We need to listen with respect
The Wet’suwet’en requests are reasonable, and I am encouraged that the Justin Trudeau government will continue forward.
One of the hardest things we can ever do, and the greatest act of respect, is to put aside our own agendas and really listen to another person.
That’s why monologues are never quite as satisfying as real-life dialogues, when the mutual exchange of feelings and perspectives can deepen, heal, and cement the bonds of friendship, partnerships, and familial relationships.
So while some may be tempted to redirect conversations that make us nervous, we know what we must ultimately do — put down the megaphone, toss out the script, take a deep breath, and say, “yes, we are listening.” And we mean it.
As non-Indigenous people, we can learn much from First Nations — all it requires is to extend respect to them, close our mouths, open our ears, minds and hearts.
Indigenous Peoples and their cultures are a constant source of pride for me, as I view them as integral to my Canadian identity.
William Perry
Victoria
Environmentalists jump exploit the issue
Reconciliation implies policies to overcome the past harm done to our Aboriginal communities.
I am sure, like any other community, there is a diversity of opinions in native communities.
Imposing environmentalists’ own agenda and aligning themselves with one view in these communities is a form of exploitation as well.
Do we know the majority view in Aboriginal communities? Maybe they want peace and stability and economic opportunities. Elected council members in the Wet’suwet’en Nation certainly want that.
In the meantime, outside forces and a few vocal people who jump on any opportunity to disrupt and cause harm to the community at large, native and non-native, take over.
They don’t care if it sets reconciliation further back.
I wonder about the result of a referendum in all native communities about this issue.
Clean environment is a commendable cause and has to be achieved through long range policies like the Paris accord, not on the back of native communities.
Surinder Kumar
Victoria
No need to apologize for democracy
Canadians owe no apology to the Wet’suwet’en for introducing democracy to them. It is true that hundreds of years ago they weren’t familiar with the concept, but neither were we.
We must hold our talks with their democratically elected leaders. As for the “hereditary chiefs,” we must at least determine their legitimacy within the Wet’suwet’en system of government. This might not have been done.
Mike Wetherley
Saanich
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