"Action needed on Attawapiskat suicide crisis, Doherty says" is the heading of an article which appeared in The Citizen on April 14. That he is deeply moved and passionate about the horrific crisis affecting our First Nations' communities is very evident.
He would appear to have a heart for the long-suffering, marginalized folk who were forced originally to live on these reserves seven generations ago, and now are being offered the advice by some to "just move away."
The whole situation is indeed "heartbreaking and each (First Nation community) deserves the same level of services the rest of Canadians have."
That would include decent housing for all members of the community; running water and indoor plumbing; proper schooling; health clinics; good roads in and out; community centres and a good, safe place for youth to congregate.
None of this is fancy stuff: no golf clubs or tennis courts, or art centres or paved streets.
Just the basics: enough of the "haves" to give folk the incentive to want to stay in their community where they have extended family and where their support is.
With the correct and immediate attention to implementing several obvious solutions - proper housing and clean water - hopefully community members will begin to see a government which at last is serious about getting to work on vastly improving their living conditions which in turn will give them a sense of pride in their community and a good solid reason to not want to opt out of life.
Regardless of what party was in power those eons ago when the reserves were first created, it has become Canada's shame and obligation to immediately rectify all the harm that has been done to this group of indigenous people who today are still paying an impossible price for their place in history.
I'm sure we all share your hope,
Mr. Doherty, that the results of that six-hour long debate will produce solid results, not merely rhetoric, and that partisan politices can be "...put aside (in) hopes Parliament can work together to make a difference."
Joan McKay
Prince George
