Perspective

Dear editor:
There is so much in the newspaper, and on TV and radio, about natives everywhere living in Third World conditions.
Looking in the dictionary, “discover” means “the first one to find or find out.” In 1492, Columbus supposedly discovered America, but who was here to greet him? Who was here living in this land when he landed?
Anishinaabe people.
Now, simple logic and common sense would tell you that the real owners of the land are the people who were here first. However, I have learned that none of us really own anything.
Everything here belongs to the Creator. He put everything here for us to use and to share.
When the Europeans landed here, the natives here were willing to share everything with them—and did. But somewhere along the line, it became one-sided.
Now the natives are living on parcels of land called reserves. Everyone now knows how people are living.
This “Idle No More” movement seems to be gaining momentum. Where it’s going, where it’s going to end, I don’t know.
I take comfort, I find safety, where the Creator of the universe, Great Spirit, Manitou, and God (all the same), says when some is wronged: “Vengeance is mine. I will repay.”
Maybe this movement is a “wake up” call. Like I said, I don’t know where this movement is going or how it will end.
For all our sakes, I hope peacefully and productive.
Signed,
Joe Medicine
Rainy River
First Nations