Inheriting Poverty

"Bands like Osooyoos - which operates a resort, golf course and winery in its territory - have shown that once we start making our own money, we have more to spend on programs and services for heritage and cultural preservation.  You have more of a chance of losing your heritage and culture in poverty than  you will when you have your own source of revenue and you're standing on your own two feet."

 

"Poverty is not our birthright.  There's nothing wrong with our people collecting a decent pay cheque."  Chief Clarence Louie, Osooyoos First Nation, British Columbia

According to Chief Louie, aboriginal groups have no liking for the currently existing situation of government handouts to reserve populations.  Of the $8-billion annual budget of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, the giant's portion is paid out for health, education and social programs.  And yet aboriginal communities still live in squalid poverty.

As Chief Louie, chair of the National Aboriginal Economic Development Board sees it, the root of the problem lies in the federal government's funding formula.  He insists the only way out of poverty for First Nations is to focus on economic development.  For the aboriginal communities to generate their own revenue, business plans, education and skills development.

The current system is a result of "failed government programs".  Citing as such, residential schools, the reserve system and the "ongoing control that the government exerts over Indian land".  Sounds like a pretty sound summation of the situation.  Trouble is, the Assembly of First Nations chiefs appear to like things the way they are; they have control and they want to keep it that way.

Their fear is the potential for "assimilation", a state of affairs to be avoided at all cost.  Even if that cost continues to be remote reserves inadequately served by distance and inaccessibility.  Where social conditions fester with alcoholism and drug addictions, neglected children, inadequate health services, poor education and high unemployment.  Leaving a disabled, apathetic population with a bleak future.

According to the results of a recently concluded Ipsos Reid poll, 56% of Canadians aged 18 to 34 agree that "Canada's aboriginal people are treated well by the Canadian government", while 75% of older respondents agreed with that statement 

"The Canadian public believes the government wants to make things better for the aboriginal population, and that they're spending the money in order to do so.  But when they see that life is not improving ... they feel frustrated", is the interpretation given the poll by Ipsos Reid president Darrell Bricker.

That frustration encompasses all levels of government, including aboriginal leadership, for an "ongoing inability to get started in modern society that exists within the aboriginal community."  Seems a lot more people both within and outside the aboriginal community and well into government should be paying more careful attention to Chief Clarence Louie of Osooyoos First Nations.