Open letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, MP Ryan Leef, and Yukon MLAs:
I would like to begin with the statement, “It’s not your fault Mr. Harper, or the fault of your political associates, you did not know time has past. First Nations of Canada know our role in this current time to help create the future of our communities, and the environment we all live in. We are the seventh generation.”
I may have sounded assertive in that statement, however First Nations are ready to choose the path Canada is to follow in the development of this country. To state “Canada’s goals cannot be in isolation as you see them,” is an understatement considering Bill C-45.
First Nations did not stop adapting in times of great change. We did not stop our sacred ceremonies, songs, and dances. We did not stop believing in our communities of courage, strength, honour, respect, love, and humility.
We did not stop believing in stories our great ancestors shared with us, to remind how we can move forward in a good way. We did not change our priorities of health and wellness of our communities on this good road we call life.
We did not stop helping people based on the colour of their skin nor where they are born. What we didn’t do? We didn’t try to help you understand what long term is, because that is what are our relationship hinges on.
The big picture is not yet born, Mr. Harper. It will be created and given life in our children’s children. It is our purpose as the first people of this land, to ensure our unborn children of the future be able to drink clean water, eat healthy food, to know who they are, proud of where they come from and to have a good life.
A decision must be made on your part, Mr. Harper, a decision to make that will separate us as communities across this great nation, or bring us together. As nations, to a nation, we will honour you and respect you if we are respected and honoured like-wise. We will stand our ground and develop this great country we call Canada, based on our new relationship and voice. To build on our relationship, we need to identify how we can share goals for the betterment of Canada and First Nations people. Goals of what we want now, to the future.
Keeping in mind our children, our identity, the land and water which provides so much for us in return. Goals towards mending dominance and control over one-another, goals towards realizing and enacting the self-determination our communities are working towards. Goals of respectful leadership, which leads Canada with honesty, peace, dignity, healing and deep recognition to Mother Earth for our global relations to learn from, and follow.
It will be work, yes. However, I want this beautiful Earth and its people to be here for a long time, not a short time.
Sean Drury Smith
Whitehorse