I would just like to take time and recognize our countries Aboriginals. For thousands of years, they inhabited North America, and lived off the land with rather ease. It is unfortunate that our Native peoples had to endure 500 years of persecution and borderline genocide perpetrated by the European settlers.
Many close minded people want the natives to "snap out of it" and forget the past. It is not easy to do. When you have your land taken away from you, have your population diminished by European disease (smallpox), and confined to reservations, you suffered greatly.
When we tried to impose our cuture on your young, by removing them from loving families, only to try and erase their native heritage and learn "European" values, it tore families apart, and created wounds that have yet to heal. You coped by abusing alcohol and other substances to forget.
I, for one, would like to take this opportunity as a Canadian with European background, to apologize for what my ancestors did to your people. You were too proud to accept the settlers way of life, and had to endure discrimination over housing, employment, and education when you did try to 'assimilate.'
The government tries to make things right by throwing money at you. However, money does not bring healing, nor does it bring happiness. You deserve better. Non-Aboriginal Canadians need to understand your culture and way of life. We owe it to you.
So I dedicate this song to all of you. God bless our Natives, and forgive us for our past mistakes.
Many close minded people want the natives to "snap out of it" and forget the past. It is not easy to do. When you have your land taken away from you, have your population diminished by European disease (smallpox), and confined to reservations, you suffered greatly.
When we tried to impose our cuture on your young, by removing them from loving families, only to try and erase their native heritage and learn "European" values, it tore families apart, and created wounds that have yet to heal. You coped by abusing alcohol and other substances to forget.
I, for one, would like to take this opportunity as a Canadian with European background, to apologize for what my ancestors did to your people. You were too proud to accept the settlers way of life, and had to endure discrimination over housing, employment, and education when you did try to 'assimilate.'
The government tries to make things right by throwing money at you. However, money does not bring healing, nor does it bring happiness. You deserve better. Non-Aboriginal Canadians need to understand your culture and way of life. We owe it to you.
So I dedicate this song to all of you. God bless our Natives, and forgive us for our past mistakes.
