The border is "an open wound where the
Third world grates against the First and bleeds. And before a scab forms, it haemorrhages
again, the life blood of two worlds merging to form a third, a border
culture"
Gloria
Anzaldua
In one of our class discussions, we talked
of borders within Canada. Rich and poor living right beside one another stuck
out most. I couldn’t help but relate this back to the situation in Attawapiskat,
Ontario. I am a member of Attawapiskat First Nation. In November, Chief Theresa
Spence declared a state of emergency for the community. A great number of
people there are living in third world conditions. Families of 6 or more living
in tents, that are supposed to be used for recreational activities, have been
there for more than two years. Elders living in sheds that are only insulated
enough to keep your garden tools warm. There are a number of families living in
homes that are condemned. Mold, no plumbing or proper heat is what they have
had to live with for a number of years. It’s a really sad story, everyone is
pointing fingers. No one is giving a solution. A lot of people are upset that
Attawapiskat is living in these conditions while they are sitting right beside
a Debeers diamond mine. The operation gathers money in the trillions and their
neighbours are getting clean water from one community tap.
The Canadian Red Cross stepped in and
offered supplies to the community. And many other communities surrounding
Attawapiskat are helping by offering money, emergency supplies, and basic
necessities. The Canadian government has decided though, to send in a Third
Party Manager, to resolve what really happened to the funds that were given to
Attawapiskat over the years. This manager will be paid out of the First Nation’s
pocket. I find it insulting that my government would find it necessary to audit
first, and then help my people. If the government doesn’t trust the community
leaders enough to give more money, why not send supplies instead.
Here is a Youtube video posted by
Christopher Kataquapit, he is a resident of my hometown and works along the
James Bay Coast.
There have been many discussions and
debates over what happened, and how a community could reach this state they are
in now. The truth is, Attawapiskat is not the only First Nation in need of
emergency care. Many First Nation reservations are in states of emergencies,
and have been for many years. Not just with housing but with psychological,
physical, emotional needs too. The community of Moose Factory in the past
couple years has seen many tragedies. The suicide rate along the James Bay
coast is very high. In 2009, more than 80 attempts were made by youth to end their
own lives. My youngest sister has lost so many friends. I stopped counting,
after I ran out of fingers to count how many lives were lost. Something is
happening to all of the First Nations communities. It’s really quite
disturbing.
Here is an article that was posted in the
Toronto Star.
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