I get everything for free!

Aboriginal Rights, Canada, First Nations, Government, tax exemption, taxpayers Leave a comment

NOT! I don’t get everything for free. It comes with a price. Not even a real price. Read my post titled Tax Exemption.

In that post, I discuss some of my shopping adventures and the best place to shop in London, Ontario if you want to declare tax exemption for all my fellow Aboriginal readers.

There is this misconception that Natives “get everything for free” or that we “don’t pay taxes… ever.” Who ever is spreading these misconceptions I would like to speak with them, whether they are Native or not. Don’t believe them! Stop right now. Get those ideas and misconceptions out of your head.

I pay taxes and I am a full-blooded aka status Native. Yes, I receive tax-exemption benefits, but only on products and services located off the reserve, and only because I have my status–which some Natives don’t have. I only receive this right when I have my reserve address for some businesses too–hmmm just another reason to keeping Indians on the reserve.

If you have a problem with this tax-exemption status, then maybe you can write to the government that Natives shouldn’t be allowed to have tax-exemption status. You say the government will never listen, don’t worry most Natives come across this problem to when they fight to maintain their rights. So maybe you should ask yourself, what are you fighting for? That you don’t agree with our rights? Time to re-think that argument of yours.

Hmmm, next time you think that Natives “get everything for free” or that “we don’t pay taxes”… Think again. I dread tax season just like you. I get a GST/HST/what-ST cheque too! That means I PAY TAXES TOO!

Intelligence & Aboriginals

Aboriginals, Assimilation, Canada, Cultural Assimilation, Intelligence, Multiculturalism Leave a comment

This post is in response to my previous post titled “Intelligence and Cultural Assimilation.”

Maybe the gap between intelligence score tests isn’t with one particular ethnic group being cultural assimilated into any one dominant society, but rather it is the main-stream education system.

One issue that Canadian Aboriginals face is that they still continue to lag in education and employment numbers in comparison to the rest of Canada. I don’t say this to highlight the worse but I say this to make a point. If you measure education success as purely having a certain number of degrees, then yes maybe Aboriginals do lag. However, I beg to differ that there are a great number of Aboriginals that lag in its entirety in comparison to the rest of Canadian society. I have met and know of many bright, intelligent, inquisitive, creative, Aboriginals both young and old who have not gone onto post-secondary education. These people have chosen to not go into main-stream society education yet they still possess the ability to “blend into” any type of topic up for grabs in conversation. I also know of many Aboriginals who were considered “intellectually gifted” but never gone onto post-secondary education. Maybe it was because they were not being challenged enough? Maybe it was because their abilities were not fully appreciated? Maybe they felt that further education had little to no use to them since they were not being fully challenged or their abilities being fully appreciated? I am not sure of the answer, but I do know that these individuals are just as bright as someone in post-secondary education. These people own businesses, participate in their community, and most importantly contribute to main-stream Canadian Society just not in the rigid ways set out for measuring the rest of main-stream society. Most definitely, when we calculate intelligence, we need to look at other factors and not just the number of degrees one has under his/her belt.

Note: This post is to not say that one ethnic group is better than another or that one system is better than another. It is acknowledging the fact that different groups have different needs and those different needs should be acknowledged if all ethnic groups, not just one group, are to be considered successful. I also write this post not to further oppress the actual problems that Canadian Aboriginals face in current Canadian Society, but highlight the fact that there are some current success. The problems that some communities and individuals face should never be displaced because of one community or one individual’s lone success. That is to say, there are problems and successes within Aboriginal groups, but the factors to define the problems and success between various groups should be changed to address the needs/differences amongst these groups.

Intelligence & Cultural Assimilation

Aboriginal, Assimilation, Cultural Assimilation, Culture, Western Culture Leave a comment

The textbook being quoted in this post is titled Psychology Frontiers and Applications, 3rd Edition, with appropriate page numbers in brackets following quote.

I had to get this post out and published before I head to bed.

I am currently studying for my psychology test in two weeks. I just finished reading a chapter on Intelligence. In this chapter, various factors that contribute to a person’s intelligence. Some of these factors include, genes, biology, environment and culture.

I am going to go out on a limb when I write this post, but I have to write it!

In this chapter it talked about Italian immigrants were a “danger to the [USA] gene pool.” (393) This quote obviously represents an old and out-dated view that tried to use Darwin’s theory of evolution to create superior and inferior species and animals. These dangers were because Italian American students achieved much lower test scores, which was on the same average as African-Americans. It further states, “cultural assimilation and educational and economic opportunity seem much more reasonable explanations for this pronounced increase in test scores.” (393) The test score increases were only discussed in Italian American students, not the African American student.

I was kind of not impressed with this particular reading for two reasons:

  1. The African American student was never discussed in the second part of the reading, which stated only the increase in Italian American Test scores could be possibly explained as part of “cultural assimilation.”

    2. This first reason leads into my second reason:

  2. It suggests that a particular ethnic group can only be successful on intelligence scores if they “learn” to assimilate into the larger culture.

This makes me quite angry with the fact that Aboriginals were one of the many groups that were supposed to be assimilated into Canadian society. Could it be this attempted assimilation be due to in part to the particular thought during the time? Sure why not. Unfortunately, this is 2010 and readings like this suggesting that a more reasonable explanation behind higher test scores for one particular ethnic group could possibly be because of “cultural assimilation” continue to force assimilation, not just onto one ethnic group but to any group that isn’t part of the “dominate” or “more western” culture.

  • Please read my post on “Extinction” regarding Aboriginals.
  • Read my response, titled Intelligence and Aboriginals, to this “reasonable explanation” of “cultural assimilation” in increased intelligence test scores.

Can’t you just take a percocet?

Drugs, Legally Blonde, London ON, Not in my backyard, Percocet Leave a comment

I am watching Legally Blonde, my favourite movie. This has been my favourite movie since I was a young girl (well, younger than I am now). I never got one part of the movie until about three years ago. The part in which I am talking about is where Elle Woods’ friend says to her, “Can’t you just take a percocet?” Her friend says this to her after Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend whom she thought was going to ask her to marry her. Elle Woods decides to go to law school to try to win him back. I never thought this past was funny when I was younger because I never knew what a percocet was. Now that I am “older” and know what a percocet is… I still don’t think it’s funny, especially after witnessing some individuals struggle with their addictions and living in a city with plenty of visible drug use or drug-related behaviour in its downtown core. Welcome to my backyard.

Please read my past post on poverty and living in London, Ontario titled: Poverty in London Ontario

Dress Code for Sexual Assault

Police, Sexual Assault Leave a comment

After reading Toronto police officer’s sex-assault remarks prompt reprimand, I am reminded of a story.

A friend of mine, who is a strong, bright, confident female, was once in the middle of a sexual assault investigation. She shared with me, at the time it happened, what one officer said to her. After being questioned for quite some time by two other officers, one of the officer remarks, in response to the question/answers was this, “Well look at what you are wearing.” She was done her shift at the local mall. She worked in a store that is known to cater towards “older women.” She was wearing a cardigan, a knee length skirt, and knee high boots. I hardly call that “asking for it. Even if she was “asking for it” because of the way she dress, that is the hardly the response/reply to be expected from a police officer.

It just turns my stomach upside down whenever I hear of stories like this and I am reminded how my friend was treated.

Public Relations and First Nations

First Nations, Globe and Mail, Public Relations, Reputation, Social Media Leave a comment

I believe that many First Nations communities can benefit from investing into Public Relations within their community.

In response to researching reputation, Forbes article on Reputation management, I found this article called The 11 Unwritten Laws of Reputation Management. I also came across a blog on Facebook, found on TBK Creative’s website (Click HERE to view it).

There is one thing that both articles/blogs have in common. This commonality is this: if you don’t create or make your own reputation, others will create it for you. I believe that if First Nations communities (specifically their Chiefs and Councils), the ones with the resources and people power, begin to invest or at least learn the ins-and-outs of “reputation management” or “public relations” or “social media,” First Nations communities may just begin to be seen in a more positive light. Sounds good. But what does this mean? Well, as a First Nations member, I have heard or witness a variety of things relating to the perception of First Nations people by other First Nations or Non-First Nations. Some of these things are good, or positive. Others, not so positive (negative).

If First Nations can create their own reputation, why not? Instead of letting the general Canadian population do it for them. This type of behavior can be witnessed on any discussions/replies in response to Globe and Mail articles that focus on Aboriginal issues. Some of the uneducated comments that were alive 25 years ago, are still alive today. It saddens me.

If First Nations take the step forward by learning the benefits of investing into public relations, they may be able to better their own reputation within Canadian Society and perhaps garden and grow some positive public responses to their issues and needs.

This is just my opinion.

I know that not all First Nations have the resources or people power to put time and effort into this type of thing. Yet, I believe team work is key. Please read my post titled 1/2 The Solution on my opinion on having First Nations working together to help one another.

Crime Rates & Minimum Sentences

Conservatives, Criminal Code of Canada, Criminal Pardons, Harper, Liberals Leave a comment

Two articles in the Globe and Mail recently:

If crime rate is low, why do you require minimum sentences for something as petty as having SIX marijuana plants? Having SIX marijuana plants I think is no where NEAR any amount to be considered at the level of “trafficking.” Please note: I am not for for drug use, nor am I for criminal activity.

I think the Bill S-10 on minimum sentences is a bit over the top. I also believe that it will greatly affect Aboriginals and youth, as highlighted in the article, Liberals Come Out Against Tory “Dumb on Crime” Legislation.

Aboriginals are already over-represented in the criminal justice system. I wonder how this bill will affect Gladue Court decisions involving Aboriginals who enter the justice system under the Gladue Court.

You can read my other post on Criminal Pardons. Here, it is proposed that price to pay to get a pardon is considered to be raised.

I guess the Conservatives don’t realize that the Criminal Code of Canada is meant to do the following:

Purpose
718. The fundamental purpose of sentencing is to contribute, along with crime prevention initiatives, to respect for the law and the maintenance of a just, peaceful and safe society by imposing just sanctions that have one or more of the following objectives:

(a) to denounce unlawful conduct;

(b) to deter the offender and other persons from committing offences;

(c) to separate offenders from society, where necessary;

(d) TO ASSIST IN REHABILITATING THE OFFENDER;

(e) to provide reparations for harm done to victims or to the community; and

(f) to promote a sense of responsibility in offenders, and acknowledgment of the harm done to victims and to the community.
As taken from Canlii.ca

It would be nice if the Conservatives showed at least a bit of realization of the entire purpose of the Criminal Code of Canada and not just the part where it says “to separate offenders from society.” Creating more legislation that further marginalizes the Aboriginal people in Canada and the issues that they face (like being over-represented in the criminal justice system), just doesn’t do any good for the entire Canada society–Especially since Aboriginals are the fastest growing population in Canada (especially between the ages of 18-26). Read about those stats on Stats Can.

Creating more legislation for criminal activity doesn’t “denounce” or “deter” criminal activity, it just means it’s more than likely crime will go further unreported especially since “criminals” may be working harder at not “getting caught.” (Meaning, crime will go further unreported since it may be harder to detect crime–as mentioned in “Think Tank article above.)

Sorry Mr. Harper, but more bills/legislation pertaining to the Criminal Code of Canada won’t change crime rates or crime reporting, it just presents the reality that rehabilitation of the offender, or the full recognition of this major federal legislation, is not on your agenda: only a part of it. Additionally, your bills further oppress Aboriginals (and even youth). What a way to make for a better Canada–hurt the fastest growing population and the future of Canada!

Poetry

Poetry Leave a comment

I remember some people used to say, “I write to help me with my feelings.”

I never used to believe those people until I tried it myself.

I took up writing poetry when I was really young. I never really used to pay attention to when I would write or how I would write until about 8 years ago. I started to write about my feelings, certain things that I remember, or that happened to me. This writing really helped me to put things in perspective sometimes. Other times it just helped me to get things off my mind.

I believe that writing is a form of healing. It is good for the soul.

A Statistic

Aboriginal women, Domestic Violence, Personal, Poetry Leave a comment

Seven years ago, I was a statistic. In my sociology notes, I recorded from the lecture that “Aboriginal women under the age 25 years” are considered one of the two groups that is more likely to experience domestic abuse (the other group were women in common law relationships).

It amazes that one ethnic group can outnumber any other group. To me, it raises a lot of questions. The most important question is, however, why?

On Monday February 14, at my school, there will be a presentation that is titled “Remember our Sisters, Stop the Violence.” This presentation, as taken directly from the event page on facebook, asks people to “Join us to commemorate, write letters and demand justice for our indigenous sisters, until the violence stops!” You can visit their facebook event page, HERE.

I planned on going to this event but can’t because of prior commitments. Because I am unable to go to the event, I felt that I needed to do something to remember my past. My past isn’t a part of me but it once was me. I was in an abusive relationship. I thought it was love, but after a year of counseling, I found out that love isn’t hitting or calling someone names. This counseling didn’t completely help me though. I went through a phases. I was confused, lost, depressed, angry, sad….

I went through a year and half of living in this abuse. When I told I tried to tell the police… I was shunned. They turned their backs on me. I was alone in this fight to protect myself.

Today, I am working towards being a better person. A better woman. Feeling like a person. Feeling like a woman again. I don’t want to be a statistic anymore.

I wrote a poem last night. This poem sort of describes my life in the relationship. The poem is kind of repetitive, but that’s how abuse works–it is a cycle that repeats itself.

There are no words to use
That can be used to describe to you
To help you understand
The level of the abuse
That it takes to destroy you
Emotional
Physical
Verbal
Sexual
Take your pick
There are no words to use
That can be used to describe to you
To help you understand
The level of the abuse
That it takes to destroy you
Name calling
Punching
Spitting
Silence
All those hits
There are no words to use
That can be used to describe to you
To help you understand
The level of the abuse
That it takes to destroy you
Because it is the abuse
That keeps you warm
That kisses you
That holds you
That dries your tears
That tells you, “Don’t worry honey,
I can make it all right again.”
Because it is this abuse
That destroys you.

First Nation & Post-Secondary Education: My Experience

Education, First Nations Leave a comment

Today, I attend the University of Western Ontario. I am a first year student. I try my best to stay involved–maintain my social life and maintain my grades.

There are many things that I have overcome since my entry into this university. I feel very blessed to be at this university. Someone told me that they didn’t get in on the first time they applied. I got in, first try. I am not telling you this because I want to wave it around and brag about it in front of your face. I share this because I am proud of this.

Before going to university, I did three years of college. I excelled at college. I worked hard for A-level grades and tutored fellow peers. I wish I was more involved though with the rest of the student body.

I am very thankful that I am allowed to study at this university. I am very thankful for the funding that I receive. However, I also work part-time to help pay the bills/rent. I also receive a lot of help as a student with a learning disability. This disability isn’t necessarily a “learning disability,” it is an acquired disability. I have an acquired brain injury. I am thankful to be a survivor. You can read about this more in my Acquired Brain Injury post.

From both college and university, I am most thankful for the First Nation services and assistance that both institutions provided. Without these resources, I would feel lost. By lost, I don’t mean that I wouldn’t know where to find a building on campus. What I mean by lost has a more deeper meaning.

The issues that First Nations and their First Nations students face when going to school are very complex. In my experience, it is somewhat of a culture shock. Nobody tells you what to expect. Nobody tells you that the things you might hear people say, may make you angry, or may make you cry and that nobody will understand why hearing those things make you angry or cry. Nobody tells you that it’s okay to share your knowledge. Nobody tells you that it’s okay to stand up for yourself (but that you have to do it with tact and class). Nobody tells you that it’s okay to ask questions and that it’s okay to not know everything about being Native.

At the university I go to, I was told that it’s not my duty to know everything about being Native. I was told that I can ask questions at anytime and if they didn’t have the answer, they would help me find the answer. I was told that I only have to educate others on what I know, and that I would be supported in this.

It is the counseling I receive from First Nations services, from people who know and understand the issues that First Nations and First Nations students face, that helps me to be successful. It is this understanding from First Nations services, that helps me to not feel so lost. This is why I feel valued. It is these people and the services that this center provides that helps me to be successful.