You know I'm out of words. The stereotype is "not in Canada". It only happens "there", in "third world" countries. We are too "rich and civilized"! Well, try telling that to the people of Attawapiskat. Canada is an illusion (hey don't bite yet...slow down). I know it's "better" here, oh excuse me "racism is less in Canada", and immigration laws and policies are fantastic. Wait a minute! why should there be any allowance for racism, discrimination, exclusion, oppression, imperialism, and "royalty"? Well tell me it's part of the human condition (I know, I know, I know). But of course then, you must stop pretending that it's only Africa that these issues happen. It occurs in our backyards every day. living in a country where 90 per cent of the time people are in doors and 5 per of the time in their cars; leaving little or no accommodation for community building and sense of belonging, it's tough. Well, if you do get to meet an aboriginal, it's almost like a special honour because their stories and existence is so far removed from "royal throne" of Canadian parliament, supreme courts and edifices of authority. Well, I am trying to make a point, but I guess I'm not good at it so, here you go:
Red Cross workers arriving in Attawapiskat with aid | CTV News
It's interesting the amount of racist and discriminatory comments out there amongst Canadians about this situation. Rather than thinking about the root causes of the problem they are locked down in "forced relocation", "$70,000 has been provided for each person since 2006", "where did the money go" "ask the Chief 93 million is a lot of money", "imposing Western lifestyle and urbanization on this community" etc. Why don't you just ask the inhabitants of Attawapiskat what do they really need and for once stop this imperialistic, racist and paternalistic attitude. Gosh, what a world - sometimes. It just hurts!!!! Well, maybe Serena and her sister can help steer us toward hope in dealing with this systemic issue rather than resorting to "quick fix".
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