The measure of a true warrior

BY HUNEY MOCASSIN

As you may have noticed, I often write about things from a distinctively female perspective-and this month is no exception. But still, I really want some men to read this column, or even you boys out there who claim to be men.

Much has been written about the warriors of our past. They hunted, fought battles for us, and were an important part of our tribes. Much of what was once lost has now been revived, but there are still parts of that warrior spirit that are forgotten.

The measure of a true warrior is in his deeds within his community, and his home. While our men are once again standing up to fight our battles, like the ones that stood their ground in Oka and Burnt Church, they still need to do a lot more.

Our men have forgotten the most important role they need to play is that of a father.
My father ditched me even before I was born, but that's another story to tell. My real father showed up when I was twelve. We were poor, but like the warriors of past, he hunted to feed himself, my mom, and five kids. When he wasn't hunting, there were always other jobs, like going outside and chopping wood for the stove.

Because he only had a Grade 6 education, he worked long hours in the bush so that the bills were paid. He taught me more than my "real dad" ever could have, even if he tried, and is one of the smartest men I know.

You see, a real warrior provides for his children, and teaches them values that they will carry with them forever. Read a few articles about child development, and you'll see this is universal. We are role models for our children, and the paths we choose are often repeated by them.
Someone told me once that the welfare system is partly to blame for this, since families that moved to the city in the '60s were only given assistance if there was no man to provide for them.

So the men often got the boot. Partly right, but partly bullshit. This doesn't mean you never come back. Go get a job, and start spending some time with the babies you helped bring into the world.

Even lamer is the whiny excuse that "she's crazy," or "doesn't want me around." What did you do to deserve this treatment, I wonder? Well, get your shit together, because I hate to break it to you, but your children are your future. You need to stand up and be a REAL MAN.

Oh, and don't call it babysitting either. It's not babysitting if it's your kid, and you shouldn't even think about asking for money in return. And as far as the losers that make babies all over the place, leaving them scattered to the four directions like litter . . . don't even get me started.

Those bastards should get their balls cut off.

You think you're all sexy because you have a baby on every reserve? Uh, no, that ain't sexy, that's just sleazy. You know what is sexy? Intelligence and commitment.

Nowadays there are not enough of our men trying to help, leaving women to pick up the slack-and it just isn't right. Don't you realize you're not a real man unless you own up to your responsibilities? It's not just about money either; it's about being there.

So what are you waiting for? Get going.

It's never too late.