To the Editor,
Re: Reconciliation begins with us, Ediorial, June 9.
I heard Wab Kinew, a CBC First Nations broadcaster, speak in Nanaimo last year and ask, “How can there be reconciliation without understanding?” Understanding this people and culture that lived thousands of years and is ignored.
One thing to do is attend any and all cultural events put on by our First Nations. Another thing to do is read and research, educate yourself on this culture, moreover out of respect, learn some of the language. Everyone knows “Aloha,” why not the local indigenous language?
Ken BraultNanaimo
To the Editor,
The First Nations people are the authentic Canadians. North America was the land and home of aboriginal peoples. The first Caucasians to land on what now is Canada invaded and conquered, motivated by greed for the wealth of the land. Ensuing governments implemented all the aspects of genocide to accomplish this and it continues in a more subtle form to the present day.
Perhaps there are those of us who were unaware and not actively involved, but the truth has now surfaced as truth always will. We, as fellow Canadians, now have the responsibility of both soul and conscience to rectify the Third World conditions Canada’s First Nations are living under and also the biased treatment they receive.
We have much to learn from the First Peoples as how to be good stewards of Mother Earth for spiritual fulfillment and life preservation.
I have listened to many of the Native Americans talk and never has anything hateful been expressed toward fellow Canadians. They seek only justice and equality which are God-given rights.
Gaile GomerichNanaimo