“Those Drunk Indians”

In the early 90s, two police officers rushed a house party in East Regina. When the officers found my partner in the basement, they shoved her into a laundry room and locked the door behind them. The female cop grabbed my partner by the collar of her shirt, pinned her against a washing machine and said, “hit me, squaw.” Another police officer stood behind them and watched as my partner, scared for her life, refused to hit the cop.
My partner started screaming for her sister, who was also at the party, but the officer told her to “shut the fuck up.” My partner heard three knocks on the door and then her sister’s voice calling her name, which forced the officers to open the door and let my partner go. Her sister grabbed her by the arm, and they ran out of the house.
My partner is an auditor. She has worked for the provincial government for more than 10 years and has audited provincial construction projects, records management, and employee expenses. She has a degree in business administration, drives a BMW, which she bought with the money she earned as a senior auditor, and, over the course of her career, has paid more than $100,000 in taxes. Last year alone, she paid approximately $30,000 in provincial and federal taxes.
Yet on the day that two police officers decided to stereotype her, my partner was viewed as nothing but a “squaw” – and with that came assumptions: lazy, on welfare, a drunk. That was 20 years ago, but not much has changed.
This week, in the news, a judge released video footage of a Regina police officer kicking a homeless First Nations man. “But it’s not a race thing,” people say on social media. Meanwhile, a hate-filled Facebook page titled “Aboriginals Need to Get a Job and Stop Using Our Tax Dollars” appears in my newsfeed.
My partner is from Ocean Man First Nation. She has dark skin, brown eyes, and her grandmother’s distinct Nakota nose. I am a settler, a mix of Irish, German, and French with blue eyes and pale skin. In 1982, my grandfather died in his sleep from alcohol poisoning. No one deduced from his numerous bouts of binge drinking, or his alcohol addiction, that all white people are drunks, but I have heard, in casual conversation, of “those drunk Indians.” Stereotypes like this prevent people from seeing my partner as human. “I am seen as an Indian first,” she says. “Then a woman. After that, it doesn’t matter that I’m gay or an auditor or someone’s aunt. I’m already less than.”
I don’t have to worry about the same things my partner does. Last year, we traveled to Eastend, Saskatchewan together. One morning, we decided to drive to Cypress Hills, the land that once belonged to my partner’s ancestors, the land on which some of the Nakota people were massacred, including my partner’s grandmother’s close relatives. On that morning, my partner was worried about our car running out of gas, even though the tank was nearly full. “I don’t want to get stuck on the side of the road,” she said. “I’m the only Indian I’ve seen in three days.” I joked that we could fall back on my white privilege. We laughed, but it was more true than funny. The thought of getting stranded in rural Saskatchewan hadn’t crossed my mind, and if we were to get stuck, I could depend on the kindness of a stranger or a police officer. My partner couldn’t.
Two weeks ago, a white man was found not guilty by a male-dominated, near-all-white jury for the murder of a Cree mother of three, who bled to death in an Edmonton hotel room from an 11-centimetre wound in her vagina. During the murder trial for Cindy Gladue, live images of pathologists showing the wound inside her vagina were displayed on a screen before the jury. The accused admitted to hurting Gladue, who was a sex worker, and claimed that her death was a result of consensual rough sex, despite the fact she could not have given consent due to her blood alcohol level, which was four times the legal limit.
Since my partner read these details, I have been kissing away tears from her face. Is her life worth so little that if she were murdered there would be no justice? Would her body parts be disassembled and live streamed in a court of law?
“I am worth less than an animal,” she concludes. I tell her “that’s not true,” but we both know that even an animal would not be treated so crudely by the justice system.
On March 18, the same day that Gladue’s accused was found not guilty, an abandoned cat, whose legs were tied with electrical tape, was rescued in Regina. The cat has since lovingly been nicknamed Bruce Almighty and his story has reached beyond national borders. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $22,000 for this cat. The media continue to publish updates on his recovery.
Meanwhile, the man who was kicked by a police officer has been called a “degenerate” on social media. Where is the empathy that Bruce Almighty got? While Bruce, the cat, is seen as innocent, Indigenous peoples are seen as having brought this violence and hatred upon themselves.
A man who admitted to inflicting a fatal wound to a human is free. But then again, Cindy Gladue was not considered a human. She was viewed as a First Nations woman – an identity that has been negatively constructed by colonial discourse, according to Indigenous scholar Kim Anderson. She writes:
“The dirty, easy squaw was invented long before poverty, abuse, and oppression beset our peoples. She was invented and then reinforced because she proved useful to the colonizer. The ‘uncivilized’ squaw justified taking over Indian land. She eased the conscience of those who wished to sexually abuse without consequence. She was handy to greedy consumers. Dirty and lazy, she excused those who removed her children and paved the way for assimilation into mainstream culture.”
This racist construction of First Nations female identity continues to justify violence toward Indigenous women and a lack of accountability. If 1,200 white women were missing and murdered, would the government still say an inquiry is not needed?
Today is my partner’s birthday. Fifty-some years ago, her grandmother cleaned farmhouses in rural Saskatchewan in exchange for a safe place to stay with her daughter. She was hiding from government officials, who were taking Indigenous women’s children and putting them in residential schools. Had the government found my partner’s grandmother, my partner might not be here. So, today I celebrate her. She is gentle, compassionate, and kind, and I want the world to be as gentle, compassionate, and kind in return to her.
On Thursday, April 2 there will be rallies outside courthouses across Canada to protest the verdict in the Cindy Gladue case. Search Facebook for the time and location of the protest in your city. The rally in Regina will be at the courthouse at 2425 Victoria Ave at noon.
158 Comments
Is there going to be people outside for the court house over here in fort Mac also?????? Or will I be the only one standing there tomorrow ????
From Ronette in Fort McMurray on Apr 1st, 2015 at 2:42pm
Absolutely well written, thank you for sharing this story.
I will be posting this to my facebook wall
From Marie Willie in Alert Bay on Apr 1st, 2015 at 2:58pm
Dear Evie:
Thank you for this heart-wrenching, but necessary article.
The outrageous treatment of Aboriginal Peoples is something that I learnt shortly after moving to Winnipeg from France. I love Canada, but every time I think of its history or hear stories like yours, my heart hurts. There are still so many Canadians who have no clue what’s going on or choose to bury their heads in the sand!
From Cendrine Marrouat in Canada on Apr 1st, 2015 at 3:04pm
Yes, racism towards aboriginal people is alive and well across Canada. It diesn’t matter if it’s in the workplace, universities, emergency rooms, restaurants, courthouses, shopping malls, elementary and high schools, hockey arenas, cities, towns, native reservatiions, convenient stores, liquor stores, grocery stores, gas staions, airports, greyhound bus stations, rehabilitation centres, detox places, thrift stores, homeless shelters, Everywhere!!
From jean corrigan in Fort mcmurray, alberta on Apr 1st, 2015 at 3:33pm
Powerful article, but the emphasis on their partner being a successful, gentle, kind editor and taxpayer unsettles me. I understand the point they are trying to make but at the same time I don’t think it is necessary or relevant. What if she was an alcoholic, drug user and or sex worker? I wonder if there is a way to better talk about colonial racial profiling and police violence without reproducing ideas of (for lack of better words) “deserving” and “undeserving” women?
From Maria Wallstam in Vancouver on Apr 1st, 2015 at 4:34pm
That website made me cry. I have been feeling sad all day with the feelings of having no worth in this world. Exactly how your partner feels. I work off reserve pay rent and taxes as well… Tks for your story… I don’t feel so alone
From Mrs. R in Manitoba on Apr 1st, 2015 at 4:50pm
I know how well your partner feels . I once worked on my First Nation and was driving to work on day on a rural road , it was a pretty rainy slick day and I had slid into the ditch and could not get out so I decided to walk and I must of walked about 10 km before someone stopped. I went to four farm houses no one answered there doors kept walking four cars all driven by white people all drove by me. I was muddy and cold wearing a dress and pumps , dressed for work. They all looked at me strangely like I felt like why won’t anyone stop. Why won’t anyone open there doors, I was so hurt, I know now it was because I was native and I was only looking for help. This happened a few years ago and it still brings tears to my eyes cause of the way I felt. It was a fellow native who stopped and turned around to were they were headed and drive me all the way home. Thanks for reading this.
From Holly Desnomie in Fort Qu'appelle on Apr 1st, 2015 at 5:06pm
Yes, all too familiar stories, I’m actually writing a book on native women and their delimmas.
From Donna Gladu in Lac la biche, ab on Apr 1st, 2015 at 5:14pm
And all over the internet, there are attention-craving losers who think it’s hi-larious to recycle these stereotypes while barfing out past-their-shelf-life racist memes in an effort to be as ignorant and offensive as possible. Ooze away.
From Sol in Canada on Apr 1st, 2015 at 5:19pm
Well written, yes we are human and thank you for highlighting her qualities, I see your effort to humanize FN people. There needs to be more of this kind of support if there is going to be a change. Silence is deafening and speaks volumes. Thank you for not remaining silent.
From Mo in Opaskwayak on Apr 1st, 2015 at 5:22pm
Very well written for a very important cause. I am from Crete, now living in Colorado. I have been researching the social fabric of America, thus discovering more and more racism toward the original inhabitants of this land, the Native North Americans, who ought to be treated with more respect and gratitude for having sharing their lands with us, euro descendant immigrants. It is alarming what’s going on on Turtle Island, very inhumane. I hope Karma works her magic on those racists. By the way, it is necessary to mention the partner as a successful well educated person, to show it is indeed a race issue, rather than a alcoholic or poverty issue. United Nations needs to help Canada rid the race issue, as well as the rest of the world, otherwise it’s not United. #unity
From Ylla Elasy in Denver, Colorado on Apr 1st, 2015 at 5:57pm
Some of our white hearts break too. I can’t tell you the sadness I feel knowing this story like countless others is true. Ignorance has many children and grandchildren.
From leona in moose jaw on Apr 1st, 2015 at 6:15pm
Thank you so much for the read. As an Aboriginal woman from Haida Gwaii it means so much to have somebody acknowledge our reality.
From Shelly Samuels in Prince Rupert, BC on Apr 1st, 2015 at 6:34pm
Sadly it is necessary to mention her qualifications….. Why? Because if you are First Nations in this country regardless of what you do, how good an education you possess, you are always judged by the lowest common denominator. Wherever you go in the larger society you’re always judged.
From Annette Cyr in Broadview, Sk on Apr 1st, 2015 at 6:36pm
I can only say how sorry I am for what your partner has to live with. I know it’s not my fault per say but I feel compelled to say I am sorry. The treatment of Aboriginal women in this country is disgusting and MUST stop. WE as Canadians need to speak out and let our government, judges and people in authority know that we will not stand for it anymore. Enough is Enough it’s time for ALL CANADIANS to stand up for the rights of Aboriginal women and protect them from the evils that await them. I will wish I could attend tomorrow but unfortunately I have to work. But I have signed the petition that is circulating regarding Cindy may she rest in peace. I stand with the Aboriginal people of Canada!
From Darlene MacLean in Vancouver BC on Apr 1st, 2015 at 6:37pm
I have read this and feel very sad. I am siksika nation woman and my partner is a white woman. I am sure my partner too feels the same way you do about all the injustices towards native women like myself. I applaud you for your concern and it’s people like you that voice your concerns that allow others to see the truth.
God Bless you
Respectfully yours,
Alison
From Alison in Calgary, AB on Apr 1st, 2015 at 6:53pm
I just read your article, very powerful. I am a Cree woman from Saskatchewan and I have two young adult daughters, after the racist facebook page and what is happening to our First Nation women my daughter told me she hated being a First Nations woman. It broke my heart hearing this because no one should be ashamed of being who they are, who God made them to be. There are just so much misunderstandings and hatred for my people.
From Barb in Calgary Alberta on Apr 1st, 2015 at 7:03pm
i was very sad to read this .I grew up in Eastend, SK. It is nothing like Regina ,SK. The people there are not overly friendly but they are not the type of people who are violent. There might be one cop within 50 miles. I would not be a bit scared if I broke down on the road any where near that very rural area . I am white and from what I heard about Regina SK is that it’s a rough city and as my father once said if any Native Canadian ever killed a cop in that city the cop probably deserved it. I do really like the picture in this article I loved growing up near the Cypress Hills.
From Dawn M Webb in Lawton,OK on Apr 1st, 2015 at 7:16pm
I seen this article shared on facebook by pam palmater. how can she even begin to have the audacity to even say anything ? she is always posting one thing or another about respect to heritage or peoples or womens rights or elders. this even though her own SISTER AND ELDEST member of her OWN family is in a battle to gain her status and get her native rights and card and none of her sisters or brothers are lifting a finger to help her. she is 75 years old and the only one who doesn’t have her rights and here is pam palmater proudly posting stuff and being a lawyer doing nothing to help her own elder sister. leaving her in the cold to fend for herself. if this is what we call repsect for our elders…. I am truly saddened.
From charles in new brunswick on Apr 1st, 2015 at 7:45pm
It is time for the government to be held accountable for all the wrongs they have done and are still doing to the native women and people. The time for change is now, we all got to unite and stick up for one another, many voices together will make a difference.
From Annette gladu in Fort mcmurray, ab on Apr 1st, 2015 at 7:59pm
Great article. Compelling and true. Be proud of who you are.
From Travis in calgary on Apr 1st, 2015 at 8:02pm
Very well stated.. Very powerful…
From Tanya in St. Paul on Apr 1st, 2015 at 8:11pm
The crimes against aboriginal women are so prevalent. I am astonished at how many women are missing. WE are failing as a people when we fail to protect our women, All women. We are not a secondary gender and our skin color will not keep us separate forever. We as women will come together. My heart goes out to the family of Cindy Gladue.
From Damara in saskatchewan on Apr 1st, 2015 at 8:23pm
Reading this makes me sad. I was under the impression that as human beings we had evolved, I guess not. Well written, very thought provoking, we can see how much you care for your partner. This article brings forth so many emotions in me that I can’t put them to words. It’s sad that in Canada (and in other places around the world) this belief system is still an undercover/unacknowledged priority.
From Carrie in saskatoon on Apr 1st, 2015 at 9:02pm
This is probably THE best essay on ethnic relations in Canada I have ever read.
Beautifully written. Striking. And sad.
Why do we as a society stand for this?
From Lee in Saskatoon on Apr 1st, 2015 at 9:17pm
i wish there was more non native ppl like you…
Thanks for sharing your caring story… Chi mii’gwetch ki ti niin…
From Gail in Kenora on Apr 1st, 2015 at 9:17pm
This makes me remember the Jane Elliott program I saw a few years ago on racism. It was done in Regina & Jane Elliott pulled no punches when it came to accusing white people of racism. One of the best programs I have ever seen. I think it was on “The Passionate Eye” its well worth checking Jane Elliott out she is a true campaigner to get rid of racism & has been for years.
From Doreen Hicks in Ninga, MB. on Apr 1st, 2015 at 9:47pm
Tho i do not know any of my Native American relatives ( i was raised by the African American side of my family) other than my late Great Grandmother I feel you and your pain.
From kimani smith on Apr 1st, 2015 at 10:14pm
This saddens me in the deepest way. I myself am white, with metis Decent. My children are all first nations. My husband as well. I see the disdain in people’s eyes when we go places. But it doesn’t just come from white folks. It comes from all folks. I was raised to never see colour or listen to stereotypes But to always love the person end of story. My 11 year old daughter told me she doesn’t belong. At school white kids don’t want to play with her because she is seen as a “dirty” and native kids don’t want to play with her because she’s not one of them. it kills me. It doesn’t matter what the colour of your skin is… simply who you are. I wish we would just let go of it all and live in harmony loving each other…. In a perfect world I suppose.
From jai in Brandon mb on Apr 1st, 2015 at 10:22pm
Our city, though small is greatly affected by racism. We have missing and murdered aboriginal woman who were linked to a man who has his name on a school!
Racism is alive here and it’s a sad thing to fear walking down the streets of my neighbourhood because I am brown skinned. I’ve been victimized, called names, had eggs and water thrown at me on numerous occasions. Not to mention being approached by Johns because I’m visibly aboriginal.
Being a new business owner has proven to be challenging and sometimes discouraging because some customers see my face and immediately decide to go with another company. It’s written on their faces. In this day and era you would think we’d be further along but we’re taking 5 steps back for every 2 forward!
I have a career and do well for myself in life, I too pay taxes. I’m raising my brown-skinned children to have a voice and advocate for our people but respect others views and understand the difference between ignorance and uneducated. Despite it all I keep faith in the many positive people who are open and accepting of people regardless of their race. There are still genuinely kind people in this world!
I will pray for justice, keep spreading the word and raising awareness of issues we face! Miigwetch
White Thunder Bird Woman
From Genevieve Desmoulin in Thunder Bay on Apr 1st, 2015 at 10:36pm
God bless each and everyone !
There is so much going on in this world.
From Joyce in Ontario on Apr 1st, 2015 at 10:49pm
I feel so terrible for the loss of a mom for those poor babies, and dignity for this man who was made less than a cat by reporters and society in general. I also feel terrible for all of native society, yes we are all the dirty lazy welfare Indian first alll so mean and crazy when I stand up for myself, as I have to continually all lot work. I am a professional, the times I have been bullied at work is ridiculous even right now someone stole hours of my pay through billing, and tried to justify it, was only told don’t do that again. Now is asking about my whereabouts and activities off hours if I’m working somewhere else. Crazy, i dont understand what , why or how this is ok. Or how someone is murdered and murderer walks away because we are less than. WHY WHEN WILL THIS STOP???
From dreamcatcher in Onondaga Nation on Apr 1st, 2015 at 10:50pm
As I read the story my heart cries out, my God when does this stop? 2014 and the crimes and slander against Indigenous women/people continue. When does Reconciliation begin? seen in action, not just lip service?!? When will our people be supported by Canadians by the UN??? Action + Justice = Reconciliation … Nothing less will do!!!
From Maggie in Surrey, BC on Apr 1st, 2015 at 11:14pm
I just want to send love, light, and healing to you, your partner, and all the world’s extremely beautiful indigenous peoples. This racial profiling matter needs to be addressed and to be brought to attention. This national inquiry into missing and murdered aboriginal women needs to be birthed and fought hard for. We are the change and it’s coming :)
I hope together we can just respect one another regardless of anything and one day… One day we can bring our sisters home.
From Ninique in Toronto, ON on Apr 1st, 2015 at 11:14pm
Thank you for sharing and I can certainly relate as many others can. This is a powerful and well thought article.
From Darlene Ross in Winnipeg on Apr 1st, 2015 at 11:16pm
We breathe just like you,
We hurt just like you,
We see just like you,
We feel just like you,
We listen just like you,
We human just like you,
Our blood flows just like you…
I’m a First Nations woman and we love just like you!
God bless us aboriginals across the country, Hiy Hiy!
Thank you writer for your story I cried n prayed. I don’t understand at times why any race would do horrible acts to women and they themselves come from a woman. Justice for Cindy Gladue & all other FN women. We will never give up!
From Francine in Cut Knife, SK on Apr 1st, 2015 at 11:39pm
This article is very moving, beautifully written, and all too true.
As a privledged white male myself I am all too aware of how easy many things in my life are because of my background.
I have had the displeasure of encountering this mindset of the “lazy Indians” many times over the years working in construction.
I have very close friends that are First Nations people, so it is very offensive to hear these untruths told time and time again.
It’s a very very sad situation we have here in Canada. We don’t even teach children about the real Canadian history or even touch on anything related to the First Nations culture, or our own governments attempts to wipe it out.
I wonder why people can not look at the causes of these social issues that are affecting these people. The causes are numerous, and most were caused by our ancestors. Taking away people’s identity, culture, children, leads to self medication, that causes disfucntion, broken families, and abuse.
I feel so choked up about these types of injustices.
Thank you for sharing this story, your partner matters to me, she is a shining star of hope.
Love and blessings
From Jordan wiebe in vancouver on Apr 1st, 2015 at 11:45pm
I was in fifth grade some of the kids would call me a drunken Indian I’m not native but my family is my stepfather was native I couldn’t figure out why they would call me a drunken Indian I was only 11 or 12 and I didn’t drink so why would they call me that you fuckin drunken white person lol
From marie fix in berwyn alberta on Apr 1st, 2015 at 11:46pm
I am a first Nations woman. My skin is very fair and often get mistaken as maybe Irish or French. I often have been made fun of, and the person doing it was a co worker woman, thinking that is okay!
Discrimination is out there and there is no doubt in my mind there are a lot of people who will look you in the eye and tell you they’re not racist but they are through and through. Sad we are still discriminated against and made fun of all the time.
From Doreen Plouffe in Vancouver BC on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 12:02am
This was an amazing view of the truth. I’ve seen it for myself, I was born in Regina. Only difference was that it was my uncle’s car that broke down in Punnichy, outside of our reserve, and every white person would not help but one, who had an indian partner. We need to keep sharing our stories. I wish you and your partner all the happiness and good fortune in the world!
From Heather in Edmonton on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 12:41am
All the ills of the world are also in Canada. We pretend that racism, sexism, ageism,elitism, police brutality, militarism, legalized theft, tax havens, etc. etc. is not here … in any great amount.
But fear can be dealt with through education – some schools/universities/institutions are delivering ‘reality’ & reasons – of course, ‘it takes time’.
Despair is an awful place to visit and finding a supportive, fun group or community or just a few great friends is a life-enhancing support. I think smart Supreme Court judges are saving a few of us, too.
Good luck, be strong.
From S. Lawrence in BC on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 1:26am
I like how well you wrote the article, English was one of my strongest subjects and I hope to improve it more. I also like to say thank you for sharing your story it is a strong one. I started to feel angry and sad since I read that site and what people were saying about us aboriginals, since reading this I feel empowered and a little better. I really do hope something gets resolved on the missing and murdered aboriginal woman cause I am aboriginal and it scares me to have to watch my back all the time, especially in the big cities like Saskatoon. Thank you again for sharing.
From Narissa Mooswa in North Battleford Saskatchewan on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 2:20am
It is stories like these ones that make me sad & ashamed to be white & a desendant of European settlers that might have & probably did treat the native people of Canada with cruelty. I have an 8 year old daughter that I will make sure to teach that the colour of someone’s skin should cause you to dislike or discriminate them & we are all the same when it comes down to it. We all bleed red! The only way to rid our world of racism is to teach our children that it is ugly & wrong.
From todd in Saskatoon & Regina on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 3:11am
The day I get anything but a fist fight from a native is the day this story will change my mind
From mike in whitehorse yukon on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 4:19am
Your story is the real….and unless we all stand up and say that this is unacceptable, these crimes will always go unanswered. I have read all the horrendous stories but Cindy Gladue really brought it home for me. I think because she was raped to death in this physical world and the court court her again in spirit. I’m so upset…..
From Trish in Beausoleil First Nation on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 5:18am
Evie, I thank you for your much needed words of truth. Far too many non First Nation do not see us as Humans and many times fail us. We are a strong people and we will continue to fight and strive in this world. My heart and prayers go out to ALL First Nations that continue to struggle and my prayers will be offered for those that will some day change their views of us. Happy Birthday to your wife and God Bless you both.
From Angela Desmoulin in pic River First Nation on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 5:47am
Well written article we need to spread this information and educate the ignorant.
From Patricia Squires in Northern Ontario Canada on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 6:00am
Great article! Happy birthday Evie’s partner!
From northerner in Iqaluit on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 6:30am
A beautifully written sad commentary on our humanity. God help us all, especially our first nations population. Thanks for this article, I am reminded of my undeserved white privilege.
From Gerald Vaandering in Pouch Cove, NL on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 6:39am
I am of mixed heritage. English, Irish, Scottish and Mohawk. My husband is Ojibwe. My grandchildren are Ojibwe. My skin is very light and the way I am treated to the way my family is treated breaks my heart. Skin is what we come wrapped in. Our hearts, our minds, our dreams, our blood are all the same. I worked in the courts and fought hard for just and equal process. It was and is emotionally draining and psychologically draining because it is a fight for equal justice. The Europeans created the dynamics of First Nations people by bullying, starving, assaulting and belittling our people. But, put our moccasins, our jewellery our leather goods out there and we are fashion icons. We are not seen as human, we are not seen at all. We are abused, tortured, belittled and scorned. We have survived. We will always survive. Suck it up, get over it and let us be. For it is our nation which will save this suffering planet because we know how. I will fight for those who can’t, speak for those too tired and weary and stand proud even if I stand alone.
From Charmaine Kewageshig in Orillia, Ontario on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 7:00am
Your whole articles is very well said. Most anglophones don’t even realize they carry white privilege and if asked would say “what do you mean – white privilege.” Your example of what it is, is perfect.
You have brought the pain your partner has suffered to the minds and hearts of those who take the time to read this.
Well said, well said!!!
From Lori in Regina on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 7:31am
Very well articulated! Thank you so much!
From Elsa on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 7:52am
I am “just an immigrant woman” in Canada — but because I am white and English-speaking, I encounter no prejudice. I am privileged. I grieve for and am outraged by the treatment other women suffer at the hands of the “privileged”. I try to live my life with compassion and in fairness with respect for others. I believed I was coming to a society that does the same, but I do understand that is a misconception. There is no justice in a society that rejects the humanity of other humans. The “privileged” behave like schoolyard bullies, who knock other kids down, hurt and humiliate them, and then call them weak because they have been overpowered by the cruel and unscrupulous. I am ashamed of “my kind”.
From Carol Leigh Wehking in Cambridge, Ontario on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 7:57am
I may be holding a very unpopular view, but for me, I don’t think an inquest will do much about the missing women.
I do believe that instead of hiring consultants to tell us why this is happening, we’d be better off hiring detectives to find these women, find the people that hurt them and give these poor families closure. My goodness, I cannot even imagine the pain of not knowing what happened. After I knew what happened, I might be interested in why it happened.
I’m sorry that Natives are treated so poorly and although a descendent of colonizers, my Uncle married a status indian and she lost her status when she married. Heartbreaking. My cousins are well versed in their First Nations heritage, but not recognized, She may have lost her status, but she’s been happily married since 1967, and well treated in small town Ontario. My Uncle would smack anyone who disrespected her. When I think of it, he would probably have words or a smack for anyone who disrespected any First Nations. (I used the term Indian when referring to my Aunt as that is how she referred to herself. I used First Nations to refer to my cousin, because we had largely abandoned the term Indian during my childhood). No offense was intended.
From Maureen on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 8:01am
Info on a rally the n Saskatoon? I want to attend. Warm wishes..Lois Laing
From Lois Laing in Saskatoon on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 8:22am
Lois, the Saskatoon rally is at City Hall at 5 PM today.
From Andrew Loewen on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 8:25am
As a Saskatchewan born & raised Metis woman with beautifully brown children…I thank you for sharing & speaking up. <3
From Arnolda Bowes in Saudi Arabia on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 8:31am
Thank you! …for daring to love one another and live openly against racism, sexism, hetro-sexism and hate. My partner and I are also a bi-cultural gay couple for nearly 10 years now. I have never experienced racism until I met her and now I am over protective of her.
What you shared is true and the prejudice and hatred towards First Nations women runs deep in our “Canadian” history. The Highway of Tears is testimony to the hatred as well.
I applaud you both for your courage to love one another despite the real threats and fears that rear their heads everyday out there.
United in Love and Strength
Jo
From Jo in Terrace on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 8:33am
I cried as I read this story. I am white but my boyfriend, in his mid 50’s is First Nation. When he was starting high school, he had to move from Graham to Thunder Bay, rent an apt and work part time everyday after school to pay his rent and living costs. He walked 5 miles each way to get to this part time job as well as on Sat. He was never given money by the government. He incorporated his own contracting company at the age of 20 and paid cash for most of his trucks when he bought them. He worked very long days to keep his business going and his workers employed. 20 years later, when the forestry business was going bad, he sold all his equipment, did not owe a penny to anyone and immed. obtained full time employment as a Supevisor for a logging company for the next 9 years. Rarely having a day off, he switched to mining and learnt that profession from scratch. He continues to work full time. I have never been treated with more respect, kindness and consideration than I am by him. He is a well respected man and loved my many, esp. me!
From Bev Connell in Thunder Bay,On on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:03am
We are not all drunken Indians. We ARE 1st NATIONS , Aboriginal but not Indians. Indians come from India. There are a lot of First Nations ppl that work for a living. Where I love 99% of the population working 1% on welfare. So people need to stop being so racist towards my people. We need to take a stand and show how strong we really are.
From Colleen in Klemtu B.C on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:05am
I have seen a lot of crap from Aboriginals growing up from a bumper sticker on a brand new truck that said “Keep Working White Man” to native kids being paid to come to our school and slowly dropping out because it wasn’t enough money. I do have a good native friend, and he is disgusted by the way the Indian bands are running things. So I both agree and disagree with this article as the profiling should stop but at the same time a little push to better themselves as a race is needed.
From Ano Omus in SK on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:09am
<3 My heart heard your heart. Happy Birthday to your beautiful wife.
From Marika in Victoria on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:10am
This brought me to tears. The way Canada dismisses its first nation people is a crime.
From April Sirois in Calgary on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:38am
Indigenous warrior woman entrepreneur at your service
From carla tilden. in kamloops on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:42am
I was born in southern Saskatchewan and I can say I never saw an Indian until I went to University in Regina. Since then I have lived in many communities with an Indian Population and some are great and some not so good. I have many friends with Indian heritage and have never seen ever the racism described in this article.
Perhaps this stuff happens but I dont believe it has anything to do with the fact people are of a different race. If you demand respect, you get it! No matter who you are, if you put yourself in situations that are harmful you get hurt most of the time. You can not blame others for your lot in life. You make choices; the easy road or the more difficult. Depends what you want out of life and you in the 21st century can not lean on stuff that happened 3 generations before for your lot in life now.
From Opal hendrickson on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:49am
About 8 years ago, a few friends, my sister and myself hit the ditch in mid-winter out by Big River. It was 4 Am-ish as we had just left a round dance. We were in a rural area. We were lucky that night. Two old Aboriginal men stopped and volunteered to drive us to the closest farm for help. The first farm owner was an old white man willing to help until he got to his tractor in his barn, it had a flat. Off we went to the next two farms…. Both said no to out request for help. The last farm house we went to seemed pointless but surprisingly a young white man immediately jumped into his 4×4, followed us to the ditch and pulled us out within minutes. Generations of people before me have been taught racism but it is thinning out. In due time all these old racists will cease to exist. Times change and so do ideologies.
From Sheena in Regina on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:49am
Well this story is all too familiar in the news around here. One day I hope to wake up and hear it was all just a bad dream, and we can start to treat everyone with equal respect they all deserve. That said the only way that will happen is with forgiveness, cause when people are forced to pay for something they didn’t do, that is where the resentment begins. Cause like it or not we are all in this together. Equal
From Dennis in Regina on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:59am
This is a beautiful story and a very realistic view from the non-colonial perspective. If you believe there to be something wrong with any of these depictions, there is something wrong with your worldview. Educate yourself. Stop feeding into the colonial bullshit that remains to be Canada. It is now 2015, we as a nation need to start seeing passed colour as a form of “deserving” and “undeserving” (aka Priveledge) if a woman dies due to excessive blood loss via a vaginal wound caused by another person, that person should damn well be charged of murder!!!!! WITHOUT ANY FURTHER QUESTION.
From Amanda in regina on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 11:04am
Thank-you for sharing your story.
I thought was going to leave some profound comment, but I am so affected by this article that I simply am at a loss for words. I see this all the time in our community as well and it breaks my heart. Thank-you for speaking out. I will share this with my family and friends.
From Heather in Prince Albert on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 11:26am
So sick. Is this where we’re at in the 21st century?
From Barry Epstein in Canada on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 11:54am
hiy hiy for sharing.
when i was 18 i was invited by some co-workers to a house party. when i walked in the door the first thing that happened was a young white man shouted: “who let the fucking squaw in?”
my coworkers, one white and one metis, said nothing. they didnt even look at me. they didnt try to stop me as i put my shoes back on and left. no one followed me out. they chose to stay with the racists.
we need more white people to stand up like you did. more white people to be willing to look back at themselves in the mirror and ask why it is okay for such hatred and racism to exist in their communities, in their homes, and directed against indigenous people they do not even know…indigenous people whose communities have been devastated by genocide, ethnic cleansings, psychological warfare all committed and justified in their names.
we need more white people to understand their own histories and start owning the fact that their societies are built on oppression and an abuser dynamic that privileges perpetrators of all kinds of -isms whether its racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, etc.
thats not normal; they are the symptoms and products of a social reality that is very very dysfunctional and diseased.
we need more white people to decolonize themselves and reject the offender dynamic that sits at the heart of their communities and allows them to dehumanize others, because every time they dehumanize another human being, they dehumanize themselves.
if anything, that is what we need from white people. for them to find and reclaim their own humanity.
From nehi katawasisiw on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 12:01pm
Yes I seen first hand ..While I was living In Fort McMurray …How Natives are being treated .. I live on a Rez I married in so I have my Status…..This is so sad…But I see from both sides. Most natives blame the white People .That is also rascist also ..We need to stand together or it will never stop….Government is all to blame ..We pay our taxs to help ..and they steal it from us and people suffer …
Natives and White …..I have admit I was ignorant to the life Natives had to live . I went to school with Natives ….I learned the hard way…….From my mom ….With the switch if she heard me say racist words ……..I hope and pray we all can unite in Happiness one day……
From Jean Barnaby in Listuguj Québec on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 12:10pm
hiy hiy for sharing this. it is needed and appreciated.
when i was 18 i was invited to a house party by some coworkers. when we got there, the first thing that happened when i walked through the door was a young white guy shouted at me: “who let the fucking squaw in?”
my coworkers said nothing. they wouldnt look at me. they just bent their heads and acted like nothing had happened. i put my shoes on and left, no one came after me; they both chose to stay at the party with the racists. one coworker was white, the other metis.
this was over 20 years ago and not much has changed in canada.
if indigenous people need anything from white canada, its that we need you all to decolonize yourselves. we need you all to be mirrors to each other and to challenge each other to question why oppressions are such a normative part of your social reality….why -isms are privileged in colonial societies whether its racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, hatred of the poor, hatred period, etc.
those are not normal, they are symptoms of a very dysfunctional, very sick social reality that existed in europe long before 1492.
what we need, if anything, is for white people to learn and understand their own histories in order to begin to understand that the problem is within western social systems that privilege oppressive power.
we need white folks to decolonize themselves from those oppressive power systems in order for them to regain their collective humanity and engage with the world from a place that does not privilege an offender or oppressor or abuser dynamic.
canada has a long way to go. but its people like you who are creating new pathways.
From nehi katawasisiw on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 12:24pm
Thanks for writing the truth! Many people put down Indians because they know that they took their land and they’re trying to justify their theft. Many of those same people go sit in Church every Sunday and pray. I often wonder what they pray about…..perhaps forgiveness for their being liars, thieves, full of hatred, jealousy, greed and all against God’s creations. Then again many people just plain don’t have a conscience.
I’m a Metis grandmother and I saw my mother being discriminated against and many of my family. My Mother was a hard working mother and care-giver to many. The non-aboriginal people who discriminated against her weren’t fit to clean her shoes.
Keep up the writing!
From Doris Hayden in Canada on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 12:29pm
It is unfortunate that we think we have come so far. I do not point at the white race nor do I point at the aboriginal race but at those who lead us on both sides have failed miserably to accomplish understanding, compassion and the disappearance of racial bonds. They have not provide worth to the soul.
From Linda on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 12:37pm
man’s inhumanity to man (and woman) seems to be a special attribute of we blue-eyed devils i’m sad to say.
From John Derrick on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 1:46pm
This is saddening.. In this day 2015 … Our native relatives are continually mistreated.. For being .. Native… American??. Indian…. What does that name ..American … Mean to non-native here? Why did they label us .. That name.. When we.. For generations suffer, under their law!
From jolene eustace in Santa fe, nm on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 2:23pm
My heart is sick with grief for these poor women.
From Marlene in Saskatchewan on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 3:09pm
I am sickened by this story, but I thank you for writing it. I had a foster sister, but called her my sister who was aboriginal. She was a beautiful and very talented lady, full of wisdom and I loved her dearly. She has since passed away due to having tainted blood transfusion in the 80’s from a car accident she was involved in. She developed cancer of the liver , which affected her brain function, at the time she was a student at the Emily Carr school of arts in Vancouver. But, one day I got a frantic call from my mom saying she was missing. I was shocked beyond belief, I had only just been to visit her two days prior. So, I called Vancouver City police to report her missing, I got a great response from a lady, Sandy Cameron, who to all the information until she asked me if she was Caucasian, I said no she’s aboriginal, at that point I got a “hhhmmmfff, well don’t worry she’ll be found on the street. And there the story starts with Robert Pickton, because of an attitude like that there are numerous aboriginal victims . I will never forget that response for the rest of my life. I work for the police, I listen to the public, it doesn’t matter if you’re sky blue pink with purple poka dots, you are human and deserve dignity and respect. There is no difference on the inside of a brown or white egg is there?
From Patricia Maila in Iqaluit Nunavut on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 3:45pm
As a Cree woman, I feel deeply for this article. I know what it is to live under a title unbefitting. It’s good to know our grievance is acknowledged. No one knows what hardship an aboriginal woman faces on a daily. I have to fear for my daughters because I know all too well, what treatment they’ll be given based on the color of their skin. I know what it is like to have nothing, have noone because my parents were alcoholics and drug addicts. I know all too well not having a home, because noone wants you. I know all too well the emotional, physical, mental and sexual abuse I faced as a native girl and woman. I was a dirty squaw before I even knew what that word meant. I never chose this life, I was just born into it. And I changed my future. I will not become another statistic. Neither will my daughters. This article is very heart felt and emotionally moving. I was left with the sense I knew this person long ago. And I recognized their pain and struggle.
From Eboni Windigo in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 4:25pm
Thank you for this article. I hope one day soon Native lives will matter to everyone. It is sad to see how bad it has become.
From Kyla Williams on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 5:03pm
I don’t understand what is wrong with the human race..our blood is the same color. We all have feelings and emotions. My heart goes out to your partner for having to feel this way. Shame on those who judge. That is up to the Lord our Father whom we all will be judged by. Bless you for writing this..hopefully it will be read by billions of people..
From Sandra MacLeod in Sioux Lookout, Ontario on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 5:07pm
I’m part native myself (and no I will not use aboriginal, as terms have shifted from Indian to native and now to aboriginal simply because of the negative terms around them, like drunk). I don’t agree with racism of any kind, but natives are being labelled as only victims, and it is never taken into account of the “whiteman” hate instilled into many natives. The problem with natives is blame on ecebrs and an overreliance on the government. It’s like children, when you are given money, you don’t need to earn it. There simply is no need to work, and all problems are blamed on everything else. The truth is, if natives were not put in residential schooling they’d be complaining too that they weren’t given the education of the white population, of which white people, people I know, experienced substantial abuse. And with this missing and murdered aboriginal women kick, all women should be focused, and native women are majority abused and missing because of native men. What this all does is makes it look bad for natives who aren’t just relying on the government, blaming everyone and actually trying to succeed, not as natives, but as humans. The solution, stop the government funding, stop the lesser sentences for crimes (which is actually racist, for it assumes natives will commit crimes and don’t know any better). You have Jew, and Slavic people’s who went through periods of mass murder during communism and fascist nazi control, yet you don’t see Jews sitting in poverty, filled with excuse after excuse. I’m in no way racist, I don’t hate on natives, or any other group, but I don’t agree with favoritism, and a sorry spelt out with cash.
From Shawn in Winnipeg, MB on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 6:01pm
Thank you for sharing your story. I wish we would never experience bigotry and hatred. People are after all, only human.
From Russ Floyd in melfort Sask. on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 6:03pm
NO woman would consent to what Cindy Gladue experienced. If the thing that did this to her wants to use his penis as a weapon, and he can’t control himself, and/or use his weapon in a responsible manner, then he should have his “weapon” removed. The court ruling in this case is absolutely shameful!! It shouldn’t matter what color the woman’s skin is, or what she does to earn a living. No man should feel he has the right to treat anyone, or anything in this manner.
From Ellen McKenzie in Saskatchewan on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 6:14pm
Beautifully written. Thank you! Sharing on FB.
From Ann Symes in Alberta on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 6:58pm
The Government of Canada owes over 2 TRILLION DOLLARS to First Nations of Canada. The Supreme Court of Canada have the documents. So pay up Canada and we would gladly share the money with Canadians as we did our land. That’s something most Canadian Governments would never as well as most Canadians.
From Glen Ahenakew in Saskatchewan on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 7:11pm
I would support Bruce Almighty over any aboriginal found in the streets. They have every opportunity to make themselves better but yet they rather drink and do drugs. Scholarships, reserve money, oil companies all offer schooling, jobs and financial assistance, but nah, they rather buy some royal reserve and drink it with their buddies smoking a pack a day and while wearing white oakleys and driving their SUV’S. Stop blaming everyone else for your downfalls, if you want to see the true problem Im sure there is a mirror somewhere in your run down home with car parts scattered across the lawn.
From Tiny Tim in Regina, SK on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 7:26pm
Great article, Evie, you really hit the nail on the head. Hopefully people like you will help change this horrible perception of Indians.
From Himaini in BC, Canada on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 7:58pm
I am in total support. Steven Harper please open a inquest into the missing “WOMEN”. We send money and troops to help the women and children of Iraq/Syria. ….why not our own.
A Canadian is a Canadian. Colour doesn’t matter to me, or my children.
From Robert Bruce in Sidney, BC on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 8:36pm
Thank-you, Evie, for this matter-of-fact, but appalling description of what life is still like for a First Nations woman. I have frequently wondered much the same thing when I see the outpouring of support for an injured animal, but just disdain or vitriol toward Indigenous people. I was astonished at the jury verdict and pray that the Crown will appeal.
Our much-vaunted Canadian compassion needs some work.
From Anne Bouscal in Calgary, AB on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:14pm
I am a FN woman from SK. I do not doubt that your partner is a hard working, kind woman. As I know many FN women and men are. But when you say that she would not get help from a police officer or any rural residents in southern SK are you not yourself profiling police officers and SK residents? I have a close family member who is a proud female FN police officer who I know would resent being told she would not help someone white, native or whatever on the side of a road. I realize the horrible injustice to Cindy Gladue and do not doubt there is rampant racism in some areas, but profiling and judging others by their race, area they live in or occupation is wrong, no matter who it’s coming from.
From M. Mille in Yukon on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 9:19pm
i feel very bad for both your partner and you. People can be so cruel and say the most horrible things. I am hoping that your partner gets the respect she deserves. I will be praying for both of you.
From Judy in Manitoba on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 10:16pm
I heard a radio news broadcast late this afternoon indicating there is going to be an appeal of the acquittal verdict in the Cindy Gladue case filed by the government. My deepest wish is that justice can yet be served and that the outrage many Canadians have felt and expressed will result in much needed dialogue and changes to both societal perception and how the justice system needs to serve all people equally.
From Arls in Alberta on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 10:22pm
The writer doesn’t say that her partner wouldn’t get help from a police officer or people who live in rural SK but her partner can’t depend on police officers given her horrible experience, as written at the beginning of the story. She doesn’t feel safe on the very land that her relatives once thrived on and it’s worth thinking about why that is.
From Laurie in Winnipeg on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 10:38pm
Heartbreaking and all we can do is fight this and stand with you .For all us privelaged settlers who will never experience such degradation we have got to fight the continuation of colonization and learn how to live with Humility and respect for the first peoples of this continent
From Yvonne Farquhar in Thindet Bay on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 10:39pm
I would like to see more statistics when claiming significant racist undertones. Incidental reports of racism occur all the time; even in Canada. The reality is as long as there are people with a perceived difference there will be stories to draw from. Some are real, some are imagined; or even misinterpreted.
From Tim in Winnipeg on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 11:20pm
Addendum
I will never understand why every single time allegations of racism come up people reference the number of missing aboriginal women. Give me a single shred of evidence suggesting the police treat missing aboriginal women different than anyone else. If you are trying to insinuate that their disappearances or murders where racially motivated I point out that statistically over 90 percent of homicides against aboriginal women are committed by aboriginal men.
Whilst I agree that there is a lot of work to be done, part of getting it done is recognising the issues going on internally.
From Tim in Winnipeg on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 11:26pm
I don’t care what colour people are. There are good and not so good people in every race. Just get to know them and you will find out this is true. We are all Human Beings; Do things together,Help each other, Love one another and don’t listen to those with two tongues.
I have white skin but my heart is many colours!
Take care everyone who has been hurt by hateful actions.
Rob
From Rob Saunders in Topley BC on Apr 2nd, 2015 at 11:51pm
This is so tragic to me. I continue to hear these types of horror stories from friends and family up in Canada. As a Native woman, I am afraid to visit there in fear of racism and violent acts against myself due to my olive skin, brown eyes and dark hair. Get it together Canada and come to the 21st Century!
From Victoria Parker in United States on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 12:25am
Speechless… I never heard anything like this
From Phillip in Vancouver on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 2:50am
thank you for this article. It was painful to read. As long as I am disconnected from my own humanity and vulnerability I can treat you and myself like a thing….using and exploiting…
From Paula foley in miramichi nb on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 6:39am
I was born in Northern Sask. (Canwood); and my family lived on a farm in Stump Lake, Sask. Many Native Canadians helped my father on our farm and we knew them to be honourable, hard working people. We played with their children who were the same age as we were and there was no difference to us about skin colour because no one had ever told us that Natives were not the same as us. Later, three of my Norwegian uncles married Native women and we loved them as much as any non-Native aunt and we have many wonderful cousins to boot. I am telling this story because it is a fine example of non-prejudice, and if only those who are prejudiced would give their heads a shake could, like we did, realize that we are all humans together on this earth. It is really hard for me to accept those who are prejudiced. To me they are evil people… and there are two things that pop into my mind “judge not, lest ye be judged” and “let he who is not guilty throw the first stone” … for we are all guilty and no stone should ever be thrown….
From Ruth Keskinen in Salmon Arm BC on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 8:30am
This brought tears to my eyes….so much truth.
I am also an aboriginal cree women…mother of 5…
This has inspired some new ideas.
Thank you.
In peace and love
From Brenda in Canada on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 8:33am
I am confused… are there no white or black or any other race of homeless people who have been treated badly or kicked by law officials? Is there no other race of sex worker that has been mutilated and murdered and not had justice served to the animal that committed the assault? Seems to me it’s more an issue of inhumanity and lack of compassion towards the less fortunate not the native people.
From confused in canada on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 8:48am
Thank you Tim(in Regina) and Shaun(in Winnipeg)! The two of you are saying things that most others are thinking, but are afraid to say! I couldn’t agree with you more with the raw truth. I am sick and tired of being the brunt of racial jokes by Indians simply because I am white. I have done absolutely nothing to anyone to deserve this. Both my grandparents are survivors of Auschwitz and I listen to them cry on a daily basis because of what they have endured. Watched friends, relatives, children thrown into mass graves. Naked. Starved to death. Yet…they ask for NOTHING. They are kind souls that have have endured, pulled their weight, worked all their lives, at least what they had left of it. They blame no one for anything. Such kind and grateful souls. Now. I ask you. Who is the victim? If there are any handouts being given – it needs to be to people like my grandparents who deserve it.
From Michelle R. on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 8:55am
From Emiliano Williams in Portland,OR on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 8:56am
Justice for Cindy Gladue, and for all murdered and missing women in Canada. We need to see and name racism for what it is. We need to recognize systemic discrimination in our society and our justice system, and stamo it out!
From Madeline Cutting in BC on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 9:45am
my only problems with all this. If I was to be playing devils advocate and I’d love someone to reply to me. My problems are. Everyone has stereotypes no only natives. You’re Irish? You’re a drunk potato farmer. German? You’re a fisting nazi, Swedish you’re some creepy fucker who lives in the snowy Forest and is like 7 feet tall. Russians? All crazy idiots who are all drunk on vodka. Yet their all white. If the cops did something go complain about it, that’s how everything else gets known. The girl who got killed, so she was a hooker and wasted, was the guy drunk? What happened? How do you know he wasn’t even drinker than she was and she decided to try fucking herself with a bottle? You can’t tell what happened but a wasted hooker not giving consent..? Oh she was too drunk, well she shouldn’t have been working then, or it’s only illegal if he’s paying her, if he met her drunk at the bar it’s still consentual sex. And for all the missing women, well firstly if you do look into it most of them are murdered by other First Nations men, AND on the reserve, oh and the biggest problem to finding them is that most reserves (which I have been to and been called while going out to reserves to help fix things and do house restorations that reserve groups said they wouldn’t do, where we only got yelled at, called ‘fuckin whitey’ told to ‘get the fuck off my land’ told to ‘get the fuck back to the city before I kick your ass’ and more.) most of the reserves won’t let the Canadian government onto reserve land to do an investigation so if someone of burrows there, looks like we won’t find them because they won’t let them. There could be a few native john Wayne gacy’s and we’d never know due to never letting police into reserve land to check, and reserve police not inspecting things. Oh more things I’ve learned from actually going to reserves. There’s tons of abandoned new houses because (and I quote from a native man I met there) once a house is too broken down to live in the band will build a new one, so most of the people there just party and destroy the new house within a year and move onto a new house and the old houses are basically left for stray animals, which also there are literally packs of stray dogs and cats on most reserves I’ve been to. Oh ps this part is a fact, do you know why loon lake never responded to the fire call? The chief got the call but there are witness reports, he was at the bar wasted, got the call and didn’t care. He was too drunk to do anything about it. Anyway. Devil’s advocate signing off
From Bill Paxton in canada on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 10:08am
So true and so sad..than you for your article
From Laura Duchek on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 10:19am
All the problems with the justice system begin with the use of a faulty theory. First the police should never have gone forward on a charge of first degree murder without absolute certainty of motive. Implicit is the exchanging of cash is the notion of some form of contract. For this reason alone police should have proceeded on a lesser charge. If the terms of the contract inadvertently lead to a persons death they would ordinarily be treated as criminal negligence leading to death charges. But precisely due to the police theory that the person engaged in the act willed to cause death the whole case gets thrown out and the appearance of injustice remains. We need to begin asking ourselves what justice must look like in the way our elders did in the form of restorative healing in order to hold this man accountable. I am not certain that now charging him under the new prostitution laws will work now because it automatically violates his charter rights to ‘presumed innocence’ . This case is a leading example of systemic failure by every account of Canadian sovereign governance policy.
From Lori-Ann Campbell in Canada on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 10:39am
Thank you for your article… the whole story brings me to tears. The rally in Vancouver had a good turn out. Your article reminded me that there was a recent GoFundMe for another woman who survived an assault. I wonder if there could be one for Cindy’s children? I feel so heart broken for them….
From Natalie in Vancouver on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 10:44am
This case really hits home for me. My mother case comes to mind reading this. She wasn’t a prostitute, but was a native women who was raped and murdered wile drinking. The autopsy stated she had blunt force trauma to her head, and her underwear in her throat. Even so they said the sex was consentuial. He was only charged with manslaughter (an accedent). The man who murdered her had an extensive record of sexual assault on several women, but wasn’t taken in consideration. It was said several times in court that this “aboriginal women had a past with drinking” IIRELIVANT!!!
From Raquel Desrosiers in Kenora ONT on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 11:12am
I am a white woman with dozens and dozens of native friends. Native people are the same as white people. They have hearts and souls, they love, they hurt, they care, they have intelligence, they have desires, they love their children, they are kind and compassionate, they are beautiful, and they deserve our respect and to be treated as humans and equals. The people who treat native people with anything less than humanity and equality do not take away from the native person’s worth and value, they take away from THEIR OWN!!!
From Kelly Holzhaus in Penticton, BV on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 11:46am
I haven’t seen the video, but while working in northern Manitoba…..well what I have seen is the honest truth in the 2nd (or lower) class treatment of the Aboriginal community within our health care. To top it off, these people choose to put their life and health in jeapardy by living in less than ideal environments, only to try and sustain the most beautiful and honest culture I’ve witnessed. We who have worked in the ER setting have to be honest with ourselves (and others)….that that type of behavior has no color. But poverty in our city is high in the aboriginal community and it is nothing that can be fixed over night. I see the young, looking around with sad eyes, and I have hope that within the next couple generations the discrimination can be at least decreased, and I pray by a substantial amount!!
From L. Oak in Regina, Sk on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 12:03pm
This story reads like exerts from a horror story. Sad part, it is true. I was unaware of rallies or I would have been present to protest this verdict. I just wonder if my blond hair, blue eyes and pale skin would have set me apart. I believe women of all colors, sexual orientation and race would see this verdict of unjust. I am quite sure my sister protesters would have accepted me as an equal to march among them. I’m old school so had to take out a rule to see what 11cm looks like. OMG I am appalled that anyone could consider that the result of rough sex. Assault in the extreme. Where is the justice. By the way how many native females were in the jury?
From wendy Pawelko in N. Battleford, Sk on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 12:05pm
Don’t lose hope, there are so many influences in society, both through media focus, political propaganda, that influence how people build their perception of their view of many marginalized groups. Even the histories that were taught to my generation were manipulated, we trusted the educators but we know now that our Canadian history needs to accurately reflect the damage done by our government. (accepting this is very difficult for some and impossible for others) I am 51, the 2nd youngest in a family of 11, I can only speak for myself and not the other members of my family (9%),I have tried my entire life, even before becoming more familiar with Aboriginal histories and knowledge and through Women’s studies, to point out to my family that we are all people, humans and each and everyone should be treated equally and fairly, that I am truly saddened, and frustrated that Aboriginal people are still persecuted, and racialized with all the knowledge and facts that ares evident, sad that our country dehumanizes aboriginal women.
From Sylvia Lapointe in Winnipeg on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 1:53pm
Hi,
I moved to Canada a few months ago and I was so surprised after knowing that 50 years ago (approx). People still taking away First Nations babies and killing parents. I know Canada is a young country but I have to say that it must be a way to put pressure to the government. Mexico pass through colonialism and killing, Now, in our college books we can read about Pre-hispanic cultures and learn about them. I’m not saying that Mexico is better than Canada, not at all. In Juarez (Chihuaha, MX) “ 6 woman are murdered everyday” and I have to say that my Mexican country is corrupted and impunity blocks any desire of justice.
In contrast, it is hard to believe that people have zero empathy for First Nations and that we are going back to an obscurantism little by little.
I just wanted to share my opinion and Canadian History is something that I can hardly believe.
There is always a way.
From Julieta in Nanaimo on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 2:46pm
I agree completely. We are becoming a people who value animals more than humans and we are bringing up generations of children this way. Every individual needs to be respected and treated like we want to be treated.
From Angie Carroll in Cape Breton NS on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 3:31pm
It is beyond horrifying that Cindy Gladues assailant wa acquited. What that verdiict does confirm without any doubt whatsoever is that the judge and the legal system are guilty of murder. It is the judges name and photograph that should be published across Canada and plastered in the post offices and bar washrooms. Poems and songs need to be written in his honor, so that his name shall be despised forever.
Jack
From jack MInoir in MIssion BC on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 3:37pm
A well written article.
When I worked for a first nations band, people would ask my husband how he could sleep with me knowing I had been with Indians all day.
There is a lot changing and education needed to change people’s thinking.
I am so proud of my work with the band. I have been adopted into the band and am an honourary band member.
I have adapted my life and follow Elders teachings. It is because of those teachings that I live a simple and peaceful life.
From Jennifer Ulvick in Nipawin, Saskatchewan. Canada. on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 3:58pm
I’m not entirely sure, but are there not thousands of unsolved cases of missing men, women and children – of every race – across the country? It isn’t my intention to make light of the issue here – but I can’t help thinking that these cases of violence are much more widespread than this story depicts. It isn’t solely pertaining to native women… Is it?
From just me on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 4:02pm
It is a very sad state of affairs when the government is trying to convince us of the danger of terrorists when many times more first nations women are dying daily from violence in Canada. I encourage first nation people to protest with their vote! I will be
From Gwen Moncayo in Strathmore, Alberta on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 4:05pm
This is so wrong. I cannot understand why horrible false stereotypes of First Nations people are still being perpetuated. Why aren’t people learning better?
From Maryanne Slater in regina on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 5:40pm
When and how will the madness change?
From Deneen Lawrence in Canada Edmonton on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 5:42pm
Crying here. I am Native. My Mom and Dad were Native, My wife is Native My kids and grankids are Native. Can you imagine if this was your wife, your mom! for God sakes that was killed and handled later in this manner. It is an assault to every Woman, Native and Non-native out there. This brutal man brutally and savagely killed her. He researched how to do it. But hey its okay because the “person” was a sex worker and she was Indian. They are not real people. Just garbage. That is the message. Shame on those jury members. Shame on Canada. People are in love with the hating of Indians. It is in Canada’s DNA.
From steve courchene in Winnipeg on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 8:44pm
The thing is, your wife being a productive member of modern society does not mean that all natives are. Also that some white people in an anecdotal setting behave in a racist manner does not constitute the majority. I feel it is indeed an emotionally driven piece that fails to weigh in on the evidence that is in any reservation town. There are ALOT of natives on welfare and that are addicts. Not all of course but many. First we need to fix the problem of subsisting on the white mans handouts and do for ourselves. No more status cards. No more existing outside of Canada. We were conquered. Get over it. All peoples were slaves or conquered at one time or another. We need to band together as a whole and make our youth appreciate the chance they have to lead a productive life for our people. Stand up, study. Become lawyers and politicians. Show the world that we are not doomed but strong and intelligent as any other culture on earth. Focus on the future. Use social media and improve life for yourself.
From Sanders in ontario on Apr 3rd, 2015 at 11:15pm
thank You for this column. AND Thank You for Saying NO TO RACISM!!! I am a PROUD MI’KMAQ WOMAN and and am PROUD of Supporters of People who are against injustice and racism and discrimination!!
From Natalie Doucette in potlotek First Nation on Apr 4th, 2015 at 4:12am
My grandmother refused her ‘status’ number. She was afraid to be counted. This is why. I won’t forget your name Cindy Gladue.
From Connie Bonneville in calgary on Apr 4th, 2015 at 7:26am
Thanks for enlightening us with these (real-life) accounts of the horrid discrimination that still consumes this Country! I wish this article could be published “first-page” on all the news media across this Nation! I feel extremely sad after reading it and can’t imagine how these stories would not impact everyone’s life in one way or another!
So sorry to be so complacent about this problem and not actively part in finding a solution!
From Elisabeth Oughtred in Comox-BC on Apr 4th, 2015 at 10:48am
in 2015 we need to do better for the sake of the planet for our children!
From Beatrice Massara in argenta bc on Apr 4th, 2015 at 11:02am
Thank you for your thoughtful writing.
From Julia Carr in Vancouver on Apr 4th, 2015 at 11:43am
I am incredibly moved by this and will share it as far and wide as I can. Thank you for writing this.
From Gloria Knous in Stoughton on Apr 4th, 2015 at 11:47am
Its just another lump swept under the rug.i think theythe way government see’s it wipe out the children bearing female less welfare cases to handle an less white tax payers money would be saved along with cfs funding would be reduced..
From gary.sr robinson in winnipeg manitoba on Apr 4th, 2015 at 12:17pm
The one thing I disagree about in this write up is the statement about an inquiry. I don’t believe money should be spent on another inquiry, it’s just like another research paper. How about spending the money on action.. Everyone knows the problems, including the government. Let’s do something. Action.
From Joanne Petersen in Canada on Apr 4th, 2015 at 12:21pm
i am blonde haired and blue eyed. My husband is Cree. We were married on Vancouver island ten years ago. We went to Victoria for a few days of honeymoon but ended up leaving after only hours. While out for lunch our waiter refused to look at my husband. While walking along the harbour we heard comments like “ when did white women start marrying Indians?” However we also faced the native population making snide remarks about my husband rejecting his culture. I have two young sons who look like their dad. I cannot tell you how many people have asked me if I adopted those poor boys. It always startles me how many people find fault in something we never thought twice about. When will it end?
From Lisa in sask on Apr 4th, 2015 at 12:37pm
The way all aboriginal people have been treated from the start of visitors coming room our land has been horrendous. We gave them land at which they stole the rest of it and put our people on dirty reservations. I’f only we had the knowledge back then to sell sections of our beloved country we would all be multi millionaires. But that is the thing when your society is a good and genorous one there will always be evil people to take advantage of your kindness. This is still our land we just don’t own it. SOME HOW WE Lost Our Beautiful County To People That Didn’t Even Belong Here. And don’t get me going on how the oil rights should be all of the first nations. We may have been fooled on the top land. But those oil rights should a till be ours. And whoever says different is a down right evil man (company)
From Darryll Taylor in Medicine hat Alberta Canada on Apr 4th, 2015 at 1:00pm
F or tiny Tim in Regina and Tim in Winnipeg. Watch a little documentry called the pig farmer. If you people don’t know what you are talking about then just keep your one sided opinions to yourself. Sure there are a lot of drugs and drinking in these communities but when you are dre judged by a first look no matter what because of your skin color it is hard to get confidence back into your life. I just wish people would treat others the way they would like to be treated. Did we not learn anything from our parents? And I am native and q as a rig manager at the age of 24 living a good life. So don’t judge a book by its cover. By the book and read it you may learn something.
From Darryll Taylor in Medicine hat Alberta Canada on Apr 4th, 2015 at 1:25pm
seen it happen on almost every worksite ive worked on going through school and living in redneck country i learnd how to defend myself very well out here respect isnt earnd its taken
From wade in Canada on Apr 4th, 2015 at 3:19pm
I don’t know what makes people think they are better than the next person. Their shit smells just like mine and I’m sure if they were one on one, without a badge or gun, things would be a little different. Oh, sorry, I forgot we are talking about men who like to rough up women. Well, karma is a bitch.
From Claudia Colon in Michigan on Apr 4th, 2015 at 5:08pm
I am devastated. I am white, blonde and different – and I have been abused for my beauty and my spirituality and I know this is a man made horror that I believe women together can correct and solve. My family and I bleed for our native sisters, our SISTERS! And my neices and my granddaughter and my cousins whom I have watched suffer for no good reason. But being white, abused by some men – not all men – discriminated against, does not let me understand the despicable nightmare of the combination racism and human degradation that has caused such every-moment-pain as my fellow sisters have and do experience. Not all white men with power are such heathens, some are trying to fight this and there are women of every race trying to fight this….it is time to become more advanced in our struggle. It is time for a war, something done without violence but as effective…it is time to publicly name offenders, to…..ahhh, my tears do not blind me, they hold me up and move me toward this righteous fight!…
Come, hold my hands and let us make a wall of sorts, one that shelters our women.
From Kimberlee Dawn, The PSYchic in Edmonton, AB on Apr 4th, 2015 at 6:08pm
I wish all the best for the Rally and I hope it opens peoples eyes up and realize how uncivilized people are in today’s world.
From Terrie Holley in United States on Apr 4th, 2015 at 8:00pm
Stay strong.
From anthony djibs in sw Saskatchewan on Apr 4th, 2015 at 11:26pm
I’m a white Canadian living in America. I have observed racism in both countries and in some ways the racism in Canada is worse that in America. This us because it is more accepted in Canada and nit acknowledged. Canadians at their work place will say racist statements about natives that if an American at their work place said about black people they would rightfully face disciplinary action. Yet in Canada this is accepted and no consequences are faced by the person making such racist statements.
From Richard in Denver on Apr 5th, 2015 at 3:33am
He should have gotten the maximum sentence what he did is just plain wrong. Then the stupid ass after hurting her so badly turned around & let her bleed to death so apparently had NO COMMON SENSE. I also have Indian blood in me and I don’t live on a reservation I pay my taxes every year and I don’t think the government owes me anything. It is plain ridiculous that we should have to pay for the sins of our ancestors centuries later. Give me a break. We are all human, we all bleed the same way, we all put our pants on one leg at a time. What difference does it make that we have white skin, brown skin, yellow skin, black skin, it doesn’t make a hill of beans sense that one race is of lesser value than another. God created us all. He loves us all, he was crucified for us all and rose from the dead for us all. He doesn’t care what color or race we are he loves us all unconditionally. Amen.. Give him a re trial and let him pay for his sins.
From Jean Gorton in Lower Sackville Nova Scotia on Apr 5th, 2015 at 10:09am
I am so sorry for the experiences your partner faced and continues to face. I feel such incredible sadness at your words and I wish I could cry out “No, it’s not true!” But I cannot. I have witnessed it, mostly in subtleties. When people make comments I hear them whisper or even state loudly “Better not say that in front of Karen, she’s a social worker and a bleeding heart” usually followed by laughter.
I am a social worker. I am a woman. I am first generation Canadian. And I become a social worker to be part of making changes in our society. Changes in policy that I hope will trickle down to changes in how we live and see those around us. As humans, not as a category of minorities layered upon one another.
I am sorry….please know that not of all people see the world in such horrific ways. Some of us see the human heart first, last and always.
Peace.
From Karen Gallagher-Burt in Calgary on Apr 5th, 2015 at 12:17pm
i think the treatment of aboriginal people is disgusting in most of Canada but not everywhere, I have grown up here in Newfoundland and many of my friends are “Indian” we never treated them any different, but that is the exception not the rule in most parts of the Country.What makes anyone superior to anyone else.
My beautiful Grandaughter is half Cree and is one of the smartest women I know, the stereotyping makes me so angry .
This was a beautifully written article and I hope that one day there will be justice for these poor women and all aboriginal people, that sick son of a bitch should hang for what he did to the poor Cree woman, it’s true what you say, if they were white women something would have been done long before now.
From Roz in NL on Apr 5th, 2015 at 1:45pm
I’m appalled and outraged at the cruel treatment of these human beings. Ignorance is learned mostly from those closest to us such as our parents. I am a white Canadian yet I chose not to be racist/rude towards anyone; not even the disabled. And I brought my 4 children up to be the same. Alot of these racist s.o.b’s claim to be Christians and of other god-fearing religions. Yet if they knew anything of the teachings of the bible they would know that God created all men equal. That includes persons of different races and skin colour. Shame on the judges who allowed the criminals of these heinous crimes to go free. I’d be questioning their ability to serve on the bench. If the judge and jury were to be blind-folded and the nationality/skin colour kept undisclosed of all those involved, criminal(s) & victim(s), perhaps then, justice would be served.
From Patti Sleightholm in Trenton, Ontario on Apr 5th, 2015 at 3:12pm
I was born and raised in Saskatchewan. I went to high school in Regina. It always bothered me the prejudice that Indians went through by it seemed all whites.
I moved to BC when I was 19 (1969) and found there was still some racism, but not as bad as Saskatchewan.
As I grew older and married I continued to hear bad remarks about natives. I didn’t agree with anyone who talked down to first nations people. It hasn’t been until later life that I’ve begun to express my opinion rather than saying nothing. I don’t understand the racism against a people who have done nothing to deserve the prejudice?
From Bill Hartenberger in Victoria , BC on Apr 6th, 2015 at 8:13pm
This case proves once again that true justice for Natives is still not in sight. It is wrong that the accused here was set free. The evidence was overwhelming. This whole defense of ‘rough-sex’ was a farce. The injuries to her vagina and the negligence involved in leaving her to ‘bleed-out’ are a matter of record.. So why the delibertae indifference in convicting her non-Native killer?
Cindy Gladue, was a mother, a sister, a daughter. She did not deserve this. She was only trying to earn a living to take care of her kids and family.
From Andre Leonard on Apr 7th, 2015 at 11:50am
2 trillion dollars Glen Ahenakew ? Get real. The Canadian government gives far too much tax payers dollars to First Nations already. How about the First Nations people’s do something for themselves for once. Maybe quit being such a drain on society would be a good start. It’s embarrassing to come from a country that has an entire race of people being complete degenerates and bums.
And quit crying about your land Glen, it was over 150 years ago and since the beginning of time one country has taken over another. That’s how the world has evolved.
Wake up and quit blaming white people. It’s absolutely pathetic.
From Joe Burns in Regina on Apr 7th, 2015 at 12:18pm
I am First Nation. I am a non drinker mother of 6 children – 4 which have graduated. My other two are grade 11 and grade 10.
I was an honor roll student and I won 1 of 3 Canadian Business Scholarships offered in 1985.
I am currently a Finance Manager for Kitselas Forestry LP.
I too was belittled by the RCMP on a few icxasions and for this, I to this date, am very hesitant to deal with RCMP.
I was 16 years old – an honor roll student and a non drinker and weighed all of 110 lbs.. However, while walking to a friends place —- a police raid was happening —- and I ended up in the middle of it. I was stopped, beaten (knocked out) and thrown into the back of a police car. When I came to I witnessed many of my friends being severely beaten and thrown into vehicles. We were brought to the police station where I witnessed my friends being beaten in the parking lot of the station. I screamed “I am not drunk, take my blood alcohol level, I am telling everyone what is happening here”. I was than taken away from viewing this —- my friends were than taken inside where the beaters continued —- from where I was out I could heard the hitting the choking the breaking — it broke my heart..
Thank I seen my 14 year old friend – a young girl —- fighting for her life — and they kept beating her because she was swinging —- I cried, Roni stop they are killing you —- please stop swinging an lay dead — u watched as this girl fell to the floor — and they kicked her a few times and they dragged her to my cell —- I sat and hugged this broken little girl praying she would live. She did.
But for this —- I am so afraid of the RCMP and I made sure my children did not trust them.
This story has saddened my heart and opened old wounds —- I pray one day that something can be done with this horrible racism —- I know it is not in everyone but it is still Alive and hurting us.
From Toni Nisyok in Terrace, BC on Apr 7th, 2015 at 12:31pm
It was a shocking verdict as I sat in the court room with mom. I was disgusted with the jury as they said that he was not guilty. Such a disgrace for the family. It was a jury so white and a few foreign people. I ask the public to fill that court room the second time around. May CINDY GLADUE RIP.
From Marilyn Morin in Edmonton Alberta on Apr 8th, 2015 at 2:52pm
I need — to be able to accept help Its been hard for me to even ask for help — Its been hard to ask or recieve help Its been hard to try and adjust to society after being on the outside of it all my life — I have lived in such a way that I am the weakest the lowest the most marginalized the most taken advantage or at least as one in the same group
So now you know — or at least I hope you doFrom Tim Kennedy in Ontario on Apr 11th, 2015 at 8:14pm
Reading this article only confirms to me the awful blindness that still exists. The systemic stereotyping that we accuse other countries of still exists in ours and for that we should be seriously ashamed. Instead of buying into the narrow views that have been spoon fed to us, why do we not read and strive to learn of the beautiful culture that our first nation people call their own. Their respect for elders, their respect and value for the earth and all the treasures contained here could teach us many valuable lessons. Indeed first and foremost, we need to remind ourselves that we are all humans with value and skills that are important. Everyone of us deserves to be treated with dignity and encouraged to share and grow to the best of our ability. I know that to many my words may sound like drivel, but until we try to undo the awful wrongs of the past, and learn to value a persons life, we as a race of beings will be our own undoing. I am not first nation, but I have members of my family who are and I am very proud of them for the people they are and hope to continue to have an open and inquiring mind to learn, because that is how we grow and hopefully someday to become a better race of beings instead of becoming an instrument of our own doom.
From Marilyn Nevills in Canada on Apr 17th, 2015 at 7:48am
Those attitudes towards native women are not only attitudes projected towards native women but to all native people Male or Female, Young or Old.First Nations Canadians are still not deemed as human beings to many of the caucasian/white folks from Alberta all the way to the eastern coast of Canada are still very much prejudiced the way they were nearly a hundred years ago its just these days all the Caucasian/White folks have learned to tread lightly around the new Canadian Laws regarding bigoted thinking or those who Voice those kinds of opinions publicly Its something that will take another hundred years to change and its not going to change over night but if White Folks are going to learn to Accept First Nations Peoples of All levels Rich or Poor, Male of Female, Gay or Strait, dark skinned or Fair… Then All First Nations Peoples Too!!! Need to also buck up and learn to Accept White Folks and learn to live by the laws set out by the Canadian Government and to start caring for our land and show it by first keeping our properties clean of all trash and keeping your homes in decent shape and keeping your kids out of trouble by disciplining them at an early stage of their lives I don’t mean beat them silly till they bleed or get bruises thats just plain stupidity there if you don’t know how to parent kids then you need to rethink about having them, break out the condoms and be more responsible… I know what its like because I am First Nations myself and I am also White as well… I am both therefore I can see both sides of this story but I will agree with what has been said in the story that was told… and there is truth to what has been said… We both need to smarten up and start treating each other with respect and dignity!!! I have seen the negativities on both sides of the fence and I strongly feel that its us as a First Nations Peoples who need to make the first move and start teaching our kids to look after their belongings and keeping themselves clean and to play nice with others and to respect their elders and to go home when it starts to get dark rather than run about the neighborhoods vandalizing private properties… I am not saying that all Native families are like this but I have seen enough of them that its a cause for worry for sure!! yes!! as I am sure its like that for white folks too in towns and cities… They have the same issues as we do… And NATIVE PEOPLE!!! we need to stop talking about taking care of Mother Earth because when I drive out to my Reserve and I am driving through the Reserve Town Site, What I see is absolutely disgusting!!! the multitude of automobile wrecks that you have stock piled in your yards and garbage laying around everywhere and dead dogs and cats in the ditches from families who may have thought they were cute and cuddly when they were babies and as they grew up you lose interest in keeping them or you cant afford to buy them pet food… STOP IT!!! thats just cruelty to those animals its all about RESPONSIBILITY FOLKS!!!! and we all need to learn about that word!!! And Self Discipline… When you show by example you also teach those around you to also do as you do because its the right thing to do… Doing all these things will Iron out the kinks in all our relationships with all cultures of humanity, its just that everyone needs to back up and take a better look at themselves and reanalyze their own situations before calling others down… even then its still wrong if you decide to call that person a white trash or Squaw or Hey Chief etc. etc. And when I hear a white person calling down a native or black or Asian person thats when I say “EXCUSE ME??” and give them the look of disgust because they earned that from me… As you would too if you were to call down White people… its WRONG FOLKS!!! time to wake up and smell he New Millennia all that trashy behavior died out when slavery was abolished way back when… so STOP IT!!! Anyways those are my words and I am stickin’ to them…. so I hope we all can take away a little bit of what I had to say here… and Lets All Get Along now OK!!! That Includes you RCMP and City Police… You Are Who Everyone Looks To For Guidance So Smarten Up And Do Your Jobs Right!!!
So Thats It!! Take Care & Be Nice To One Another…
From Anthony McLean in Canada on Apr 21st, 2015 at 5:39pm
Grateful to hear this story, so I can continue to live knowing it.
John Patrick Hill
Chicano-Earth Medicine Artist
From John Patrick Hill in United States on Apr 27th, 2015 at 10:42pm
By dehumanizing our Indigenous women (and men), white society finds a way to blame their collective colonial guilt on us. Though I realize not all white people are ignorant or unjust, but there are still a handful of racists in this country who perpetuate the myth that Indigenous people are living in poverty because of their own social pathologies and dysfunction. Yet still, there are very few sound agreements with our people that show this country was built on stolen land.
And to add insult to injury, many of the families of the murdered and missing women in the lower east side of Vancouver were offered a financial settlement of approximately $50,000 for the loss of life of their loved ones! In addition, the families agreed to drop all future claims against the government.
So, whether our people are treated poorly by violent law enforcement or bought out by the crown for the indignities our families have suffered, our worth is to be found in the very fact that our people are still here! We need to raise our next generation of young people to be fully armed with education and the strong cultural teachings that have sustained our spirit for centuries. Finally it is my hope that my now 17 year old son will actually grow up in this country and see some justice for our people, and stop playing so nice with this government!
From Ann Marie Livingston in Victoria, BC on May 14th, 2015 at 3:22pm