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THE CLOWN SHOW IS WINDING DOWN. HOW ABOUT WE THINK ABOUT A BIGGER ISSUE: CANADA’S TREATMENT OF FIRST NATIONS by Wayne Johnstone

This nation just went through a Hillbilly Insurrection and yes, folks paid attention. We got to see with our own eyes what this “Freedumb” Fighter, deliberate anti vaxxer cult really is. Basically, an episode of Beavis and Butthead only the white supremacist version, with trucks and a hot tub.

Have we not expended enough energy on this cult of fools?! Yes, I know we have to deal with their temper tantrums. Lord knows the Chinese makers of their flags thought it was the 4th of July in Canada. For all the flag waving over the past three weeks, as a nation, I am ashamed to say… We have yet again all but forgotten about the first Canadians, the First Nations.

Perhaps going forward we need to spare some of that pent up energy in righting the wrongs of all Canadian governments, including the current versions. Off hand can anyone tell me the number of First Nations children’s graves that have been located thus far? Even a guess, say within 20? No? At what point can we start thinking seriously about the longstanding issues of colonialism and move forward with meaningful and real reconciliation? Let’s not all pile on the current federal government. Like all of them, they inherit any number of skeletons in closets. The question remains however, will this current government genuinely start what will be a long journey? I suspect my granddaughter will start seeing the tree of reconciliation bear fruit. This will take time… But in the meantime can we not sort out the issue of a reliable fresh water supply for these poor souls? You know…like the rest of us have. This can be a real great first step. Think on this for a moment. In order to ensure a reliable source of fresh water, it will require infrastructure. Infrastructure requires trades people, etc. What a great opportunity for the government of Canada and Canadians to reach out to the First Nations. This really needs to be a priority. It frankly is our moral duty to stop kicking this can down the road. Sharp’s the word, swift’s the action as I like to say. A plan to hire Indigenous apprentices, for the trades required to build the infrastructure; local contractors and trades would be incentivized to hire local Indigenous apprentices etc. Real world friendships and trust are created at the local level. Key to the first step. Not a bad first step, and at the same time creating more, much needed, skilled tradesmen; the

dignity of a trade and a real skill while creating an infrastructure the rest of us take for granted.

Why do I know most won’t read this?! Or will say; “whatever Wayne, you’re such a lefty and socialist.” I’m proud to be Canadian, I’m proud of the values for which we are known worldwide, such as openness, generosity, fairness, decency, etc… however, our good nature isn’t to be mistaken for weakness, as the Hillbilly Insurrectionists are just finding out. Wherever I travel, I’m proud to say I’m Canadian. As a veteran I was proud to wear the maple leaf for 41 years, very proud!

HOWEVER… When it comes to our shabby treatment of our fellow Canadians, who are Indigenous and who occupied the land before any of the European settlers/refugees… if anyone is Canadians they are, if only we treated them like they were. So how about it? Surely we can all agree on this issue. I’ve given Justin Trudeau, and the Canadian Government, the broad strokes plan. Let’s crack on with it and get these folks fresh water.

Why is it the first step is always the hardest…

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