Hats off to the local RCMP and their decision to construct a sweat lodge. It is good to see their efforts at Indigenous reconciliation.
Over my lifetime, I have seen racism and poverty and have come to the following conclusion, that there are two kinds of poverty: poverty with pride and poverty without pride.
In the first instance, going back 40 or 50 years, Newfoundland is a good example of poverty with pride. We weathered several economic downturns, the cod moratorium recently, and outport migration.
However, the people remain optimistic and hopeful.
With pride they continue to paint and maintain their homes and surroundings in good order. My wife operated a B&B for 12 years and people came from around the world, but in particular from the United States and Canada.
Many were truly amazed and commented on the island — the well-maintained homes, the paved roads in the outports, the feeling they had of being safe walking around the capital city and the lack of deteriorated neighbourhoods (commonly referred to as slums) in the province, and particularly the capital city.
I recall a fellow from Calgary one day saying that it was the best-kept secret in Canada. He expected to see rundown homes, shacks and muddy or gravel roads when he got off the ferry in Port aux Basques. Instead, he was greeted with splendid homes, paved roads to every nook and cranny and splendid hospitality.
“Where or how do they get the attitude that Newfoundland and Labrador is a ‘have-not’ province shrouded in poverty? I haven’t seen any of that,” he exclaimed at breakfast one morning.
On the other hand, I have observed poverty without pride. This can be found in deteriorated areas commonly referred to as reservations or “the hood.” These are racist references to Indigenous and black communities. While over the years I have seen governments at every level put money and resources into these areas, there has been little, if any, improvement.
The sentiment is the same as if a woman or a child is given a token but remains constantly abused.
Unless and until all people are treated with respect and dignity and made to feel equal with equal education, health care, clean water and economic opportunities that will allow them to regain their dignity and self-esteem, money is useless.
We can talk the talk, but unless we walk the walk, our efforts are moot.
It is like smiling in anger. We can say we love you, but our body language sends an opposite message.
It is way past time we are finally beginning to understand and recognize this and take positive and collective action.
R.A. Mease,
Conception Bay South
RELATED:
