Canada and First Nations relationship.

I've written before on the dysfunctional relationship between Canada's Native communities and the Federal Government, so hopefully I don't repeat myself too much.  But I was reading an article in the Sun (http://www.sunnewsnetwork.ca/sunnews/politics/archives/2012/06/20120609-101306.html) that seemed to have FN peoples contradicting themselves.

One statement said "On June 11 2008, Harper apologized for treatment... and more than a century of an assimilation policy that profoundly damaged Aboriginal communities across the country."  This leads me to think two things, 1.) Aboriginals are possibly resistant to assimilation into the society in which the rest of us live, and 2.) they may think assimilation is an option.

No offense to First Nations people, but to get anywhere today, assimilation is inevitable. What this DOESN'T mean is that you have to give up learning about your culture and heritage, and practicing/celebrating it whenever you want to.  It doesn't have to be one way or the other, but learning how to live and thrive in the main society you are in is both beneficial and helpful to that society.  I cordially invite you to take your place within Canadian society.

The dysfunctional relationship that the First Nations have with the Federal Government in regards to financial "dependency", and how I believe this is actually hurting First Nations people rather than the intended purpose of helping them.  Attiwapiskat is a prime example here, where buckets of money have been shoveled at a problem that continues to persist. Even when aided with "emergency" financial assistance, the leader said it wasn't enough and wanted $50,000/month more with no strings or accountability. http://www.torontosun.com/2012/05/10/attawapiskat-chief-wants-more-cash-from-ottawa

It's beneficial for everyone to learn how to stand on their own feet, and I think that we are failing our First Nations people by over funding them, and not giving them the opportunity to feel how empowering it is to succeed on their own.

UPDATE:
Dec 23, 2012.
After the "Idle No More" protests, I found this. "The time to eliminate the Indian Act is now."

Update:
Jan 6, 2013
To correct myself, it was pointed out to me that "Assimilation" was not actually what I meant in the above post, but it was "Integration". Because I'm not asking First Nations to give up their culture and heritage, on the contrary, but hoping they see a better way that the current dependent situation much find themselves in. It doesn't have to be "one way or the other", Canada is a great place with tons of opportunities for everyone.

How safe are you?

This may come across as more personal than political, but remember we live in a society that believes it is "mostly safe" with help from civil &/or Federal law enforcement agencies. This is a dire misconception.

Last night my son and his girlfriend were mugged by a man with a knife as they were out together on a walk.  Thankfully my son took the initiative  and talked his way out out any harm, and in total they only lost the $10 cash they had on them.  It could have been much, MUCH worse, and I am so grateful that he had the wits to handle the situation to what I consider the best possible outcome.

But here's the thing; Where were the police? Could he have called them and not have had this happen?

Look around you for a minute. When you walk down the street, how many people are walking around with you that may be the next "Vince Li"?  Where were the police when Li beheaded his victim?  How about "Luka Magnotta"?  Sure these are extreme cases, but it goes to show that there is a need as an individual to be responsible for your own safety and well being that does not rely on Law enforcement agencies.

Don't get me wrong here, our men and women in uniform deserve both our respect and our support, but I also believe that they deserve a fair assessment of their abilities (because they can't be blamed for things that are beyond their control, like a mugging.) This is because the Police Services (as I have said before) are "reactive", and generally are only called after a situation has already occurred.

This is where I advocate personal defense; not just physical self defense (Although this cannot be left out should the need arise), but the knowledge and ability (assessment) to handle a situation completely to bring out the best outcome.  Because we live in a society where there are criminal elements that prey on those of us that are either unsuspecting or perceived as vulnerable.  I believe your personal safety, is your personal right and responsibility.

I'm proud of my son, he took appropriate measures to not escalate the situation, and took initiative to lead the mugger with a polite manner to accept what little cash they had between them.  They walked out of it with a little less cash, but unhurt.  This isn't always possible though, and I think it important that people know how to defend themselves to whatever point it is necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones.


Update 11:23a.m. June 24;

The RCMP now have an official account on twitter now, and even they acknowledge with a tweet that individuals need to be proactive in their own safety.