We can do this, together

Thanks Victoria Laine for the Facebook post

[Sylvia Olsen]

Increasingly British Columbians are becoming inflamed about “the land issue.” Meaning court cases involving First Nations land.

Since before BC was established there was a “land issue.” It has never been settled and it has never been forgotten. Not by First Nations people. Not by government. Not by the courts. The general population has mostly ignored the “land issue” believing that as time goes by it will be forgotten. It hasn’t. It won’t. It shouldn’t be.

From my perspective First Nations are acting incredibly patiently and responsibly in regards to this issue. British Columbians have nothing to fear and everything to gain. One neighbour of mine pronounced to a First Nations relative “You will never take my land.” True story. He won’t take her land. Taking land has never been something First Nations have had the ability to do.

There is a new generation of First Nations young folks. They are standing on the shoulders of their grandparents. They are educated in both worlds. They are conciliatory. And they are determined to get out of the perpetual government quagmire that their people have tried to navigate for years.

I have worked in that quagmire. It is expensive and ineffective. We need a new system. We don’t need to send everything to the courts. We need solid respectful honourable negotiations. We need really smart solutions . . . they are available. Can you imagine if we actually solved “the land issue” responsibly? That would be exceptionally cool given what a mess we are making of most of our problems these days.

It would be great if we stopped listening and giving over to the fear mongers who have something to gain by instigating racism. If you think First Nations are getting something that is “yours” I suggest we press reset. By that, I mean read. Find out. Anger and racism is not good for our souls.

We really can work together on this one. First, it will feel better. Second, it will be much more effective.

See also Miss Piggy, DJT, and the apocalypse in this blog site

Dr. Sylvia Olsen is an author, story-teller, knitting designer, housing specialist and teacher, Sylvia Olsen is an eclectic mix of her creative and academic pursuits. Her books have received numerous awards and nominations and many are Canadian best sellers. Her knitting designs have received attention across Canada and the United States

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