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Harper remains hopeful for First Nations |
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Written by Richard Amery
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Saturday, 31 January 2009 |
Elijah Harper is primarily known as the man who quashed the Meech Lake Accord in 1990, but he was in Lethbridge to promote friendship and understanding Saturday night at the Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society’s 40th anniversary grand banquet at the El Rancho.
“Not a lot has changed since Meech Lake,” Harper said before the celebration, adding he was going to speak about First Nations issues and concerns. And while he said lots of First Nations still bear the physical, mental and psychological scars of residential schools, there is hope.
“There are a larger number of students getting post-secondary education. That’s a bright spot,” he said, emphasizing education is the key to a successful future. Harper said fostering greater understanding between native and non-native culture is also essential. It can be as simple as events like Saturday, which included dinner and entertainment by several acts including country star Shane Yellowbird, or even going to powwows.
“A lot of white people don’t think they are welcome. But they are welcome. Part of my spirit is to teach and educate,” he continued, adding there should be more education in schools about First Nations culture and history, rather than just a focus on English and French — the two “founding cultures” of Canada.
“We have to counter that western view of things,” he said, adding that approach was a big part of why he brought down the Meech Lake Accord as a Manitoba MLA — because it didn’t include First Nations perspective.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s apology to First Nations for residential schools was a big step, according to Harper, as was the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, although Harper is disappointed it hasn’t begun yet.
“Some people aren’t able to forgive. Each of us has to look at how we deal with these issues,” Harper said of residential schools, adding forgiveness is an important part of moving forward. “But that’s difficult among any group of people.”
“It’s a dark part of Canadian history,” Harper continued, adding he’d like to be remembered as a man who made the world a better place for natives and non-natives alike.
“What we’re doing is healing. We have a lot of things that need to be done. There are lots of obstacles to overcome, but we are strong enough, we are resilient and we have the strength to do it. We are able to do it. There will be painful parts for many people, but we will get through that. We have to succeed. That’s the only option,” he concluded.
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