Posted by Robert Johnson (64.59.150.115) on April 25, 2001 at 15:53:23:
In the last pubilcation of the Drum, it was noted that the former National Grand Chief is up in arms about the statement that surrounds the the National Grand Chief Coon Come. Mr. Fontiane, was very quick to critise the remarks in question, however, during the tendure of his office, Mr. Fontiane did not try to address the issue of our elected leaders being in public and drunk and disorderly.
I have yet to see Mr. Fontiane address the proverty and abuse that some of the elected officials distribute to the eligible voting band members and their children by the local Chief and Council. Look at the situation with Bill Traverse and the money being used for other issues and not going for the intended programs. Where was Mr. Fontiane when these miscarriage of justice were being implemented on his own people.
Mr. Fontiane directed those accussations to the federal government and the Liberal Party, however, the majority of the theft is being done by our own people in powerful position. A good reason for such a miscarriage of justice, is that the majority of our leaders have no future outlook on life and the survival needs of its people and only look at today's needs.
We have lost the sense of a family structure (Keep in mind that many are returning or attempting to deal with this concern), we have unqualified workers in the Child and Family Services progams at community level. Individuals that have no training to address these issues, but as long as they are related or do not oppress the Chief and Council they are allowed to work.
Our education system have become a program that needs a restructuring, the justice system is much than to be desired. Mr. Phil Fontiane, were where you when these issues and many others needed to be addressed? Why not respond and display the achievements and accomplishments that have benefited our community band members directly, and not indirectly!!
We still live in paper shacks, children having children, our so called graduates cannot read and write properly, and the economic prospective is nil. What is needed is to have some people address these issues and develop a proper strategic forecast for the future children to survive!!
Miiqwitch
Robert