Dear Editor:
A recent CBC news article illustrates some disturbing views, held by the Yorkton Saskatchewan Party politician, on First Nations people. The negative reader comments that follow the article are just as alarming.
From the reader comments made on the CBC news article, that are too negative to mention here, it becomes obvious that within the hearts and minds of Saskatchewan residents there is an apathy, an indifference towards First Nations issues. Some people may think I am making a big deal out of nothing... However someone has got to speak up about these issues and ask questions.
See the following link for the CBC news article and comments I am referring to.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/story/2011/10/21/sk-ottenbreit-first-nations-comment-1110.html
One question I have is why are the majority of people commenting on this CBC news article trying to justify or excuse the politician's negative remarks? As if it was 'okay' for these things to be said by a politician because he spoke 'the truth'. I challenge anyone who thinks these types of justifications, explanations, issues, or 'truths' that stereotype First Nations people are okay.
There are real First Nations issues that need to be identified, spoken about, and solved. These are the same issues that any other culture would have to deal with. Yorkton residents need to educate themselves on the issues surrounding First Nations people. It's good to know that there are people and organizations within our city willing to tackle these issues head on in a respectful way. Take for instance the TransACTIONS conference being held in Yorkton October 26 and 27. This conference aims to enlighten people about opportunities between municipal, political, industrial and Aboriginal communities.
My involvement with First Nations issues began in 2005. I worked as a Journalist for the Grenfell Sun Newspaper in 2005 after receiving my Journalism Diploma from SAIT in 2003. I covered many stories from the surrounding First Nations of Sakimay, Cowessess, Kahkewistahaw, and Ochapowace. After Grenfell, I moved to Yorkton and began my career at Dreambuilders Learning Centre as the Employment Program Assistant Coordinator in 2006. Here I work with a majority of First Nations youth. The First Nations traditions, spirituality, culture, issues, and people I have come to know are very near to my heart. I guess you could say I have found my niche.
In my opinion, people who have never experienced the culture, have never taken a Native Studies class, or have never done any research and reading up on the topic, are the ones who jump to conclusions and fall into speaking about the usual stereotypes of First Nations people. It bothers me the most when people, friends, or coworkers make insensitive comments towards First Nations people.
From the comments made at last weeks candidate forum, to the comments made on the CBC news article website, it is painfully clear to see that there are too many people in Saskatchewan that need to realize we are all equal.
Glorianne Kada
Yorkton, Sask.
