One Man's Opinion by Tehaliwaskénhas March, 1999 We're Mad as Hell and . . . I know it's a cheap trick. I admit it. But the headline serves its attention-getting purpose. In case you're unfamiliar with it, the reference is to a famous line in an old movie. A television anchorman has had enough of the crap he sees. He is fed up with the plastic and manipulating world that is closing in all around him. With all the drama the big screen can muster he cries out for change and "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore." Aboriginal people could comfortably cross the cultural line and easily adopt the phrase I'm sure. As a matter of fact, to hear the RCMP tell it, we're so mad we are arming ourselves to the teeth. Not us but those so-called unnamed militants they say are stockpiling everything from grenades and bombs to anti- tank missiles. The Mounties believe violence could erupt any time now. One chief says it sounds more like a strategy to help heal the ailing RCMP budget. It's not the first time the intelligence community has sounded this alarm. It's a wonder they don't get a stiff neck looking back over their shoulder the way they do. What's that joke? Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean someone's not out to get you. But seriously, you and I know there are plenty of reasons for aboriginal people to be less than warm and fuzzy, cozy and comfy Canadians. The growing list of grievances could fill this entire newspaper. Recent stories are reminders of the distance the people still must travel to gain respect and fairness. Native veterans still haven't received justice, even though Canada is going to compensate other military veterans who also got a raw deal when they came home from war. Native children playing hockey or lacrosse have been subjected to sick racial slurs. When the Junos were announced, the Globe and Mail, Canada's so-called national newspaper carried a story that basically put down Aboriginal people because there no longer are big names winning awards. The fact Robbie Robertson won an award was dismissed by the white establishment newspaper. Even though he worked hard to ensure the Haudenosaunee people provided guidance and were included in his music, the Globe minimized his victory. In fact, the writer had the gall to suggest Robertson was more white than Indian therefore his victory was more 'theirs' than 'ours'. Point made----okay then, enough with the bitching and complaining. We do face many challenges. The question remains, what are we going to do about it? How are we going to handle it? Witness the thousands of people with their desperate lives in the cities. Spawned by poverty, a variety of abuses, alcohol, drugs and yes enough anger to trigger an avalanche of violence. Mostly they turn it on themselves. But the writing is on the wall. The Indian gangs of Winnipeg forewarn of the growing sickness that threatens our communities. It's a solution that could become more attractive to young urban aboriginal Canadians. Damn it, are we really doing all we can? Are we moving fast enough? Spring is here and I believe hope is too. Hope springs eternal! The people are healing. And as they heal they are growing stronger. It is my experience that when people get strong they assert themselves.

This is evident from sea to shining sea. Aboriginal voices are being heard, and among the loudest are those echoing around the towering concrete corridors of the cities where most aboriginal people now live. Metis and other urban aboriginal organizations are flexing their muscles and demanding an equal piece of the pie. But rather than manning the barricades they're more likely to be seen nose to nose with the bureaucrats, negotiating better deals. Governments that previously were driven mostly by the reserve-based agendas now realize the pie must not only be shared, it must be bigger and shared with the urban population in a meaningful way. I believe they've not only seen the writing on the wall, they've read between the lines. In fact, while treaties and other community programs unfold on reserves, historic efforts are being made to address the crisis in the cities. The Privy Council Office, the powerful and all-knowing throne behind the throne has started to condone and encourage the spending of money in ways never before seen in Canada, to support the capacity and development of urban aboriginal agencies to deliver services to their own communities. Federal departments are working closely with provincial counterparts, matching dollars to ensure the building of strong, professional organizations. Big city governments have no choice but to go with the flow if they are to survive. Even the department of Indian Affairs, usually governed by its legislated role of working with reserves only, has stepped into the city scene. As well, urban Aboriginal economic development initiatives are moving forward in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver. Millions are being spent to educate, train and put Aboriginal youth to work. While the mainstream headlines still seem to focus on the traditional idea of rural First Nation communities and their growing pains, you and I are witnessing the birth and growth of urban self-government. Trumpeting its arrival with incredible timing is a national aboriginal television network. The Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)---championed by the likes of actor Gary Farmer, still fresh and sparking from the success of the highly acclaimed movie Smoke Signals. There are some Canadians--the Reform Party for example, who want us to know our 'station' in life. But those who dream of the good old days of beads and birch bark will be disappointed by APTN. Farmer and his partners with the northern television group are bringing to Canada the means to get a grip on what it really means to be aboriginal today. I'm anticipating with hope and enthusiasm the great Canadian awakening. It is an opportunity to reveal our true selves, with all our traditional and contemporary culture and values, and to build bridges instead of barricades. No doubt we are part of the communications revolution, and it definitely is another option we are stockpiling in our arsenal. -30- Tehaliwaskénhas - George Robert (Bob) Kennedy is on the red road of recovery. He is a grateful member of the Haudenosaunee, turtle clan Oneida Nation of the Thames. An award winning broadcast journalist and a member of the Native American Journalists Association. A regular contributor of commentary to Kahtou news. A member of the ACTRA Performers Guild. He also has worked as a communications advisor to first nation, provincial and federal governments; land claims negotiator; mediator; alcohol and drug counselor.A member of the Mediation Development Association.A member of the Addiction intervention Association. He is the publisher and editor of Turtle Island Native Network. View from the office of Turtle Island Native Network, located on T'Sou-ke Nation traditional lands.