Canada reopens its "most disgraceful" act

By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA (Reuters) - After decades of foot-dragging, Canada is finally about to take a close look at what one aboriginal leader calls "the single most disgraceful, harmful and racist act in our history."

From the 1870s to the 1970s, around 150,000 native Indian children were forcibly removed from their parents and sent to distant residential schools, where many say they were abused mentally, physically and sexually.

Conditions in the schools -- run by various churches on behalf of the government -- were sometimes dire. Contemporary accounts suggest up to half the children in some institutions died of tuberculosis.

One prominent academic calls what happened a genocide, yet for many years few Canadians knew what had happened.

Now, for the first time, the mainstream population will be learning a lot more about what was done in its name.

As part of a C$1.9 billion ($1.9 billion) settlement between Ottawa and the 90,000 school survivors in May 2006 that ended years of law suits, a truth and reconciliation commission is set to start work on June 1.

The commission, which has a life span of five years, will travel across Canada and hold public hearings on the abuses.

"You have to get the truth out ... it seems impossible today but it's real, it happened," said federal Indian Affairs Minister Chuck Strahl.

Native leaders hope the commission -- to be headed by aboriginal Judge Harry LaForme -- will help improve ties between the largely marginalized one million native population and the rest of the 32 million people in Canada.

"I don't say that this is going to be a magic wand and everybody is going to feel good when this is over. But we do know there is a healing component to that sort of process," LaForme told Reuters.

Government officials at the time said the schools were supposed to educate native children. The other aim was to assimilate aboriginal peoples and crush their cultures.

Duncan Campbell Scott, a senior government bureaucrat dealing with aboriginal matters, declared in 1920 that "I want to get rid of the Indian problem. He added: "Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic."

Children in the schools were called pigs and dogs. Teachers beat them if they used their own languages and told them they would go to hell unless they converted to Christianity.

Many parents never saw their sons and daughters again. Survivors often took to drugs and alcohol to dim the pain.

Although Canada spends around C$10 billion a year on the aboriginal population, many serious problems remain.

Native leaders say the destructive legacy of the schools helps explain the lamentable living conditions, poor health and high crime levels that many face today.

"I think Canadians will have a better appreciation of why we have become so stereotyped -- that we're lazy, or losers, or drunkards, or whatever. (This) resulted from a very destructive, oppressive colonization of aboriginal people," said Chief Robert Joseph.

Critics, noting the commission will not have subpoena powers, say it will not make much of a difference.

Roland Chrisjohn at the University of St. Thomas in New Brunswick says Ottawa must first admit that taking children from their parents and giving them to outsiders constituted an act of genocide.

"Residential schools were about destroying our political systems, destroying our religious systems, destroying our communities, our cultures, our livelihood ... they largely succeeded," Chrisjohn said.

The churches are suitably contrite. Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, says religious authorities tried to "socialize and Christianize" aboriginal peoples.

"We failed them, we failed ourselves, we failed God. We failed because of our racism and because of the belief that white ways were superior to aboriginal ways," he said.

(For more details about the schools, click on http://www.wherearethechildren.ca/en/home.html)

Ted Quewezance, executive director of the National Residential School Survivors' Society, is confident the commission will help efforts at reconciliation.

Quewezance told Reuters he was abused physically and sexually during seven years at a school.

When asked how he coped with the memories, he replied: "You just live with it, that's all."

The residential schools scandal has strong parallels with what happened at the same time in Australia, where at least 100,000 aboriginal children were removed from their parents for a variety of reasons. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologized to the "Stolen Generations" in February.

The United States also ran boarding schools for aboriginal Americans, but on a smaller scale.

Strahl concedes there is a danger that years of public testimony about abuse could cause resentment among the mainstream population.

"It's a two-edged sword ... the commissioners are going to be extremely important to make sure that it doesn't just become a bashing exercise, one way or the other," he said.

And no one can tell whether Canadians will pay much attention to the hearings. Native leaders have long complained about what they say is a widespread ignorance of and indifference to the aboriginal population.

"If they don't listen it will be a tragedy. I think once and for all we, as aboriginal people, will be certain that Canadians simply dismiss us as nothing important ... that would be the worst insult of all," said Joseph.

For now, the official tone is one of optimism, especially since Prime Minister Stephen Harper will meet a key aboriginal demand on June 11 when he stands up in Parliament and formally apologizes to school survivors.

LaForme says that if all goes to plan "we will be able to say, in the words of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, we have looked the beast in the eye. We have come to terms with our horrendous past and it will no longer keep us hostage."

($1=$0.99 Canadian)

(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Eddie Evans)

The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

Ramaji

You really need a kick in your ass. Such ignorance. Perhaps a few courses at this University may help.

http://www.firstnationsuniversity.ca/

Again, tuition is free for senile Seniors.

quote:

Originally posted by BLACKBEARD:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

Ramaji

You really need a kick in your ass. Such ignorance. Perhaps a few courses at this University may help.

http://www.firstnationsuniversity.ca/

Again, tuition is free for senile Seniors.

He is beyond help. Help is for Senile Seniors but not the ones with missing brain cells.

quote:

Originally posted by Mitwah:

quote:

Originally posted by BLACKBEARD:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

Ramaji

You really need a kick in your ass. Such ignorance. Perhaps a few courses at this University may help.

http://www.firstnationsuniversity.ca/

Again, tuition is free for senile Seniors.

He is beyond help. Help is for Senile Seniors but not the ones with missing brain cells.

I already told you. If you don't have anything to say about the issues don't say anything, because you remind me of the canecutters back home.

quote:

Originally posted by BLACKBEARD:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

Ramaji

You really need a kick in your ass. Such ignorance. Perhaps a few courses at this University may help.

http://www.firstnationsuniversity.ca/

Again, tuition is free for senile Seniors.

BB, let me caution you, that you do not have any experiences dealing with the natives. All you have is experience joining the unemployment line.

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

The white men came, stole their land, killed their bisons, and introduced them to fire water. What should be done about the thieving white men?

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.T:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

The white men came, stole their land, killed their bisons, and introduced them to fire water. What should be done about the thieving white men?

That is a question for barak Obama..

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by Mitwah:

quote:

Originally posted by BLACKBEARD:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

Ramaji

You really need a kick in your ass. Such ignorance. Perhaps a few courses at this University may help.

http://www.firstnationsuniversity.ca/

Again, tuition is free for senile Seniors.

He is beyond help. Help is for Senile Seniors but not the ones with missing brain cells.

I already told you. If you don't have anything to say about the issues don't say anything, because you remind me of the canecutters back home.

Like yuh looking in the mirror and writing... Why do you have a contempt for cane cutters? If wasn't fuh de cane cutters weh de rass yuh wuda get rum fuh drink evry marning?

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by BLACKBEARD:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

Ramaji

You really need a kick in your ass. Such ignorance. Perhaps a few courses at this University may help.

http://www.firstnationsuniversity.ca/

Again, tuition is free for senile Seniors.

BB, let me caution you, that you do not have any experiences dealing with the natives . All you have is experience joining the unemployment line.

How much are you willing to wager? US$100,000?
We can let Amral decide. All "winnings" to to charity that GNIers select.

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..

If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

One of the most dosgraceful piece of legislation that are still on the books for Canada is the Indian Act.

It has always been that way from the initial enactment of canada's legislation to "administer' the Aboriginals in Canada.

The results of what is currently sen of the indiand/aboriginals as you mentioned Rama on one incident in Winnipeg, is the magnificient example of how Canada dispense its duties and obligations under the Indian Act.

What about the Treaty 8. What has that really done for the Indians/Aboriginals in Western Canada?????

What has Treaty done relative to the wellbeing of those who were to be protected by the "Great White Queen from England"?????

Why Indians/Aboriginals were disenfranchised and lost all aboriginal support when they ventures to see highger education ... or even sought to be in th sities to become educated????

Do you want to discuss that ans other related issues in a propper manner, Rama???

Why are the Indians/Aboriginals stoill living is delapidaded places called reservations ... no running water, etc?????

Whay there is an Canada Government Department stillin existence cammde Departtment of Indian Affairs and Northern Development [ DIAND ] whit a budget of billions of dollars and where most of the moniey are for administrations serving "white man" not the Indians/Aboriginals????

You want to discuss that Rama????

BLACKBEARD: Thank-you for bronginf this topic for discussion. I brought this and other matters over time on this forum for information and discussion.

What are your views Rama???????

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by Mr.T:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

The white men came, stole their land, killed their bisons, and introduced them to fire water. What should be done about the thieving white men?

That is a question for barak Obama..

Rama, I am getting seriously concerned about your knowledge of North America and its politics . Barak Obama is a US citizen campaigning to be presidential candidate in the US. Now, why should he be answering questions on politics and human rights abuses in Canada? Didn't you know that North America consists of more than just the US????

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

Uncle Ram,

With those pronouncements I believe there is a spot for you on Saturday Night Live. Instead of the HillBilly Redneck from Kanmore Alberta, the Brownneck Ringneck from Pigeon Island ECD via Brampton Ont would make be a bigger splash.

Quote by Rama: The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them? Quote


Rama, Don't you think it was actions such as those you condone, to be the same darn thing that put the Indians in the position they are in?

Every nationality has its share of drunks and those intent on slumming it, this is not just an Indian thing.


Ironic as it may seem, I actually work close to the Minister who's worked/working on this project,he was also a Minister in the Conservative Govt for 20yrs.

quote:

Originally posted by cain:

Every nationality has its share of drunks and those intent on slumming it, this is not just an Indian thing.

Rama is Indian, and him is drunk .

Ayu give RamaPee a break de man confused as to his posting like a drunken man trying to tek a leak..this truly exposes his ability to mettle in subjects out of his reach, here is a guyanese doofus trying to discuss canadian affairs.he should thank the CDN govt for de lil freck he gun collect in his old age or the ones his relatives already collecting.

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

by the above we see the pond like shallowness of your own ignorance.

quote:

Originally posted by gbana:
Ayu give RamaPee a break de man confused as to his posting like a drunken man trying to tek a leak..this truly exposes his ability to mettle in subjects out of his reach,

I already gave him a black eye on foreign politics the day before, only for him to bounce back for some more licks .

quote:

Originally posted by D2:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

by the above we see the pond like shallowness of your own ignorance.

That is all you can come with.?? How lond are the Indians going to be spoon fed by the government??

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by D2:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

by the above we see the pond like shallowness of your own ignorance.

That is all you can come with.?? How lond are the Indians going to be spoon fed by the government??

By Jonathan Spicer

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada cares less and less about the "third-world" living conditions faced by many of its native peoples, protesters said on Thursday in the second annual aboriginal National Day of Action.

"The Canadian government turns around and tells foreigners that are coming to this country that native people in Canada are very well taken care of -- that they have money, that they have houses, that that have jobs," said Gary Wassaykeesic from the Mishkeegogamang Indian reserve in northwestern Ontario.

"But in all reality, when you go into your own backyard, you're going to find third-world conditions."

Natives' frustrations have grown in recent years over the issues of poverty, health care and living conditions on many of the country's reserves.


Source:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:

quote:

Originally posted by D2:

quote:

Originally posted by Ramakant_p:
The indians are widely scattered on the northern part of canada. It was the right thing to do. The indiasn wee ignorant and force education was the way to go..
If the Indians had cooperated with the system it would have been different.

In Winnipeg, The indians are all over the streets stealing gas the cars and drinking. What do you think should be done about them??

by the above we see the pond like shallowness of your own ignorance.

That is all you can come with.?? How lond are the Indians going to be spoon fed by the government??

Rama:

1. Treaty 8 that was sgined in Alberta [ then was known as the North West territories ].

2. Indian Act [ Federal Legislation ].

3. Indians confined on their reservations.

4. Land claims, natural resources, etc., to yet be resolved.

5. Compensations to the respective Abroginal groups.

6. Reasons for still maintaining the bloated federal Department of Indian Affairs and Northern development -- DIAND --??

Can you an address those few issues???

Right now -- it is quite evident that you do not even know the meaning of the question you posed:

"How lond are the Indians going to be spoon fed by the government??"