News and Comment
by Tehaliwaskenhas
Bob Kennedy,Oneida
Copyright
Turtle Island Native Network
http://www.turtleisland.org
Gilford Island, September 25, 2004
Meet some of the Kwicksutaineuk community members. . .
Chief Henry Scow - "We're not talking crazy, we are talking about what the First Nations people are feeling." He is frustrated by bureaucrats in Vancouver. "People need to listen to us." DIAND has a fiduciary duty to care for First Nations people. We are wards of the government. Their motto (DIAND) "I feel for you but . . ."
Beatrice Scow - 75 year old Elder who grew up on Gilford Island.(pictured above with Dave Johnson) She is Chief Henry Scow's sister. Beatrice shared some of her background by speaking about her father, a traditional man who made his living fishing and hunting in the local area. He believed strongly in education and insisted that his children were educated.
Dave Johnson - grew up on the island but left for training and employment. He is a millwright by trade. He returned to the island four years ago and is employed as the Band's Maintenance Man. He is responsible for the fueling system, the wells and the pump house. He spoke about the wells and the water tainted by the sea, and told Turtle Island Native Network, "it smells like eggs". One well is 500 feet deep and is still contaminated. The well water is used for washing dishes, clothes, gardening and cleaning. He brings in 120 large drinking water jugs every 20 days.
In Dave's home he points out entrenched mold and water damage in his livingroom and bathroom. In response to a CITY TV reporter's questions, he states, "I stay because it's my home, I work here. I have nowhere else to go." As for health, he does suffer from coughing and flem, especially in the morning. He copes with that for himself but, "I can't have my grandchildren stay and visit - that is a problem".
Above Dr. Granger Avery discusses Dave Johnson's sudden respiratory attack, as Dave's wife sits nearby concerned about her husband's discomfort. Doctor Granger was the founder of the outreach medical clinics set up 28 years ago, which provides medical services on a monthly basis to the remote First Nations communities. "I have been on the Gilford run since the beginning and come to know the people well." He has come to know well the consequences of mold-infested homes. Every home on the reserve has mold.
Lucille St Germaine - "I am not a Chief or Councillor, but I have a voice in this community."
(pictured above with Edna Coon, Keith Coon, describing community conditions to Tehaliwaskenhas - Bob Kennedy of Turtle Island Native Network) Lucille was one of the first to greet us. After more than a dozen years living in the city (Victoria), she now lives on the island and is a caretaker to the Elders. She was a key organizer in the community for this event - from assisting in the preparation of the feast to mowing the lawn. "We may be living in unacceptable accommodations, but I wanted to make sure that Chief Fontaine and the press know that we have pride in our community and ourselves". "We walk with our heads held high!"
Two year old Keith Coon is a mirror for the community, inspiring their hope for the future, and energizing their resiliency and pride, to deal with the day-to-day challenges.
Sam Johnson - Elder and talented carver helps reflect the past, provide the community with cultural continuity that is still strong, as illustrated by their big house. Originally from Kingcome Inlet, Johnson says he met a girl from Gilford Island, married her and has been there for forty years. He carved the greeting totems along the shoreline and he was a key contributor to the compelling carvings in the big house.
The challenges facing the Kwicksutaineuk people
Click Above for Part One of This Story
