First Nations Voice

PAGE 4 • AUGUST 2015 I share with you the following article which is message from the Norway House Cree Nation Elders, in response to the July 23, 2015 Winnipeg Free Press Article, Hard to Keep Labourers at Keeyask; Dam project has many Aboriginal workers, but also high turnover, in which I shared with them. G rowing up in Norway House Cree Nation, we remember vividly our way of life, the hard work and determination of our parents and grandparents to make a living, raise their families and make contributions to the community. Life was much more challenging at that time; many sacrifices were made while the conveniences of today did not exist. There were no cell phones, televisions, computers and laundry machines. Many families did not have the forms of communication and transportation that exist today. Material things were scarce and not important like they are for individuals today. We valued the lands and waters, our traditional ways of life, our language, our culture and our spirituality, and our family time together. Although we worked hard and were busy, life wasn't so complex, it was simpler. Our days were spent going to school, working with our siblings and parents in order to ensure we all contributed to the upkeep of our homes and family. Many of our community members worked shift work at the hospital and the school, many of our mothers were seamstresses, home makers and bakers and provided assistance to our hunters, fishers, trappers and farmers. Many others worked as labourers in the hydro development projects, as construction workers, welders, mechanics, electricians and plumbers in and around Chief Ron Evans Norway House Cree Nation TheManitobaAssociationforResource RecoveryCorp.(MARRC)managesthe UsedOil&AntifreezeRecyclingPrograms. Weareverymuchinterestedin assistingcommunitiesinthenorth withrecyclingtheirusedoil,filters,containers aswellasantifreezeanditscontainers. Pleasecontactusat1-888-410-1440formoreinformation orvisitourwebsiteatwww.usedoilrecycling.com Recycling: UsedOil&Antifreeze NORTHERNOPPORTUNITIES! rs information Easyfinancingavailable, greatselectionofbothnewandused, hugeselectionofparts, yourallpurposedealer. Shane Lachman (204) 895-8882 shane.lachman@canamrv.com www.canamrv.com the community, the province and across the country. We communicated by mail, phone and listened to the radio to inform us of what was happening around the world. Our generation learned skills from the generations before us and learned the value of hard work, commitment to our families and the value of money which was earned to support ourselves and our families. We were independent people. We didn't rely on programs and services or government assistance. Our communities and our people were self-sufficient. The introduction of the Residential school system and the 60's Scoop had a detrimental impact on our way of life and shattered our families and communities. The removal of children from their families caused a huge disconnect between parents and their children. This is where the vicious cycle of abuse, addiction, loss of culture and language began and where the teachings passed on for many generations become lost. The Residential School System and the 60's Scoop have left a scar on our people and we continue to see the effects of the damage and the trauma that was experienced. Today, life is much different. With the introduction of technology in all of its forms, life has become fast paced. Our needs and wants have changed. Our need for constant connection to the world around us has shifted our focus from whom and where we are, to whom and what is around us. For many, our way of life has changed dramatically. Many of our people have become dependent on government assistance and are no longer self-sufficient. We have made great strides over the years to develop our community to build partnerships and economic ventures in order to ensure employment opportunities are available for our growing population. We have encouraged our young people to pursue educational opportunities, training and trades programs so that they are armed with the tools and knowledge for a successful future. At the same time we have implemented programming and supports to keep our children and families strong and healthy. Recently, we read an article in the Winnipeg Free Press regarding the difficulty in retaining Aboriginal people in the work force. It disheartens us as Elders to hear that employers, although there may be more than can be done to attract and support Aboriginal and First Nation workers, are unable to keep our people employed. Over the past several years' communities have partnered with several organizations, institutions, businesses and corporations to ensure equitable training and employment opportunities are available to support Aboriginal and First Nation people. While there are many challenges associated with working away from one's home community, it is the sacrifice that is made in the same way that is necessary in pursuing training programs or post- secondary education. However; the difficulty in retaining employment not only occurs off reserve. We see this happening at home in our communities as well. We encourage our young people and even adults to understand the importance of becoming independent and the strength that comes with it. Becoming self-sufficient is at the end of the day a good feeling. It takes a community as a whole, the knowledge, skills and capacity of the entire community to make a healthy and self-sufficient community. It takes focus, commitment and solid work ethic to succeed. Knowing that you have worked hard, contributed your knowledge and skills, the motivation that drives you and that you have earned your way is incredibly satisfying. We, as the Norway House Cree Nation Elders, continue to provide encouragement, support and advice to our young people in the pursuit of their aspirations and fulfilling their personal goals. It is time for us to embrace the opportunities before us and take steps to break the cycle of poverty. Chief Ron Evans

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