I am concerned about the native situation in Caledonia. After high school, I joined the Canadian Forces. I spent 20+ years as an infantry soldier with the Royal Canadian Regiment, and the Canadian Airborne Regiment. I completed two 17-month tours of Bosnia.
I am a proud Algonquin native, and that's what proud natives do. We work hard, and are well respected, honourable people. In light of that, I am saddened by the fact that current events have caused me to feel shame for the people I call my "native family."
To watch groups of masked bandits on television setting up barriers, burning tires on public roadways and acting out destructive behaviour absolutely sickens me.
Every year it's the same. Natives protest, set up roadblocks, burn their property and create havoc, only to cause hard-working people to look in disgust saying, "Are they for real?"
The venue for dealing with these issues is not at a roadblock, with a barrel full of burning garbage. This is not the way to gain public support.
If we want results and respect, our way of thinking must change. Let's trade bandannas for ceremonial dress. Let's stop the roadblocks and march in peace, and speak with pride, honour and the confidence that is indicative of our past. This is not rocket science.
Let's show who we really are, educated, well spoken, and a proud people. We were the first inhabitants, and deserve no special treatment other than our right for land that can be proven, not taken by way of force or other barbaric means.
This land is not for the taking as we see fit. If that was the case, I wouldn't have a mortgage payment. It's 2006, not 1806. The time for change is long overdue.
For all the native people who feel our present way of handling aboriginal issues are proper, do our culture, our people and your fellow Canadians a huge favour. Regain your pride, dignity, and credibility that over the years you've cast aside.
A. Gervais
Orangeville