INAC has to approve spending, why is Harper so confused?

The Auditor General of Canada speaks up.

Lack of clarity about service levels

Lack of a legislative base

Lack of an appropriate funding mechanism

Lack of organisations to support local service delivery

The Chief of Attawapiskat made $71,000 last year while her people live in tents!!!

The more you know…

Above all, my relations, don’t let it get you down.

A note to those taking the time to comment

âpihtawikosisân

1,044 Comments

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