Most First Nation bands doing their best under poor system

Re: Idle no more protests choose the wrong targets, Opinion, Jan 5

Mark Milke believes that the Idle No More movement misses the mark on important issues.

In regards to Bill C- 45 Mr. Milke is correct to assert that leasing lands is common. Chief Clarence Louie of Osoyoos often describes leasing as the band’s “bread and butter.”

On some reserves, like the Westbank, non- natives outnumber natives. But new legislation removes the “double majority” voting rule, making it easier for non- natives to control land that is intended for the benefit of aboriginals.

Moreover, Bill C- 45 also removes environmental protection from millions of rivers and lakes, with the potential of harming not only the health of many people, but of fish and animals.

Mr. Milke is wrong to claim that natives receive an unwarranted amount of health coverage not available to other Canadians. Drug, dental, and vision care come under the purview of negotiated agreements, notably Treaty 6, signed between the Crown and First Nations in 1876.

That treaty contains both a medicine chest and famine clause, in addition to an education component.

In regards to governance, it has been fashionable to dismiss First Nation bands as inept. Yet most chiefs and councillors are diligent and earn a reasonable salary.

They are faced with a myriad of duties, from providing health and social services, education, housing, economic development, maintaining infrastructure such as roads and water, and community and cultural facilities.

While reserves are not immune to corruption, most administrators perform to the best of their abilities, under the heavy bureaucratic hand and control of the Indian Act.

Despite difficult circumstances, native peoples, wherever they are, are determined to overcome any challenges. BOB BURGEL Surrey