Chiefs' resolution urges three-party meet
Provincial and federal governments and bands must negotiate "cut-offs"
FLASH!
VANCOUVER (Staff) — Back here after a meeting of UBCIC representatives with Indian Affairs Minister Jean Chretien, Executive Committee Chairman Victor Adolph was optimistic about the B.C. government.
"Chretien said, 'B.C. should follow the example of Quebec'," Chief Adolph emphasized.
Adolph, saying that Victoria would now be "less reluctant" to take part in negotiations, noted that the provincial government' must take part because it has jurisdiction over land of which more is needed by native people.
Attorney General Alex Macdonald, meanwhile, has reportedly refused to comment and expressed wanting to know more about the meeting between the chiefs and Chretien.
After a two-hour meeting the Union and the federal government have agreed to begin negotiations to settle B.C. Indian land claims.
A negotiating team will be set up .immediately, and, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting, the team. will consider "the adequacy of the Indian land base, the rights of B.C. Indians to hunt, fish and trap, and the programming, services and capital necessary to ensure the social, economic and cultural viability of the Indian people of British Columbia in the future."
VANCOUVER (Staff) — The Chiefs Council, meeting mid-January to deal specially with land claims, passed a resolution calling for the B.C. government to meet with the federal government and Indian bands concerned regarding the return of "cut-off" lands.
"Cut-offs" involve about 37,000 acres pared off from reserves nearly 60 years ago as a result of a federal-provincial commission study of 1913-1916, of the McKenna-McBride report, and the following "improper and inequitable" reductions of reserves' sizes.
"There were 36 or 37 bands that had their land reduced at the time," said Philip Paul, director of the UBCIC Land Claims Centre. "There's no argument from anybody, other than the fact that
ROSE CHARLIE (Staff photo)
Rose Charlie in commission
VICTORIA — Labor Minister William King has recently announced the appointment of Rose Charlie to the B.C. Human Rights Commission.
Ms. Charlie is also the president of the B.C. Homemakers Association. She comes from the Chehalis Indian Band, near Harrison Mills.
Recently, she has been elected vice-president of the Native Women's Association of Canada.
The commission will be responsible for promoting the principles of the "tougher" Human Rights Code, passed in November, 1973.
The chairman of the commission is Bishop Remi De Roo of Victoria who is considered a "progressive churchman and humanitarian."
MLA Peter Rolston (NDP-Dewdney) has expressed that he is "especially happy" that Ms. Charlie, one of his constituents, has been named a member of the human rights commission.
Osoyoos assured, Squamish to try
VANCOUVER [Staff] -- The Osoyoos Indian Band has been. assured of another meeting with the government, but the Squamish Band will try again to have a meeting with the government.
Chief Jim Stelkia has received a call from Lands Minister Bob Williams' administrative assistant, Norman Pearson, that the government, headed by Premier Dave Barrett will hold a meeting with the band on or before February 11.
Stelkia halted his band's demonstration and told reporters that the meeting will be held at the band office. [See details on Page 5.]
Squamish Chief Joe Mathias, after a meeting of the band council, said that the council has decided to write another letter requesting for a meeting with Minister Levi and others.
Levi's office had expressed unawareness of any request from the Squamish Band for a meeting with the minister regarding their claims.the provincial government at this time doesn't want to become involved."
Chief Joe Mathias of the Squamish Indian Band, who met with Resources Minister Bob Williams and Municipal Affairs Minister James Lorimer last year, said that Williams had publicly stated that land cut-off from the Capilano reserve is a federal matter.
Mathias said that the provincial government has been given time to determine its position.
NO RESPONSE
"But we've had no reply," said the Squamish chief. "We've written to them, and all they do is acknowledge receipt of our letters."
The Squamish land in question is a 130-acre area running along the shore from Ambleside Park in West Vancouver to just past the Lion's Gate Bridge.
Members of the band demonstrated, January 21, at North Shore approaches to the bridge to stress their claim.
In the Okanagan the Osoyoos Indian Band also set up its picket along Highway 97 near Okanagan Falls. The band claims that 71 acres of land, now occupied by 92 non-Indian residents, was never released for sale or lease by the band.
PROVINCE HAD REPS
Osoyoos Chief Jim Stelkia said that the claim is a provincial responsibility because the 1913 royal commission that took the land in question included provincial representatives.
The chief said that his band
(See STUDY: Page 3)
HARRY DICKIE (Staff photo)
Citizens award to Chief Dickie
FORT NELSON (Staff) Chief Harry Dickie of the Fort Nelson Band has been chosen "Citizen of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce.
The yearly selection is made by the Chamber of Commerce on the basis of nominations sent in by members of the community.
Chief Dickie, a member of the Chiefs' Council, is now serving his fourth term on the band council. Before he was elected chief he had been serving as a councillor for about 17 years.
"The award gives me a lift," said the chief. "You know how frustrating it is for my people, working to live like any other Canadian."
Chief Dickie said he had been thinking of stepping down and letting some younger people take over.
"This selection by the Chamber of Commerce sort of gives encouragement, a feeling to carry on and do better," said Chief Dickie.
SPEAKING TO participants of the National Committee on Indian Rights for Indian Women is Kitty Maracle of Vancouver. Standing next to her, Chairman Harry Daniels, and next to him is Margaret Horn-Dichovich, secretary-treasurer of the Quebec Metis and Non-Status Association. The conference was held from December 14-16, at Hotel Vancouver. Among the guest speakers were Vancouver Alderman Harry Rankin and BCANSI President Fred House. See story on page 6. (Staff photo)
NEW MEMBER, Bill Wilson, attends his first Chiefs Council meeting. Wilson is the member for the Kwawkewlth district. The district also has a new alternate member, Bob Joseph. Next to Wilson are: Executive Committee Chairman Victor Adolph, member for Lillooet-Lytton; Stanley Stump, Williams Lake; Cecil Reid, Bella Coola; and Adam Eneas, Kootenay-Okanagan. Besides Wilson Council has four new members and alternates.
NEW ALTERNATE member for North Coast District, Reynold Russ of Masset, sits between Bill Mussell, new member for East Fraser and formerly UBCIC executive director, and Howard Wale, member for Babine district. Member for North Coast is Tom Greene of Queen Charlottes. (Staff photo)
LAND CLAIMS Centre Director Philip Paul, member for South Island, takes notes as Executive Committee member Heber Maitland, representing Terrace district, listens intently. Alternate for South Island is Tom Sampson; Terrace, Bill McKay. (Staff photo)
DELBERT GUERIN, member for West Fraser district, makes a point, while Victor listens. Delbert now heads special committee for food-fishing. Alternate for West Fraser is Philip Joe. (Staff photo)
CHIEFS CREATE SPECIAL COMMITTEES
VANCOUVER (Staff) — Two committees have been formed by the Chiefs Council at its regular meeting in December, 1973, to deal with food-fishing and with matters relating to Minister Norman Levi's portfolio on Indian affairs.
The Native Brotherhood of B.C. will be asked to -- appoint a representative to the UBCIC food-fishing committee.
The UBCIC members of the committee are Delbert Guerin, chairman; Art Peters, West Coast district; Jim Stelkia, Kootenay-Okanagan; Gordon Elliot, South Island; and Ben Bolton, Terrace.
The committee will draft a position paper on food-fishing that will be acceptable to all B.C. Indians, and will deal with government agencies regarding food-fishing.
The NBBC representative to the. committee, Council members agreed, should be a person that does food-fishing by boat.
A motion was adopted to inform the federal government that the food-fishing committee, with consultation with the government, will establish an interim position until legislation can set up B.C. food-fishing:
Regarding Minister Levi's Indian affairs portfolio, formerly held by MLA, Frank Calder of Atlin, Council passed a motion for the Union to be involved with the advisory committee to Levi. '
Delbert Guerin and George Watts were named as Council's representatives to the advisory committee.
On Watts' suggestion Council members agreed that Philip Paul, director of the UBCIC land claims research centre, should attend the first meeting of the advisory committee.
A position paper, prepared on the basis of motions approved regarding the advisory committee, was adopted by Council.
Yet to be finalized, the paper outlines recommendations on the structure and terms of reference of the committee, and on the responsibilities and duties of the two representatives from the Council.
The advisory committee will also include representatives from the B.C. Association of Non-Status Indians.
Council also dealt with the problem of funding of the Indian Act revision program. A motion, moved by Guerin, to have a Union representative meet with others from non-treaty areas to discuss the UBCIC position and request support was approved.
The Union has made it clear that it will not take part in Indian Act revision activities unless there are new funds provided for the purpose.
Indian works in park-like site
VANCOUVER .— A museum to set up collections of West Coast Indian art and other tribal artifacts of the University of British Columbia is to be part of an area of the campus that will be developed into a park-like setting open to the public, said an announcement from the UBC president.
Now under construction, the UBC Museum of Anthropology will include a new building to house the department of anthropology and sociology.
The area around the anthropology complex will be developed "in as natural a setting as possible," according to UBC President Walter Gage.
The construction of the museum had been accompanied by fears of erosion of the Point Grey cliffs.
Gage said that the "best advice" say there is no danger.
Studies have shown that it is safe to build large buildings within 150 feet of the cliff edge; the museum is set back about 230 feet from the edge.
Certain steps are also being taken to control surface drainage and sea erosion of the cliffs, and these include a new storm sewer system that would lead run-off away from the cliffs.
The museum is being built with a $2.5-million grant, part of the federal government's $10-million gift to mark B.C.'s centenary.
The project was announced on July 1, 1971, by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and is to be completed by April, 1975.
B.C. take-over Indian health care suggested
VICTORIA Among the proposals in the recently released report on health care prepared by Dr. Richard Foulkes is the takeover by the B.C. government of health and social services to Indian people from federal jurisdiction:
Foulkes noted in his report that the present health conditions of native people of the province is such "that it is a manifestation of social injustice so great that it demands highest priority."
High priority should also be given to aiding Indian people to get adequate housing, nutrition, education, and employment opportunities.
Not only is the infant mortality among the native people very high, but also Indians are hospitalized with infectious parasitic, respiratory, and skin diseases more than non-Indians are.
The report, released by Health Minister Dennis Cocke, suggested asking the federal government to turn over direct services to status and non-status Indians to the provincial government, and transfer funds accordingly.
Leaders meet in "think tank"
The town of Parksville on Vancouver-Island was the sight of a National Indian Brotherhood "Think-tank" held on January 9, 10, and 11.
UBCIC Executive Committee Chairman Victor Adolf, who was representing B.C. Indians there; explained that the meetings were held to provide a chance for national Indian leaders to get together informally and pool their ideas and thoughts. Because of this, he said, there would not be a public disclosure of the details of their discussions.
All the NIB member-organizations from across Canada were represented. On the final day they travelled to Port Alberni as guests of honor for a special seafood banquet. —By G. McKevitt
IT'S THIS BIG – George Watts, member for West Coast district, seems to be saying, as Council takes up the problem of Indian food-fishing. Others in picture are Chief Harry Dickie, member for Fort St. John district; Ted Lowley, alternate member for Lakes district; Executive Committee member Forrest Walkem, representing Thompson-Nicola. George's alternate is Simon Lucas; Harry's is John Badine. The regular member for Lakes is Ron Seymour. Ted takes over position formerly held by Margaret Patrick, now manager of the Lake Babine Band.
Chiefs conference site is Williams Lake
VANCOUVER (Staff) — The Chiefs Council has agreed to hold the UBCIC 6th annual conference in Williams Lake in April, 1974.
The 6th conference will be the first to be held in April following the amendment of the Union constitution moving it from November of each year.
The motion to extend the executive committee members' tenure another year was carried, but another, also moved by Bill Wilson, toward a study by a consultant to make the executive committee "a workable system" was defeated.
The present members of the committee are Victor Adolph, Forrest Walkem, and Heber Maitland.
COUNCIL COMMITTEES
For the first time also the executive committee chairman, Adolph, presided over the Council meeting.
Council also organized several committees and two special committees: on food fishing and on matters relating to Minister Norman Levi's portfolio on Indian affairs. (See other story in this issue.)
The Council committees struck are: Personnel — Stan Stump, Victor Adolph, Forrest Walkem. Special ARDA George Watts, Don Moses. Finance — Bill Mussell, Bill Wilson, Ben Robin-son, and the UBCIC accountant. Grants-to-Band — Cecil Reid, Adam Eneas, Philip Joe.
NEW COUNCILLORS
The present Council includes five new members: Bill Mussell of Chilliwack, member for East Fraser district; Bill Wilson of Vancouver, member for the Kwawkewlth district; Archie Charles of Agassiz, alternate for East Fraser; Bob Joseph, alternate for Kwawkewlth; Ted Lowley, alternate for the Lakes district; and Reynold Russ of Masset, alternate for the North Coast district.
COUNCILLORS & ALTERNATES
Other Council members are: Fort St. John district: Harry Dickie; alternate, John Badine. North Coast: Tom Greene. Williams Lake: Stanley Stump; alternate, Eric Gilbert. West Coast: George Watts; alternate, Simon Lucas. Bella Coola: Cecil Reid; alternate, Ivan Tallio.
Lakes: Ron Seymour. Kootenay-Okanagan: Adam Eneas; alternate, Wilfred Teneese. Thompson: Forrest Walkem; alternate, Gus Gottfriedson. Babine: Howard Wale; alternate, Joe Daniels. West Fraser: Delbert Guerin; alternate, Philip Joe. South Island: Philip Paul; alternate, Tom Sampson. Terrace: Heber Maitland; alternate, Bill McKay. Lillooet-Lytton: Victor Adolph; alternate, Wes Williams.
Marchand re-appointed
OTTAWA — Len Marchard (L-Kamloops/Cariboo) has been reappointed parliamentary secretary for Indian affairs.
The announcement of the reappointment along with 15 others and, the appointment of one new secretary were announced recently in the Commons by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
Parliamentary secretaries can represent cabinet ministers inside or outside the Commons.
The position often serves as training for new MPs who may be thought of as a possible cabinet member.
A parliamentary secretary earns $26,000 annually, has $8,000 in expenses.
The position also carries a $4,000-increase in annual salary.
Mission centre winners
MISSION — Winners of the raffle draw during the Christmas party at the Indian friendship centre here has been announced, and the first prize of $50 was won by three-and-a-half-year-old Joan Diablo.
Jack Jones won the second prize of $30 and Robert Cantryn of Burnaby won the third prize of $20.
The party was considered a success. All the Indian and non-Indian children received gifts and candy.
Paul Stanley, featured in the movie I Heard the Owl Call My Name, told an Indian legend.
Other entertainment included a film and carol singing.
The board and staff of the centre has expressed thanks to the many stores, organizations, and people who helped.
Study needs more time
(From Page 1)
entered into a 99-year lease with a sawmill company in 1903, but never gave up possession.
A meeting with Human Resources Minister Norman Levi, who has been assigned matters on Indian affairs of the province, and Highways Minister Graham Lea appeared unsatisfactory to the Osoyoos Band.
Chief Mathias of Squamish said that his band-demonstrated also in support of the Osoyoos claims.
REPEATED REQUESTS
The UBCIC resolution said that the provincial government "has failed to agree to carry` out negotiations" although certain bands have repeatedly asked for negotiations between the bands and the federal and provincial governments.
"It's a very clear situation; the federal government has agreed these lands should be returned, and what we're suggesting now to the provincial government is that they begin negotiations with the bands that had their reserve size cut," said the chiefs' land claims research director.
A member of the UBCIC executive committee, Heber Maitland, cited an extreme case of a reserve being "entirely eliminated".
The reserve was a 4,000-acre area in Soda Creek. Band members had to move to another reserve, near Anahim, said Maitland.
Another executive committee member, Forrest Walkem, noted that the bands are not trying to get back land already developed but are willing to negotiate for parts of nearby lands or the value of what was taken.
Friendship is alive and doing 24 hours at Vancouver centre
VANCOUVER (Staff) — The executive director of the Vancouver Indian Friendship Centre, Marjorie Cantryn, emphasized that the centre is open 24 hours a day and buzzing with programs.
Mrs. Cantryn, interviewed about complaints (see. Letters-to-the-Editor column in this issue), said that the centre has not received the letter and had only heard of it from another friendship centre.
"This person must be in the friendship centre movement, but the letter certainly is not very friendly," said the centre's executive officer. "I doubt that this person ever comes to the centre. I've been here several evenings and there are a lot of activities going on."
The centre's program director, Tom Jack, was asked by Mrs. Cantryn to come to the interview to explain the incident about the judo-karate class cancellation.
FACILITY IN JANUARY
Jack said that it begun with the understanding that Ernie Dawson and Jerry Bill would work out for about an hour.
"Then they started to extend the period, and then all sorts of people were coming in and thus also using more space than was allowed for just two persons," said Jack.
The program director then asked Dawson to hold off until January so that the judo. class program could be -scheduled and given a slot among the other programs of the centre.
When someone else asked about the judo class, Jack said that he gave the explanation that had been given to Dawson.
Jack said that at present the centre has no space or facility for judo lessons, and he has asked the University of British Columbia for some mats.
Mrs. Cantryn noted that she also had spoken to Dawson, and told him that a judo program was welcome but it has to be worked in among the other programs of-the centre.
TALENT-SHARING WELCOME
"In fact, we are happy to have people share their talent with others," said Mrs. Cantryn.
Regarding advertising centre activities, Jack said that leaflets are distributed to districts and councillors. Mrs. Cantryn added that a program brochure has been distributed to other friendship centres. Some 2,500 copies were printed and the centre has run out of copies.
It was noted that advertising also depended on the availability of funds.
Mrs. Cantryn said the criticisms are welcome, but that the people also have a role in the programs at the centre along with its personnel.
A BUSY CENTRE
When Nesika visited the centre for the interview with Mrs. Cantryn, it was noted that the architecture of the building is somewhat unique, if not what might be called forbidding. For this reason, however, it would be memorable rather than "forgot-ten."
Inside the centre, the postings on the wall showed a varied range of activities. Various persons were also observed rather busy at work or seemingly engaged in some program.
As to the attitude of personnel, the receptionist — who should not be` held as representing the entire personnel, perhaps — may not have jumped up to meet the Nesika staff member, but then, at the time, she was busy typing. If she smiles sometimes at visitors, there was this day and time she didn't.
Mrs. Cantryn and Tom Jack, the program director, however, were most pleasant, and we take it from them that friendship is indeed the official policy of the centre.
Youth coordinator fired by DIA
OTTAWA — The coordinator of the youth resources program of the Indian affairs department, Danny Goodleaf, says he will go to court over his firing.
The department ordered Goodleaf to resign or be fired due to alleged " misuse of program funds.
In a reported interview Goodleaf, who is from Caughnawaga reserve, said the firing was an attempt to cancel the program.
The youth resources branch was established last year and has been the subject of controversy between John Ciaccia, then assistant deputy minister for Indian affairs, and allegedly some department .officials, as well as between the department and some Indian leaders.
The establishment of the program was, in fact, one of the reasons for the "sit-in" staged in September, 1973, by the Native Youth Association headed by Arthur Manuel.
Manuel had been reported to have commented on the program as having the effect of alienating certain young Indians with high government salaries from young Indians living on reserves.
Ciaccia was accused by some Indian leaders, allegedly, of setting up the program without consulting Indian people.
The then assistant deputy minister, now a Quebec MLA and negotiator for Premier Bourassa for the James Bay project, had reacted sharply at what he called "Indian politicians" and at critical department employees who simply hate Indians.
The program itself was supposedly set up to "assist Indian youth on reserves.
The department's case against Goodleaf involves his giving two airplane tickets worth $360 to NYA President Manuel. Goodleaf admits doing so.
He said he bought the tickets for two field workers to go to Regina, but, when the workers changed their minds, he turned over the tickets to the youth association, which happened to have had some business there.
Goodleaf asked, "If I can't help an elected person like Manuel, who can I help?"
Commenting on Goodleaf's charge that the firing was another way of the department's attempts to cancel the program, the official responsible for the program said: "I don't care who. it is, whether Indian or anyone else; if they misuse funds, they will be fired."
The official, R.M. Connelly, denied any attempt to cancel the program.
Besides losing his post, Goodleaf has also been ordered to repay the cost of the plane tickets.
"It isn't the job, it is the insinuation that I am guilty of fraud and to show that the department can't push Indians around," said Goodleaf as he vowed to fight.
As a contract employee, not a regular civil servant, Goodleaf cannot appeal to the public service appeals board.
Tangling with Assistant Deputy Minister Peter Lesaux, on a television debate, however, Goodleaf did not come off too well, according to a report, and "Lesaux came on top."
EDITORIAL REPRINT
Profit before human existence
Pacific Tribune, Vancouver January 4, 1974
The Supreme Court of Canada has come down on the side of the developers and the Quebec Liberal' Government in the dispute over the James Bay hydro-electric project.
Whatever the legal terms used to excuse such behavior, anyone can see that the land damage is still being committed; and long months of study show that this is destroying the basis of life of some 6,000 Indians and Innuit.
Granting that Canadian laws were never designed to serve the interests of the Native peoples, Canadians as a whole cannot accept, at this stage of human development, a decision so. brazenly putting profit before human existence.
Planned development for the benefit of this and future generations is welcome — by the Native population too. But the indecent haste to accomplish the fact at the cost of thousands of ruined lives (not to mention disregard for the ecology) before the public is fully aware of the dangers, is a cruel use of ruling class courts to trample, not defend, human rights.
In November Justice Albert Malouf in Quebec Superior Court, after long months of study and hearings, granted a temporary stop-work injunction to allow evaluation of the irreparable damage being done.
The Quebec Appeal Court (to hear an Indian group's appeal in March or April) has agreed to let the work go on; and in this now has the support of the Supreme Court of Canada.
Indian Affairs Minister Jean Chretien, representing the white ruling class, talks of a "just and reasonable" settlement for the Native peoples, but, while he talks, unalterable changes are being gouged into the lands and water-ways, spelling disaster for the population of the area.
This use of "justice" to wreak injustice must be brought to a halt by an even higher court, the people of Canada, who, through their working-class and democratic organizations must exert tremendous pressure, if this miscarriage of justice is to be reversed.
Friendship centre in a sorry state
c/o 7552 Dunsmuir St.
Mission City, B.C.
December 3, 1973
Dear Editor:
I am writing this letter in hopes that it will convey to some of the readers of this well known newspaper, but especially to Native Indian brothers and sisters, of the "state of affairs" at the Vancouver Indian Centre on 1855 Vine Street.
Hopefully, some of the interested and concerned people will at least look into the situation, much less do something about it. But that remains to be seen as we do not know how many of our people are interested in what happens in, about, and around Native friend-ship centres whose basic aims are to work with Indian people.
It seems that the centre is just a building, sitting there on 1855 Vine Street, looking very forlorn and forgotten. The fact is that there is no activity. It also seems that the people who run the place, do so on their own, with no consultation with the people whom the centre is there for.
When our people do find out about this and that, or have some suggestions of their own to be made, there is no one there to listen to them. Why?
JUDO CLASS CANCELLED
One incident was brought to the attention of many of our brothers and sisters. There was a judo-karate-defense course happening at the centre a few weeks back. Now, we all know that this is a pretty good course to endeavor upon one's self, especially since the brother who taught .was quite an expert and a good instructor. Also, the course was free!
There was a good turnout of those who wanted to train. Unfortunately, the "Executive Director" (or whatever her position is) sent another brother along to tell the instructor that there were to be no more classes. No reason was given.
There are many of us who feel, during the past year or few, that the centre is not running to full capacity as we think it should. Now, there must be a reason for this. Maybe the centre is doing Well, but we never know anything of what's happening. So, what are. we supposed to do or think about it?
I suppose that the centre does work with our people, but in-directly. Or, it only deals with our people individually. By saying this, I mean that it probably does help our people out with such things as social welfare, legal aid, etc. This is good. But we feel that, being a Native friendship centre, it should be open to anything that any of our people want to put to work.
STAFF'S ATTITUDE
It hardly seems open to those of us who wish to do things, like having judo lessons, for instance. We need to feel that the centre is open to us as a whole, and to anyone at all; not just to those who
( See VISITORS: Page 9 )
What's luxury
January 10, 1974
Dear Editor:
Re: Jack Maley's letter
Jack Maley, what do you think you are? You think it's all right for your people to call us down anytime they want, but let somebody like Ben Abel stand up and fight for what is ours and you get so heated up, you can't even think straight.
First you say you think so low of our Reserves, you wouldn't want to live on them; then you turn around and put us down for not letting your families live there.
You sound bitter because you lost out of the only thing your people didn't cheat us out of yet. Poor, as you say, our Reserves are, you still want to get your hands on them.
Toilets! I got a kick out of how much you think of your flush toilets. It makes no difference where you go, it still comes out the same, but the outhouse is cleaner and better. Your toilets are set up in the house, sometimes right next to the kitchen, stinking up the whole house. Outside, open ditches of filth being pumped into the sea. That's air and sea pollution for you! Is that what you call luxury?
You know something, Jack? You're so hung up on your "great state of luxury" even if you won
( See IT'S NOT: Page 9 )
CORRECTIONS
We apologize for the more-than-usual number of errors in the November-December, 1973, issue and, particularly, for the following:
1. The inadvertent omission of the author's name for the guest editorial — Natural Resources, Public Support Important — by Mr. Alfred Recalma of Qualicum Beach, B.C.
2. The man identified as Chris Cook, Jr. of the Native Brotherhood of B.C. is in fact Bill Cook.
— Acting Editor
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
It's not the end of the world
Dear Editor:
A letter from Jack Maley appeared in the November-December, 1973, issue of Nesika. The letter said that the reserves are not supporting people well.
Mr. Maley, it's a shame if I had to hold your hand, since you're capable of taking care of yourself. You make me sound like I don't even exist. You call yourself people. I am people as much as you will ever be.
Mr. Maley, when I speak out on the Indian Act, you came out tripping all over yourself, and calling me down, like I pulled the world from under your feet. I only follow the Indian Act, Mr. Maley. Don't call me down.
And straighten up there, it's not the end of the world. I never said you can't stay on a reserve. I only meant to say that non-status people do not own lands and funds.
And another thing, Mr. Maley, I have electricity, bathrooms, and a living room. And on top of that, I'm a poetry champ. Want to take me on a contest? And for another, I'm not old.
And for good measurement, I have a lot of friends that are white.
Mr. Maley, don't go tripping all over yourself and getting yourself hurt.
Patience, Mr. Maley, patience. Don't wear yourself down and hit me below the belt. It's not very nice of you to talk to me like that.
So come on there, let's be friends. Don't take me the wrong way. I have nothing against non-status people. We only have rules, Mr. Maley. So think before you speak.
Ben Abel
Indian Reserve No. 9
Westbank, B.C.
A safe place, among one's own
January 7, 1974
Dear Editor:
Re: Shirley Adams' letter of November 20, 1973
Sorry, but Shirley missed my point completely. I wasn't trying to establish whether or not a marriage of an Indian woman and a white man could work out. Also, I was speaking in general terms to get a point across. I did not say ALL women are losers. I know that some of these marriages can work; any marriage can, if the people involved are willing to work at it. I, too, can name some people who have succeeded in marriage without any grudges.
If there were more people who could see beyond the color of skin, we'd have it made, but life doesn't alway
