Winnipeg Sun
Sept. 2, 2007
I would first like to applaud Roseau River for undertaking the economic development project in the RM of Rosser. These types of ventures have the
potential to bring numerous opportunities to Manitoba First Nations communities.
My concern lies with Chief Terry Nelson. When Coun. Gordon Grenkow stated, "This is totally immune to our bylaws. We can't touch them," Chief Nelson's immediate response was, "The white man tells us to get the Indians off welfare and get jobs. And every time we try to do something, the white man asks why we don't get control of this."
Chief Nelson, I think you're missing the point. Why does every response have to be inflammatory and negative? If you really want to stick it to the
"white man", why don't you produce the documents showing the RM had been sufficiently apprised of your plans?
Why don't you make public the economic analysis that you surely must have done, showing how this enterprise will benefit every man, woman and child on
your reserve? Also, you could state how many jobs will be provided to members of your reserve and make public the environmental analysis that you've done when it comes to storing thousands of litres of fuel underground in a community where many depend on wells for their water.
As a "white man" myself, I challenge you to provide this information and not hide behind your hatred. Take this opportunity to show you have the welfare of all First Nations people as your top priority.
Kevin Clelland
Winnipeg