Missing Aboriginal Women Enquiry?

[Smallc]

Of course it is a problem that the government can solve. This isn't individual on individual crimes. You're as bad as Harper with his ideological war against sociology. As long as people continue to put their heads in the sand and pretend like there's no such thing as structural and systemic problems, nothing will ever get fixed. You want a good explanation of exactly why Harper is a part of the broader problem, read here: http://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2014/08/26/the_ideological_roots_of_stephen_harpers_vendetta_against_sociology.html

There is a systemic problem. Harper is wrong about that. He just can't fix it.

[Smallc]

Sounds like excuse-making to me.

Sounds like the truth unfortunately.

[PIK]

I understand the murder rate has dropped 40% over time, is that not true??

[waldo]

heeeeeeeeeeeey batta, batta, batta, batta, suuwing, batta, suuwing!

I understand the murder rate has dropped 40% over time, is that not true??

whooooosh!

[PIK]

heeeeeeeeeeeey batta, batta, batta, batta, suuwing, batta, suuwing!

whooooosh!

Well waldo is it true?

[scribblet]

Well waldo is it true?

It is true that the actual numbers have declined according to the police report which also points out that there are many murdered aboriginal men.

The police chiefs won't endorse a commission, and surprisingly Walkom of the Star and Simpson of the G & M don't think a commission will be of any use. It's just political posturizing...

Maybe they should dust off the 1996 commission along with Chretien's White Paper of '69, all relevant to the issues today.

Edited August 27, 2014 by scribblet

[cybercoma]

There is a systemic problem. Harper is wrong about that. He just can't fix it.

There have been numerous recommendations made from the past inquiries, the RCMP one being the most recent, and from tons of peer-reviewed research on the topic. He hasn't bothered with any of that. He has a majority government. If he wanted to make changes, he could without anyone getting in the way.

[PIK]

It is true that the actual numbers have declined according to the police report which also points out that there are many murdered aboriginal men.

The police chiefs won't endorse a commission, and surprisingly Walkom of the Star and Simpson of the G & M don't think a commission will be of any use. It's just political posturizing...

Maybe they should dust off the 1996 commission along with Chretien's White Paper of '69, all relevant to the issues today.

Actually twice as many men, but just using women , is only for political BS.

[scribblet]

There have been numerous recommendations made from the past inquiries, the RCMP one being the most recent, and from tons of peer-reviewed research on the topic. He hasn't bothered with any of that. He has a majority government. If he wanted to make changes, he could without anyone getting in the way.

According to Brad Wall there have beeeen 29 studies and reports on aboriginal issues since 1996, do we really need another multi million dollar commission gathering dust. The proposed roundtable discussions seem to be a good idea with all parties at the table. e.g. aboriginals, premiers and the feds.

Edited August 27, 2014 by scribblet

[Argus]

Those are just some of the conclusions. How much progress is the Harper government making on those?

You mean the recommendation was to recognize all the HUNDREDS of little scattered native bands as 'nations', give them autonomy but, of course, continue to pay for everything they do and want while ceding all authority and accountability to the local 'chiefs'.

Not going to happen.

[Argus]

There have been numerous recommendations made from the past inquiries, the RCMP one being the most recent, and from tons of peer-reviewed research on the topic. He hasn't bothered with any of that. He has a majority government. If he wanted to make changes, he could without anyone getting in the way.

Right. Just like if he wanted to establish a new set of standards for native education and was willing to put billions of dollars into it he wouldn't have all these chiefs threatening to blockade roads and bridges and railroad lines or any of that, right?

[GostHacked]

cybercoma has it right.

It's ALL been studies and talk, no action. The disconnect of our government to continually do studies and not even act on them is atrocious. Maybe throw some of them on the reserves. See how that works out.

[cybercoma]

According to Brad Wall there have beeeen 29 studies and reports on aboriginal issues since 1996, do we really need another multi million dollar commission gathering dust. The proposed roundtable discussions seem to be a good idea with all parties at the table. e.g. aboriginals, premiers and the feds.

a discussion? Give me a damn break. That's the only thing worse than an inquiry. The time for discussion and studies is long past.

[Keepitsimple]

We know what the symptoms are - violence, substance abuse, illiteracy, poverty - but how about we all go out on a limb and try to come up with some solutions that break the status quo welfare state?

In a modern age, what motivates Aboriginals to cling to a self-imposed form of apartheid with an archaic reservation system that lost or abandoned its ability/will for self-sustainment (hunting, trapping) decades ago?

Of the over 600 "First Nations" reservation, why are there hundreds that have less than 100 people living on remote reserves?

Why is there no collective sense of pride on behalf of Aboriginals to come together and negotiate a blending of Nations - creating a single entity First Nation with perhaps 25 or 50 Peoples. Create 25 or 50 vast tracts of valuable, economically viable territories that have a proximity to civilization - negotiate with the Feds to receive an annuity for everyone for the lands that are returned to the Government. What an opportunity - the feds can use the savings to invest in housing and education for a period of time, gradually reducing support as economic participation picks up. It wouldn't happen overnight of course - more like a ten year plan of migration.

Enshrine property rights and the pride of ownership that comes with it.

Seems like an impossible task - but the major obstacle seems to be the intransigence of the band/chief system to get beyond the status-quo welware state that exists today.

See if you guys can come up with some solutions - or maybe refine what I've suggested.

Edited August 28, 2014 by Keepitsimple

[cybercoma]

We know what the symptoms are - violence, substance abuse, illiteracy, poverty - but how about we all go out on a limb and try to come up with some solutions that break the status quo welfare state?f

The solutions have been recommended and thoroughly discussed in past inquiries and peer-reviewed articles from the nation's top researchers. It's up to the government to begin implementing them and one of the key issues with fixing the problems is that the solutions can't be piecemeal. You can't address poverty without addressing education. You can't address education without addressing alcoholism. You can't address alcoholism without addressing family violence. There needs to be a comprehensive action plan developed, delivered, and maintained. It's all up to those with the power to do that now. The time for research and investigations is over. It's now time for collaboration and action.

[Topaz]

Can anyone answer the following questions.... are there more FN murders in the West than in the East in Canada and IF so, why? The Tories have said they know why they are being murdered and by whom, then why is it still happening and their throwing money towards the FN is NOT working. I agree, that BOTH the FN and the feds have to work together but I'm also thinking that perhaps the provinces could do a better job of this since Harper doesn't really care.

[cybercoma]

They know why they're being murdered and by whom because they look at them as individual crimes. Linda was murdered by John. Why? HIs motives were explained at trial. What the Tories ignore are the systemic and institutional challenges that make aboriginal first nations' societies more prone to violence, poverty, and alcoholism.

Edited August 28, 2014 by cybercoma

[waldo]

We know what the symptoms are - violence, substance abuse, illiteracy, poverty - but how about we all go out on a limb and try to come up with some solutions that break the status quo welfare state? [waldo: do you understand the difference between a symptom and an underlying cause?]

In a modern age, what motivates Aboriginals to cling to a self-imposed form of apartheid with an archaic reservation system that lost or abandoned its ability/will for self-sustainment (hunting, trapping) decades ago? [waldo: "self-imposed"!!! - see 1876 Indian Act for your missing perspective/understanding... the rest of your comment is self-serving platitude.]

Of the over 600 "First Nations" reservation, why are there hundreds that have less than 100 people living on remote reserves? [waldo: it's over 600 FNs... per StatsCan there are over 3100 reserves... your continued use of the term "reservation" is not a Canadian reference... that's an American term/label.]

Why is there no collective sense of pride on behalf of Aboriginals to come together and negotiate a blending of Nations - creating a single entity First Nation with perhaps 25 or 50 Peoples. Create 25 or 50 vast tracts of valuable, economically viable territories that have a proximity to civilization - negotiate with the Feds to receive an annuity for everyone for the lands that are returned to the Government. What an opportunity - the feds can use the savings to invest in housing and education for a period of time, gradually reducing support as economic participation picks up. It wouldn't happen overnight of course - more like a ten year plan of migration. [waldo: could you be any more naive --- see Assembly of First Nations... and an assortment of other (more regional focused) cross-Canada groups/organizations. As for your "returned to the Government" suggestion, FNs don't "own" the reserve land... it's held in trust by the Crown.]

Enshrine property rights and the pride of ownership that comes with it. [waldo: again, your naivety! It took the SCC to recently rule in favour of British Columbia FN 'land title rights'... the extension of that Canada-wide and the interpretation/acceptance of that in terms of "property rights" will engulf the legal system for the next eons!]

Seems like an impossible task - but the major obstacle seems to be the intransigence of the band/chief system to get beyond the status-quo welware state that exists today. [waldo: really? Here's a dose of waldo learnin for ya: see, for example, the BC Carrier Sekani Nations and their Family Services org/initiative]

Edited August 28, 2014 by waldo

[bush_cheney2004]

They know why they're being murdered and by whom because they look at them as individual crimes. Linda was murdered by John. Why? HIs motives were explained at trial. What the Tories ignore are the systemic and institutional challenges that make aboriginal first nations' societies more prone to violence, poverty, and alcoholism.

Gee, if only the Liberals were running things, then First Nation's issues would not exist. No murders, crime, violence, substance abuse, suicide...none of it. This is Canada, the best country on the planet !

[cybercoma]

Gee, if only the Liberals were running things, then First Nation's issues would not exist. No murders, crime, violence, substance abuse, suicide...none of it. This is Canada, the best country on the planet !

Gee, if only this was a partisan issue, maybe your post would make the tiniest bit of god damned sense. Maybe we should go with the same solution that backwards and barbaric nations like yours did and just murder them all. No more problems. The few that are leftover can operate their own casinos and sell kitsch at tourist traps. Land of the free! Sweet land of liberty!

Edited August 28, 2014 by cybercoma

[bush_cheney2004]

Gee, if only this was a partisan issue, maybe your post would make the tiniest bit of god damned sense. Maybe we should go with the same solution that backwards and barbaric nations like yours did and just murder them all. No more problems. The few that are leftover can operate their own casinos and sell kitsch at tourist traps. Land of the free! Sweet land of liberty!

Please try to stay on topic. Your post specifically invoked "Tories" in a partisan way. We all know just how wonderful a Liberal Canada has been for First Nations experiences in Canada, the best place for conquered and subjugated people anywhere in the whole universe !

[waldo]

Gee, if only this was a partisan issue, maybe your post would make the tiniest bit of god damned sense. Maybe we should go with the same solution that backwards and barbaric nations like yours did and just murder them all. No more problems. The few that are leftover can operate their own casinos and sell kitsch at tourist traps. Land of the free! Sweet land of liberty!

yes - partisanship that focuses on the past won't get anyone, anywhere. The past failures to act cross all party lines... cross the differing ruling parties of the (past) day. However, there is always a ruling party of the day - one that holds current accountability to act... targeting the current government is simply an extension of where 'the will to act... or not' rests today. Of course, the King derailer is sure to attempt to focus on the past simply to sully the real topic... and, of course, to try to appear relevant about a topic he/claimed Americans have no say in.

Edited August 28, 2014 by waldo

[waldo]

Please try to stay on topic. Your post specifically invoked "Tories" in a partisan way. We all know just how wonderful a Liberal Canada has been for First Nations experiences in Canada, the best place for conquered and subjugated people anywhere in the whole universe !

there ya go! The waldo called it!!!

[Keepitsimple]

We know what the symptoms are - violence, substance abuse, illiteracy, poverty - but how about we all go out on a limb and try to come up with some solutions that break the status quo welfare state? [waldo: do you understand the difference between a symptom and an underlying cause?]

In a modern age, what motivates Aboriginals to cling to a self-imposed form of apartheid with an archaic reservation system that lost or abandoned its ability/will for self-sustainment (hunting, trapping) decades ago? [waldo: "self-imposed"!!! - see 1876 Indian Act for your missing perspective/understanding... the rest of your comment is self-serving platitude.]

Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.......

Waldo - your "smartest guy in the room" critique adds nothing and is a prime example of why we have been stuck for an eternity in the current stagnancy. Use that big brain of yours to absorb this: it's frustrating to see the downward spiral of a fractured First Nations population. Given the evolution of a greater vision, First Nations should have a powerful, positive voice within Canada. There is so much potential for these people - but today, they have to live off-reserve to achieve it. But that vision has to involve substantial change. Waldo - try and look 30 years down the road and imagine what COULD be. Tell us what YOU might see if you could "renew" the overall system. I recognize that it's not up to "us" - it's up to First Nations.....but what could you envision:

Do you see these 3100 reserves continuing as-is until some/many of them die off? Attawaspiquat is the poster child for disfunction - do they just continue on until they all die in a flood? You've called my consolidation vision naive. Where does that leave us? Consolidation addresses many issues - larger Aboriginal focused schools and colleges would be viable. They could be the dominant provider of skilled trades in their region - and that in itself could attract business and residential building. So much damn potential.

We - and First Nations - have to stop whining about the suffocating social ills - and have a vision that facilitates economic success - education and jobs - and putting reserves where the economy and jobs are. Substance abuse and violence are prevalent where there are no jobs, no self-esteem, and no hope.

Waldo - I realize your insecurities make you afraid to offer your own ideas - so you simply shoot down, snipe and critique those of other posters. Tell us - what would YOU like to see down the road for our First Nations people? You're not the smartest guy - but you are relatively smart - so what's your vision?

Edited August 28, 2014 by Keepitsimple

[waldo]

Waldo - your "smartest guy in the room" critique adds nothing and is a prime example of why we have been stuck for an eternity in the current stagnancy.

no - it's a prime example that showcases that there was little, if anything, accurate in what you wrote. Yes, I would agree that your mistakes and self-serving commentary is a, as you say, prime example of what you describe.

Waldo - I realize your insecurities make you afraid to offer your own ideas - so you simply shoot down, snipe and critique those of other posters. Tell us - what would YOU like to see down the road for our First Nations people? You're not the smartest guy - but you are relatively smart - so what's your vision?

unlike you, I don't profess to have "the answers"... that's why I'm calling for an updated/current day inquiry where stakeholders and actual experts will work together to bring forward "some degree of consensus" on the underlying causal linkages and required change/improvement. To me, it makes no sense to speak of long dated 1996/1999 inquiries as being defacto reference points to work from. Comments that bemoan the lack of progress... that defer to a "do nothing" sentiment cause it's all been done before, done 'to-death'... those comments are not helpful, are not solution seeking. They're simply bitch/bemoan comments. More pointedly, your favoured Harper Conservative party, won't even recognize the issue beyond stating it's criminal, rather than sociologically based. Maybe I should put your smartest-guy routine on notice and challenge you to account/justify your favoured party's position and Harper's comments in that regard. How about we start there instead of you presuming to call me out, hey!