crime spree!

Re: Natives must take responsibility (July 12). Columnist Naomi Lakritz is under the impression that the only thing First Nations people require is a good scolding from a stern mother figure.

There have been volumes written and studied on the issues that Lakritz dismisses as being so easily solved. Some of those things I disagree with strongly, but at least the people making unfriendly intellectual arguments have some substance to their thoughts.

I have spent all of my life living among indigenous people. I was chief at the Rolling River First Nation for 10 years prior to becoming a grand chief two years ago. I have seen the effects created by decades of attempts to destroy our culture, ways of living and family structures.

First Nations across the country are working on these problems by trying to take control of child and family services, by creating economic development and by working on many other aspects of indigenous people's lives.

Lakritz argues that Canada's history of colonialism and economic oppression has become irrelevant. Problems in health care? According to Lakritz, the solutions are on the Health Canada website. She must think pamphlets can make up for severe shortages of doctors, clinics and medical transportation.

Even the people we fight against in government will concede that the challenges are immense. Some of them would likely concede that simplistic suggestions fit somewhere between naïve and dangerous in that they contribute to misunderstanding. Lakritz's column added nothing to public debate and dialogue.

Yes, First Nations people will be taking responsibility for our lives and we will begin by using the courts, activism and other strategies to regain control of our natural resources.

Grand Chief

Morris J. Swan Shannacappo

Southern Chiefs' Organization

Re: Natives must take responsibility (July 12). Your ignorance of the true situation at the individual level is surprising and disappointing. Have you ever been to a northern First Nation community? Have you any idea what it would be like to be an expectant young woman on reserve?

Don't you think most want to do what is best for their child? The fact is that many of these young women are still unaware of the damage FASD can cause, and have not been exposed to proper parenting. They are sometimes dealing with their own unresolved issues and do not have the resources or support to make good decisions.

Do you know what it is like to grow up in poverty, go hungry, not have a single penny at your disposal, have no means of transportation, no telephone, be a victim of abuse, or not have proper and/or accessible medical facilities in your community? Based on your paternalistic and condescending article, I highly doubt it.

I have worked at three different federal departments in Ottawa. Your article reminded me of policy discussion with senior staff -- most of whom were non-aboriginal and also did not have a clue about the daily lives of those being referred to in your article. It was pathetic watching people who do not have a clue or a genuine inclination to try to assist in solving these issues.

It is a fact FASD programs in Manitoba are chronically under-supported and underfunded at the political level by all levels of government, including First Nation leadership. I guess the issue is not sexy enough to care about. In this case, money could significantly reduce the incidence of FASD but it is a lot cheaper to take the moral high ground and make it seem as though it is the victims' fault because of their weak character.

Russell Burton

Winnipeg

Naomi Lakritz has hit the nail on the head with her observation that it is time for people to take responsibility for themselves, and decide to work for something better. How many people have sacrificed to come to Canada to make a new life for themselves and their families, without monthly assistance from the government?

Darlene Christopherson

Winnipeg