SFN Chief Harley Chappell (centre) speaks at the March 2019 groundbreaking for the infrastructure work. (File photo)

SFN Chief Harley Chappell (centre) speaks at the March 2019 groundbreaking for the infrastructure work. (File photo)

LETTERS: Canadian conscience questioned

Editor:

Editor:

Re: SFN to receive potable water by summer ‘for sure,’ Jan. 31

And this is White Rock in 2020? The fact is, we treat our aboriginal people differently.

The families of the tragic flight 752 were recently awarded an immediate $25,000 by the federal government.

Due to the coronavirus, a plane was chartered to repatriate over 300 Canadians in China. The federal and provincial governments want to build a pipeline to create jobs.

A pipeline may be good for the Canadian economy, but they have to bulldoze through First Nations lands where no treaty exists.

Aboriginal schools still receive less government subsidies than their non-aboriginal counterparts. There continues to be a shortage of housing and potable water on many reserves. Residential schools have been an historical Canadian scandal, which was supported by religious establishments.

In 2007 the UN passed its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in which it recognizes that Indigenous people had the right to “self-determination” and that they could “freely determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development.”

For centuries aboriginal people have welcomed immigrants to their land, but we continue to treat them as if they don’t exist.

Where is the Canadian conscience? Why are aboriginal people treated differently?

Albert Leering, White Rock

Peace Arch News