07) ATTAWAPISKAT: COLONIALISM ON TRIAL

People's Voice Editorial

     The revelations of appalling living standards in the northern Ontario community of Attawapiskat tell us more about the genocidal nature of Canadian racism and colonialism than about any so-called "failures" of aboriginal leaders. For many years, Aboriginal groups have told Canadians about abysmal housing, lack of clean drinking water, high unemployment and poor educational standards on reserves across the country. But instead of taking decisive action to promote Aboriginal living standards and genuine self-government, Canadian politicians have consistently stepped back from doing the right thing. Baby steps towards tackling the needs of First Nations are invariably followed by refusals to live up to treaties and campaign promises. The traditional lands and waters of Aboriginal peoples remain a source of vast wealth for transnational corporations, while the people themselves suffer Third World levels of poverty.

     The racist claim that the Attawapiskat scandal somehow "proves" that Aboriginal peoples are incapable of managing their own affairs is a particularly vile accusation. The Harper Tories immediately called in a third‑party manager to make decisions for the community, for a huge fee, of course. The "manager" was kicked out, but this episode raises a question: how can a government which plans to waste nearly $500 billion on military purchases over the next 20 years accuse an Aboriginal community of misspending and lack of transparency?

     It is not the Aboriginal peoples who drove millions of Canadians into poverty and unemployment, or who sold out Canada's industry and sovereignty for a quick buck. That historic failure was the work of our own ruling class, who have no right to point fingers at anyone, especially the peoples whose lands were stolen to lay the basis for Canadian capitalism. It's long past time to redress the historic injustices imposed on Aboriginal peoples in Canada, starting with decent housing and clean water on reserves across the country.

(The above article is from the January 1-31, 2012, issue of People's Voice, Canada's leading communist newspaper. Articles can be reprinted free if the source is credited. Subscription rates in Canada: $30/year, or $15 low income rate; for U.S. readers - $45 US per year; other overseas readers - $45 US or $50 CDN per year. Send to People's Voice, c/o PV Business Manager, 706 Clark Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L 3J1.)