Give them the money

Re: A ‘ Renewal’ Of Ties With First Nations, John Ivison, Dec. 9.

Artificial financial support often has a weakening effect on people, so I agree with John Ivison on limiting the billions of dollars sent by Ottawa to the First Nations’ bands, although probably for a different reason.

However, First Nations’ veto rights over development of natural resources are exactly what is called for to remedy some the injustices in Canada. It is, after all, their land.

Also, the indigenous people seem to have a better sense of conservation than the more rapacious European colonizers. The money delivered to the bands should come with no strings attached, avoiding the paternalistic subjugation seen in the past.

Don Buker, Rosedale, B. C.