Few political issues are as difficult as those involving Canada's aboriginal peoples. Since 1701 there have been efforts to peacefully co-exist with aboriginals in what has become Canada. Although treaties have been made in various places and times, there are still ongoing negotiations and many claims remain unsettled.
In general, aboriginal people struggle with poor health and living conditions, a staggering suicide and crime rate, and substance abuse. There is much brokenness.
Both Canada's governments and the aboriginal peoples themselves must take steps to resolve these long-standing issues. It will take time, but with accountability and responsibility, progress can be made to improving the lives of the aboriginal peoples of Canada.
Globe & Mail, Sept 1, 2010: Ottawa has quietly ordered a study of Canada’s most economically successful first nations, raising the prospect of a new approach to developing businesses on reserves while sparking fear among some native leaders that their rights to land and resources are at risk. A small but growing number of success stories are spreading across Canada as native communities break out from historic poverty thanks to millions in earnings as landlords of on-reserve condos, hotels, industrial parks and high-end golf resorts. Keep reading
OTTAWA, June 10 /CNW/ - Thousands of Aboriginal individuals are assembling in Ottawa to release this weekend the forgiveness that Prime Minister Stephen Harper requested in 2008. The Prime Minister concluded his apology for Indian Residential Schools by requesting "the forgiveness of the aboriginal peoples of this country for failing them so profoundly."
"At that moment" says Chief Kenny Blacksmith, "the onus was placed on our people as individuals to respond. The only way to come into our full healing as the First Peoples of Canada is to forgive. Forgiveness is not political; it cannot be bought or sold; it cannot be legislated. It is an individual choice that can break the generational cycle of victimization and accusation." [Keep read this article, and learn more about this gathering, here. Read EFC's thoughts here.]
Few political issues are as difficult as those involving Canada's aboriginal peoples. Since 1701 there have been efforts to peacefully co-exist with aboriginals in what has become Canada. Although treaties have been made in various places and times, there are still ongoing negotiations and many claims remain unsettled. 
