An old article

This is a old article I dug up, it is not related to my former article. IT was written in 2005 and is still relevant today.


Native Voice

What made me question our (Native)voice was when I tried entering a native
site, redwiremag.com/
What happened was, that a message popped up and said this site had
questionable material. I read articles here before and it seemed your usual
conventional blab of how it was for natives. How could this site have
questionable material? But isn't that how the government treated
natives for years, denied them a voice; and censored them.

However, after writing all that in my last post, you may ask, is
there any just elaborations necessary. Clearly if we are concerned
for people and we love our country, I believe that it is not only
necessary, it is imperative.

Going beyond the usual partisan politics of where only one side is
presented, and being too judgemental, I think we do need some balance
with the last post.

I think it is not fair not to recognize all that is happening with
natives today. Today we have many more programs initiated by the
government. And we have a Governor General who identifies with those
in our circumstance. Therefore due respect must be given to our
government's efforts and initiatives.

But if people are to examine or consider the native plight they must
clearly note the frustration of living in circumstances mentioned
previously and most of all being unable to have a voice, which sadly
has gone on for years.

Therefore it is not good to just adhere to one view, nor is it good
to be too judgmental when it comes to how things are for native
people. Being judgemental is being absolute. Many people are offended
at native people and their struggles, they feel they should pull
themselves up. They continuely feel we are a drain, it all sounds
true but little effort is made to know natives and their true
circumstances.

One person, even went as far as saying we had a perpetual-victim
syndrom. But I believe if that person knew the real circumstances of
natives, he would never be quick to say such a thing, nor would he ever be justified.

Thus, we shall always be opposed, by some people, and no amount of
debate will convince them otherwise.

Regardless of where you position yourself, we have to consider all
sides, all views and opinions.

Our youth, must have a rounded and whole interpretation of where we
are. It is not good to get them into partisan politics, nor is it
good to have them end up thinking that Canada must be judged for how it often
deals with Native people. Clearly Canada must be big enough: At least just enough to deal with our true reality.

CMax

The Great White North

Being a Native blogger is pretty tricky, you have the controversial things, like racism, good old politics, other social issues. Audiences can vary, but it is trying to get your thoughts down no matter how unrefined they are.
Historically, native people had a pretty good system of governance; their small communities were quite suited for that direct democracy if anything. So unique was it (Democracy by Natives) that it was studied by the new-comers. It is hard to even think that native people were the savages of days gone past, they certainly possessed rational logistic ways, things such as dealing with an issue was a long drawn out affair, they were so deliberative. It may have taken days and days, weeks, even months. Yet sadly some of our precious treaties were completed in a day. We are all treaty people, (that is old news to some) because this country was made on them.
Any government needs a land base and resources to develop, people need to take the helm; to be noless autonomous over their own affairs. Why our people are so controlled, in this day and age, by the Indian Act, and even why they have no resources and land base, is also so unacceptable. Yet even though this is so true, it continues on, with no remission in sight. Paternalism though a very shallow excuse to control the native circumstance has done more harm to the impoverished than any other thing. Even though we are a federal responsibility, and the government had jurisdiction over Indians and reserves, it, this system is a far cry from "good governance." How long will the truth and the responsibility of the government be dealt with more appropriately? Is it ever going to take place? It is one thing playing political games (bureaucracy) with the well off yet it is another thing playing with the lives of the most disadvantaged! We have heard of paternalism, and even know that domination is the essence of colonialism, so when are we going to move into the new era of citizenship that will lift up the lost Canadians? The rabble is being stirred, and it is not about vengeance but about seeing justice reigning supremely. That once again, the political authority of days gone past will come to roost and the last great warriors of the plains will mount up and battle the beasts. Truth will be heard, the days of ignorance are coming to an end. If all men are born free and it is their right to be autonomous then why, why I ask, are the most disadvantaged left to struggle in a time and land that is beheld in high esteem? If we are to be that esteemed country, then let us give those in need the rights they need to prosper.

Because of His love - Paul Balouche

Another good day on the horizon, bless God!

God is so faithful, always there despite, how can we not be honest with him. He is so worthy of our praises, such a small thing compared to who he is. Have a good day.

Hillsong - One Way

Its always good getting that focus, this is one of the best songs ever. God Bless!

Segregated communities

So I went on a small trip this weekend back to my First Nation, and I did some visiting, encouraging, a little bit of politiking. Yet if that did not fill my weekend, it ended off where I actually ran into some conventional attitudes. It is funny how segregated communities are the worst for initiating bias. And of course segregating has a way of producing a pathology that is nothing more than anti-social behavior. Of course it is one thing to to live in a community that has great initiatives for intercultural relationships, but yet it is still part and parcel to our province that other communities particularily here in Saskatchewan are just backwards when it comes to other people. How is that a person can go into a community, and feel that they do not belong, especially in a public place. It seems to me it is all related to cultural learning, at that: and that even though racism is wrong it certainly has its places where it is still predominant. This is 2008 and you would think this segregating would have outgrown its pervasiveness.
Egad! I mean it is not those who are forced into segregation, that are socially problematic but it is people who feel they have to live away from anybody that is different. I sure hope people will not put their head in the sand, and will hear that their way is indeed, itself problematic. Thank goodness we have become more civilized, and can actually bring peace and understanding to places that need to know there is a world beyond our own segregated communities. I would rather see people that know how to interact with others running our country, rather than people who have a closet full of questionable cultural hang-ups. We can never change those differences but we can certainly interact despite how others act.

Speaking of Rocks

It is so strange, when I first heard this group, I was thinking they were a little too rocky (as in Rock style) for me, I guess I had my reservation (that's a Native joke). Anyways, I thought I would just move on, I sure liked the music and all: Then it so happened I read this scripture, that said, "He who brings an offering of praise and thankgiving honors and glorifies me." I was thinking that this was only a thought deep within me, and here God answered me. Today, its all about praising God and focusing on him; "If I be lifted up.....
God bless, agin.

Lucky Man, just plain lucky

We have to the most blessed on the earth. We have been taught to praise, and not only that but God gives us his word. Ecclesiastes says, "Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better and gains gladness." There is a gain in sadness, and it is to know joy and happiness, to receive oil instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a heavy, burdened and failing spirit." Bless God and Glory to his name! It seems that those who possess a little wisdom have many burdens, but praise God he carries our burdens. May God bless you this day.

Me - as the world sees me

 

This is actually the only picture of myself that I have ever put on the net. I hope to string together some videos, and put them up. I usually stick them on youtube or put them here. As a side note, the Traditional Knowledge Keepers video, was something I put together a while back, the sad thing is it never got finished or published properly it ran into Politics. It made it to Geneva, if there was a concession. Anyways, hope all is well.

throwing stones again

It is good to see Christians doing their thing. Personally, my interests vary, and I guess to me #1 is sometimes my people and their plight. But I must say at least many of my beloved are doing good for themselves, which is a good thing, considering where they have been placed in our Canadian society. Yet their life has not been unnoticed, and justice is being meted out today. I know in terms of Christian ethics, Shane does not epitomize an upright way, but to me it is about giving a plug to a fellow Native, and for that matter I sure hope I can reach more of my people with my writing. The reason being that we might be on the same page, and that our life will not be so diminished in importance. The strongest witness is to walk in righteousness, to live a life of praise, and to submit ourselves under God’s mighty hand. I strongly think that Christians do have a place in this world, at least temporarily. Again back to my Shane video, maybe it is about praying for those whom we think needs our prayers. Of course that is pretty redundant because we all need prayers. Sorry if it is offensive to you, but I have my reasons. It’s strange but I was just reading some posts on a Christian awards video, and some people made disparaging remarks about one Christian lady singer, yet others gave her the benefit of the doubt regarding her life. So to me opinions are good but it is still your opinion. I for one will not turn my face from anyone just because they may not have a life that does not match up to my standards. For one thing my people are and have often been seen as the most dispossessed in society. To me I will never turn from the sinner. I guess this is my Christian view, at least for now, I just thought I would share that.
Take care

God of Wonders - Chris Tomlin

After checking that post on one of the blogger's site, I just wanted to put this song on my blog. It's a awesome song. Enjoy

The Blood - Matt Redman

This is an excellent tune, one that gets you going. God is awesome, worthy of all our praise. God Bless!

Don’t Throw Stones

"Failures are the stepping stones to great things." If that is the case, our people are just about to reach a pinnacle. It is certainly a positive thing to go beyond our failures, rather than deter us we should reach the new heights that are before us. I am so proud, everytime our people do well. It is always a positive thing to know that we have crawled out of our pits: and into the limelight. Yet things like racism have a way of getting under your skin, it certainly does not pull out the best in us. But hey it's a feather in our cap when we do go beyond those things and moreover be that positive influence to those around us. Maybe we just need to be told that constantly, and hey, let's just not throw (those)stones, anymore.

Shane Yellow Bird

Recent Things

Greetings

So I went of on a tangent, on the last post. Some things needed to said, but it certainly is not my ususal demeanor. Though I do hold strongly to things that I firmly believe in. Regardless, so much can be said about racism and I'm sure there is no lack of high emotions that can surface. I appologize that I can rant when it comes to things like that. I must say that of all countries Canada has to be one of best places to live. Mind you, that will never negate the subversive and often residual effects of past indiscretions.

On a lighter note my son is going to be in a movie that airs this sunday (March. 2nd/2008); CBC will be carrying it, it is entitled, "Englishman's Boy." He does not think much of it , but I think its great. Anyways, native people are becoming more active in promoting themselves, and that in it self takes out some of those ill-begotten feelings that have moreover stemmed from things like racism.

Be sure to check out the preview on youtube, type in Englishman's Boy:

Regarding the video

It starts off with anger, how can sane people openly disrespect other people; And moreover go public: is that stupidity or just plain arrogance in a liberal society filled with rights? People of oppression deserve better treatment. Think people, its actions like this that make racist programs justifiable. Only white privilage can postualte itself to do such things and then further turn around and defend such things, proposterous. When (the oppressed) people react with frustration, you have other people calling them racist. Native oppression will never be the same as White oppression, too bad equallity is cheapened by trying to equate the both of them. Racism is essentially oppression, there is no other way of understanding it. People can say things, but if they have the power to oppress, than their words are more damaging, that is racism 101.

Racism

Traditional Knowledge Keeper

"R" is for Racism

From what I have come to understand, racism is more often a deliberate act. Particularly, in a society that has constructed various systems that enhance and promote racism, there actually exists a consciousness that knows that such a system is advantageous for some while all the while pulling down others. It is the subversive status quo, which lingers and lives by the power of the people. Men have always constructed advantages for themselves, but it is exploiting other people that has done the most damage. To first exploit people they have to be placed in an disadvantageous position. There are two things that can justify certain (racial) things, one is to get lots of people doing what you are doing, the other is to make it a part of life, a cultural act if you will. At this point we can certainly say advantage and culture can go hand in hand. What exactly makes people prejudice of others, it seems to be distinctions, even though they are part and parcel to life, nevertheless they are often used to divide people: sadly in a capitalist society, the next thing would be to put the groups into a system of hierarchy. In other words, the group that is considered better is then placed over others: moreover, it would certainly be easier if one group is placed in the most negative/disadvantageous position: furthermore based on a constructed hierarchy it then becomes a construct to distribute various things via the lest to best. You would think in a democratic society, people would be allowed to develop and then compete equally. However after trying to implement such an democratic ideal, unfortunately you realize that there are lots of constructed things that give certain people advantages.
This brings me to oppression, there are many systems that give others advantages over others, life has no shortage of constructed systems which can oppress. However we can say, if I had a system that gave me an advantage, I would more than likely be willing to keep it in place. Many have did just that, moreover, by keeping such system in place sadly it usually comes about by whatever means possible. It becomes very contentious issue as some try to keep the constructed status quo. If I recognize that the system is oppressively based, I for one thing can exploit the oppressed within that very system. Justice is then denied. People are pretty deliberate when acting to oppress others, especially if such a system is readily available to them: the other thing is it becomes entrenched in an acceptable system. Thus it becomes almost justifiable, based on tradition, culture or whatever you may have.
There are two examples of racism being a constructed thing. I have had children grow up, and they grew up pretty normal. They interacted with various people, however later on, it becomes obvious that as soon as the kids realized that they lived in a racial society, they took on different identities.
Then there are public schools verses community schools. In a public school, that specifically caters to a segregated community, which moreover is often predominately white, the lines become pretty obvious. It seems people make a choice to be openly segregated, and they draw lines based on obvious distinctions. Whereas in a community school where there is a mixture of people, the lines of distinction are not as obvious: probably because the later school practices the ethics of multiculturalism. It is here that the obvious can be said, that race and racism are a deliberate construct. Moreover the opposite can also be said to be true where race can play a very insignificant part in a school system. If this is all true, than the onus is for us to be more responsible, because we can obviously dictate what our society shall become.
Why is racism a problem? It is often guided by hate, it is certainly an oppressive system. No person is immune to the scourges of hate, in fact recognizing oppression is also a burden in itself. We may feel we are strong people, but hate/oppression will sneak in and do damage to our psyche. I for one never felt that racism effected me, but there it was being an oppressor. I relished the time when people could identify with my oppression. Men can oppress women, though unknowingly, however like any oppression people need to be educated. Certainly it is the truth that sets you free, but how do we end up being so entangled? When we use oppression to launch our own frustration and hate.
There comes a time when it becomes so burdensome, so tiring and we must ask is there any hope for new things? As I spoke of my oppression, it was like submitting to the pain that I carried, and by telling someone who came from the oppressors it seemed to be so liberating. I thought that people’s ignorance made them so guilty, that they were part of the oppressors. Then I realized, not all people understand and this allows them to be excused. In fact, they actually wanted to learn and listen, it certainly takes special people to go beyond themselves, but that is precisely what we need. We need great individuals to rise above the majority, to face oppression in its face. If we can help any oppressed person then we are certainly good stewards of each other’s well-being. Today I realize I can not take up the same fight, and that my own heart is more important. That my feelings, must be kept in check. If we give in and fight, the oppressor gets an advantage. There are lots of oppressed people out there, but for one thing we need them to be in control of their emotions. Certainly every smoldering flame of anger, lights the fire of hate. Love is the only answer, because it is the water that cools the soul.

See Video for racism in action......

Steps in the right direction

Along with this respect, we need a little self-control and forgiveness. Forgiveness, in that no matter where we come from and regardless of our background we sill have to consider forgiveness. How we have been wronged should not dictate our solutions. Being resentful and angry hinders our redress. I really think our plight is sinking in, and the onus is on action and self-control: The latter being the Native position/perspective. Action has to take place, forgive me for being persistant, but indifferance up till now has been conventional. Today it is about people not wanting to touch the"Indian problem" for fear of losing votes. Moreover, when it comes to concerns it will always be about what-concerns-me, in that case problems outside of your own immediacy will persist. What happened to posterity? Shall we wait till demographics change or will good men and women rise despite the tide? If indifference continues in how we deal with our First Nations, then maybe the answer lies in allowing them some independance. Let's move beyond our own gratification, or utilitarianism, let us have some lasting "happiness," happiness beyond ourselves.

Just a few things to ponder.