Written by Luke Charlton
A proud and vibrant culture was on display here at Nipissing University / Canadore College’s 11th annual Powwow. Here in North Bay, we have actively sought out ways to improve First Nations relations. Nipissing University has itself received funding to hire two additional professors for their Native Studies department. Additionally, at the Near North School Board they have included Aboriginal education as part of the curriculum. The Near North School Board also provides additional resources to ensure the success of Aboriginal children in the classroom. Not to mention all the work the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre offers for First Nation Peoples. It seems that in the North Bay region we are doing our part in raising awareness and helping out the Aboriginal community. Those living here could easily assume that this level of support is consistent across our country; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Our provincial and federal governments keep delaying or ignoring the requested support by the aboriginal peoples, each hoping that the other government will step up to the plate so that expenses can be saved from their own budget. Aboriginal issues are not issues to be ignored, even the UN Human Rights Committee voiced how Canada is failing Aboriginal peoples (link below). According to a CBC report in 2015, it’s estimated that 134 First Nations communities still live in third world conditions. Further, on any given day, over 150 First Nations communities are on an official water advisory. This means that these communities were required to boil their water before they could safely drink it. And, unfortunately, not much has changed since this report was published in 2015.
Since the election there seems to be hope on the horizon; true change coming that will set up the path to true reconciliation. But there is much work that needs to be done. Justin Trudeau has given many promises to help out some of these communities, however the federal and provincial mandate needs to be expanded to address inadequate housing, lower levels of education, lower income levels, higher rates of unemployment, and other areas of disparity. As citizens it is our duty to hold our government accountable by ensuring that First Nations issues are being addressed.
North Bay is a shining example of how First Nations relations should begin by helping in whatever way we can. But without having the federal and provincial governments on board, meaningful reconciliation will never be achieved. If only the rest of Canada took their lead from our leaders in North Bay, First Nations relations would be much better off. The leaders of North Bay understand the importance of empowering First Nations peoples - by equipping and preparing the Aboriginals of today, the Aboriginals of tomorrow will be ready to engage with Canada like we’ve never seen before.
UN Human Rights Committee report:
http://www.amnesty.ca/news/public-statements/joint-press-release/un-human-rights-report-shows-that-canada-is-failing
by Luke Charlton
