Doctor Shortage

Doctors in Canada

 It’s funny how we have a doctor shortage in Canada, yet we have a foreign trained doctors giving up on pursuing their careers in Health care as Canada doesn’t recognize their licenses. If our government would concentrate on a solution to this problem we would have the doctors we so desperately need. 

We are one of the lowest ranking countries at the moment when it comes to doctor patient ratios, whereas ten years ago we were praised for our great heath care system.  In Canada’s past woman used to be midwifes, and they took care of woman having babies. Our male doctors in Canada believed that having a baby was a medical condition that needed assistances of an able bodied male, not a natural occurrence. They then launched a campaign and it was put into effect, which made the prestige of the work go up, as well as the price. (Foster, 2008) The women are finally back into the child birthing process but white males are still the dominating factor in Canada’s Heath Care System. Foreign trained doctors are leaving the heath care field from lack of money or resources to pursue a career in other areas. Someone born in Canada has many avenues to take in order to get the help needed to start practicing, and foreign trained doctors have no available avenues in Canada to help them. To me this is bewildering.  I do not see how this makes sense to any rational person never mind our government who are supposed to be looking out for Canadians best interests. In ten years from now if nothing is done concerning this issue I am scared to see what will happen. People dying because they cannot get the proper heath care from a physician? 24 hour wait in a hospital to see a doctor? I am worried that things will continue to stay the same and our health care system will continue to decline in order to keep it predominantly white male. (Foster, 2008)

Predominantly definition: Having greatest ascendancy, importance, influence, authority, or force (Farlex, 2012)

 I think that everyone should be seen as equal, as Canada is supposed to be about equality and not about the country you came from or trained in. This paper I read has opened my eyes to the realty of the issue of racism still going on in the Canadian society today.

Kate 

Works Cited

Farlex. (2012). The Free Dictionary. (F. Inc, Editor) Retrieved Novemeber 20, 2012, from The Free Dictionary .com: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/predominantly

Foster, L. (2008, June 20). Foreign Trained Doctors in Canada: Cultural Contingency and Cultural . International Journal of Criminology and Sociological Theory, 1, 1-25.

UNCONSCIOUS RACISM

"Racism can be defined as views and actions that people might have or show of/to another race that might make them inferior or superior to other races." (Wikipedia, 2012)

"Unconscious racism arises out of viewpoints, fears and stereotypes of which people are unaware." (Carpenter, 2002)

Check out the first minute of this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvqXh83IJgM

Unconscious rasicm can create the view that this first nations individual was referring to a drug addiction but infact was not.

Unconscious racism occurs more than we would like to imagine and can occur almost everywhere.

Perhaps, this unconscious racism stems from or history of racism and what we are taught at a young age about racism.

Now check out this video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOHbtM9463c

Ask yourself "what could be the causes/influences of the childrens answers to the questions being asked ?"

"In those with racist tendencies, a surge of activity was seen in part of the brain that controls thoughts and behaviour. Scientists believe this reflected volunteers' attempts to curb their latent racism. After interacting with real black individuals, the same group performed poorly in a task designed to test mental resources. The American researchers concluded that harbouring racial prejudice, even unintentionally, stirred up an inner struggle that exhausted the brain." ( Cline, 2003)

John Barnes has told ESPN that "we are all unconscious racists"
Read more at http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/172340.html#bjBVzGVVXzLZU1Yh.99


Sheri


Cline, A. (November 22, 2003). Identifying Unconscious Racism. In Agnosticism / Atheism. Retrieved November 14, 2012,
from http://atheism.about.com/b/2003/11/22/identifying-unconscious-racism.htm.


undefined. (November 8, 2012 ). Racism. In Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Retrieved November 14, 2012,
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism

Federal Funding Cuts to First Nations

         Federal Funding Cuts to First Nations
There have been major funding cuts that affect First Nations peoples and if the media can be believed there are many more to come. The First Nations people are still healing from the traumas of residential school, the sixties scoop, and the process of Colonization. The First Nations people are returning to their culture and traditions which provides foundation for balanced living. There need to be an end to the racist, radical European style of communication and justice. The Federal government continues to ignore the promises made to the First Nations Peoples in the treaties from the past. It is imperative that we ask why this is happening.  The government must find a way to help the First Nations People heal. Thousands of people are in astronomical pain due to the decisions of this "neoliberal ideology."
       "We're vulnerable right now,” (Porter, November 2012). Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Harvey Yesno told almost 50 chiefs gathered for a meeting in Thunder Bay on Tuesday, November 13th, 2012. With the funding Cuts that are going to happen, the First Nations communities could be bankrupt. "We are going have to rely on our communities” (Porter, November, 2012), he stated. According to Mullaly (2007) in the summary of liberal views, “Social reform is valued as long as it improves society for individuals, but does not fundamentally change its nature “(p. 97). The federal government is not making these cuts on the basis of improving society for the better. Mullaly (2007) also encourages us to,   “Act in best interests of all society” (p. 97). Clearly the First Nations peoples best interests are being ignored by the Federal, Provincial and local Governments.
      Chief Yesno believes this lack of financial support is an opportunity for growth. "Being freed from government money, means being free to deal with real advocacy:  (Porter, November,  2012). He is embracing the reality and turning it into a positive outlook for his people. The resiliency of the First Nations peoples shows once again. Governments are clearly not acknowledging the treaty agreements of our ancestors. Social justice dictates that we must meet the obligations of our ancestors and begin to address the wrong that has been inflicted upon the First Nations Populations.
Poverty, addictions, and crime are on the increase in our society.  Several First Nations people will become victims to capitalism, and they are not alone.  Our society must join together as one and fight the government for the rights of all people.
Heather.

Refernce List:
B, Mullay. (2007). The New Structural Social Work. Oxford University Press.

Porter, J. (Nov,14,2012). First Nations brace for 'nefarious' funding cuts. CBC News. Retreived from http://www.cbc.ca/news/

Racial Profiling Still Existing In Canada

Racial profiling is the act of suspicion (suspicion of crime for example) on racialized people. It can occur in areas such as employment, education, housing, services, etc. Racialized people face many challenges in which racial profiling is often the cause.

"In 2009/2010, the percentage of hate crimes was highest in race/ethnicity being approximately 55 %, compared to religion 28 % , sexual orientation 15 % and other motivations 4 %." (Dowden, C. and Brennan, S. 2012)

Another study found that "police within a majority of white were 3.7 times more likely to stop a black as a Caucasian, and 1.4 times more likely to stop an aboriginal or black person than a white." (CBC News Online, 2005).

This has horrible effects on individuals when it comes to their mental health, housing, employment, education, the services they are offered and these individuals often face unfair treatment in all these areas.

One thing an individual can do when experiencing racial profiling is to make a complaint to The Alberta Human Rights Commission.

Organizations by law are to operate completely without racial profiling.

With Ontario, Canada being so diverse, you would expect amalgamation but instead racialized individuals in Ontario are still often forced to assimilation.

"Ontario was the highest rated in a study of hate crime among Canada." (Dowden, C. and Brennan, S. 2012)

Ontario, Canada then should practice and focus more on racialized people and traditional and modern multiculturalism to help address racial profiling.

　
Sheri
Dowden, C. and Brennan, S. . (April 12, 2012). Statistics Canada. In Police-reported hate crime in Canada, 2010.

Retrieved Nov. 14, 2012, from
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/85-002-x/2012001/article/11635-eng.htm#a4.

. (May 26, 2005). CBC News Online . In INDEPTH: RACIAL PROFILING . Retrieved Nov. 14, 2012,

from
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/racial_profiling/.

. (March 2012). Alberta Human Rights Commission. In Racial profiling. Retrieved Nov. 14, 2012,

from
http://www.albertahumanrights.ab.ca/publications/bulletins_sheets_booklets/sheets/protected_grounds/racial_profiling.asp.

Tuition

Being a university student everyone complains about tuition, the cost and fees of going to school when really we should be lucky to be enrolled into post-secondary education. Not everyone is as fortunate as we are, I'm not saying we have it easy because everything isn't as easy as it seems. I'm saying that some individuals do not have the same opportunity we have to further our education. 

Many individuals think that First Nations students receive free tuition, and I was one of those individuals.  "What is true is that First Nations can apply to their First Nation for funding for some Post Secondary education. If approved students may receive tuition and books for their program for a limited time (usually 4 years for undergraduate studies) and may also get a small monthly student allowance." (Common myths about First Nations: Post Secondary, 2010). First Nation people should have the same opportunity as everyone else to get the chance to be educated in post-secondary education. "Education at all levels is an Aboriginal and Treaty right recognized in the Canadian Constitution Act of 1982." (Aboriginal Education, 2008) so why don't all aboriginals get the chance to go to post-secondary, why do they get turned down because of the lack of funding? That is not fair and just, everyone is equal and we should all get the chance to be able to attend and receive further education.

The cost of post-secondary education is high enough along with the cost of books and supplies. The government should be making post-secondary education easier for each individual to succeed rather then fail and be in debt. Tuition should be lowered so that everyone can have an equal opportunity to get the education they need. The students at university are our future generation, so why not let us succeed and give everyone the chance to have the job and career they always wanted. 

By: Alyssa

References: 

CFS - Aboriginal Students. (2008). cfs-fcee.ca. Retrieved from http://www.cfs-fcee.ca/aboriginal/english/campaigns.php

Southwick, T. (2010, December 10). Yukon College: First Nations Initiatives Blog. Yukon College. Retrieved from http://www.yukoncollege.yk.ca/blogs/fni/common_myths_about_first_nations_post_secondary

First Nations and the Unfair Criminal Justice System

“Aboriginal people in Canada are at greater risk both for being victimized by violent and personal crimes, and for being negatively involved in the criminal justice system”(Social Challenges: The Well-being of Aboriginal People, 2003). First nation peoples are perceived to be delinquents in the criminal justice system, which I think is a rude assumption.  Aboriginals should be treated fairly in the criminal justice system just like every other race but instead they have all these negative assumptions against them. Statistics show “that Aboriginal people represent only 2.8% of the Canadian population, they account for 18% of those who are incarcerated in federal institutions.”(Social Challenges: The Well-being of Aboriginal People, 2003). If Aboriginals only represent 2.8% of the Canadian population, then why discriminate against them? It is sad to hear that Aboriginal people are at risk for being victimized by violent crimes and are negatively involved in the criminal justice system, but maybe they are negatively involved because they are at greater risk of being victims too.

“The number of incarcerated Aboriginal inmates in federal and provincial facilities, particularly in the Prairies, is still increasing though many of the crimes committed are minor offences.”(Aboriginal People and the Criminal Justice System, 2000). If they are minor offences then why be put in jail? I don’t think anyone should be punished unless they deserve it. It is not fair to arrest an Aboriginal for a minor offence, just because they are Aboriginal. If the offence is minor then they shouldn't have to deal with the consequences.

“Aboriginal people in Canada were deprived of their land, their cultural traditions, and their unique way of life. Children were removed from their families and sent away to residential schools – where many were abused.”(Social Challenges: The Well-being of Aboriginal People, 2003).  First Nation peoples should have not gone through that especially in Canada, when we are supposed to be the Peace-Keepers. That happened a long time ago but it still happened, and it still affects us today.

We live in the 21^st century where all of the stereotyping and racism should be put behind us. Everyone should be treated with fairness and equality, and not be discriminated against. When it comes to the criminal justice system in Canada I believe that only the people committing crimes and are guilty to the crime should be punished no matter what race or ethnic background. We all follow and abide to the same laws.

By: Alyssa

References:

Social Challenges: The Well-being of Aboriginal People. (2003). CCSD. Retrieved from http://www.ccsd.ca/cpsd/ccsd/c_ab.htm

Aboriginal Peoples and the Criminal Justice System. (2000, May 15). CCJA. Retrieved from http://www.ccja-acjp.ca/en/aborit.html

Racialization still Occurring in Canada Today

Racialized people in Canada Today

     According to Canada rights and freedoms, all Canadians are entitled to equality, liberty, and freedom. This being said, Canada is a far cry from equality of all people. Everywhere you turn there is discrimination of minority groups and a fight for equality. The indigenous people of Canada have an ongoing battle with our government for their land and the treaty rights signed by our government and their ancestors. Blacks have a stigma of being delinquents and always up to know good, especially in major cities in poverty stricken neighborhoods. Poverty rates for minority groups are at an all-time high according to Canada’s Colour Coded Labour Market Overview. (Regoiyo, 2012) If Canada is equal why are the minority groups in poverty more so than the rest?

    In the Toronto Star article I reviewed, it speaks of police being more likely to card black males in particular no matter where they live. They also stop colored people in neighborhoods that are largely populated by color. Not only are racialized people considered a greater crime threat, they also face greater surveillance. (Grace Edward Galabuzi, 2012) If Canada is a diverse country then why are these issues still occurring?

    I believe that we have started resolve some of the issues concerning racialization in Canada, but they are far from resolved. I think that people in Canada chose to turn a blind eye to these issues and that our government helps them in doing this.  I can only hope that these issues will be resolved, as I would hate for my children’s generation to have to face these kinds of issues.

Kate

Works Cited
Grace Edward Galabuzi, A. C. (2012). The persistence of Racial inequality in Canada. The Toronto Star, 1.
Regoiyo, H. (2012, Novemeber 12). Canada's Colour coded Labour Market: The Gap for racialized workers. Edmonton Social planning council, 1.

Illness During Feudalism Era

Illness During the Feudalism Era

During the feudalism era (11th-14th century), death from disease was a constant fear for most. The disease most feared was leprosy. Leprosy did not always kill its victims, however the effects of the disease were horrifying. Leprosy was also known to be highly contagious, so those who were exposed to the disease were shunned and not considered members of the community. Smallpox and measles also caused a great deal of suffering to those living in this era. By the end of the 14th century adults had developed an immunity to these diseases, however children did not have strong or well developed immune systems so unfortunately they suffered greatly (Kelly). 

Other common diseases during this era included typhoid fever, dysentery and diphtheria, however none of the above mentioned diseases compares to The Black Plague, which occurred roughly between 1348-1351. This globally known epidemic wiped out an estimated 2/3 of the European population, which can be calculated to 75-200 million people killed (Byrne). The name "black death" is a more recent name for the epidemic. While it was taking place it was referred to as The Great Mortality. Most experts agree that the plague was caused by Yersinia pestis, a bacillus carried by fleas that live primarily on rats and other rodents that were common in medieval dwellings (Kelly). Still to this day there is no cure if such an epidemic should occur again (Byrne). 

During this era medical knowledge was solely based on remaining Greek and Roman texts. Many people would link disease with destiny, sin and astral influences (Getz). There was such a low amount of knowledge when it came to such serious diseases that the victims of such diseases went without proper treatment and were basically forced to just lay there and take it. 

We live in such a different time it is unbelievable what some people were forced to suffer through. In Canada we tend to boast about our free health care over those countries without free health care, however I don't think everyone realizes just how lucky we are to have health care at all. Back in the feudalism era there was no such thing as health care and I have so much sympathy for those who lived and suffered through such hard times. 

References

"The Strassburg Chronicle." In The Black Death by Joseph P. Byrne, 186-188

Kelly, John. 2005. The Great Mortality. New York, NY: HarperCollins

Getz, Faye. Medicine in the English Middle Ages. (Princeton University Press, 2008).

Paisley

Addiction Taking Over First Nation Reserves

Taking Over First Nation Reserves

Addiction is defined as “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma” (Dictionary.com).  On many reserves today there are severely progressing issues with drug addictions.  First Nation children are very concerned about there parents health, which in turn caused them to send a letter to parents who are ad Addiction dicted trying to seek them help.  In the past year the rate of individuals on reserves addicted to drugs has gone through the roof.  The drugs were very easy to access until the past few months, where the narcotic painkillers have been taken off the shelves and production has stopped.  To replace this product, pharmacies have now come out with OxyNEO, which is supposed to be hard to abuse.  This is a first step in a positive direction, but there is much more societies can do to help with this issue.

The drugs “Oxycotin and Percocet’s” have really destroyed reserves across Canada. In Cat Lake, Ontario a town with a population of 700 people, local officers have put 172 adults on their list of confirmed addicts: another 250 people are suspected for using.  And almost everyone else is either a child or an elder (The Star).  Since these drugs are very addictive, it has become at ‘norm” to almost every adult living on first nations territory.  When I first heard about this crisis, I was shocked.  I could not imagine living in a place where almost everyone in the community is a drug addict.  Parents, who are living such a life, are slowly starting to go into withdrawals’ as the drug is becoming more rare to find.  Many first nations have turned to other drugs such as heroin and cocaine, because the high is similar.  Also many first nation citizens have turned to alcohol, even though most reserves are supposed to be dry.  The individuals who have not been able to get their hands on any drugs, and do not want to seek medical attention have to suffer with awful withdrawals.  Some symptoms include abnormal sleeping patterns, violent shakes, diarrhea, headache and anxiety are common for weeks, even months (The Star).  Many people would like to quit, because it does truly change ones personality.  When on this drug, people are not just the same; it changes their whole view of life as well as their personality.  Many people say that quitting the drug would kill them before the drug would have. 

The statistics’ mentioned earlier just blew my mind, I could not believe that most adults were raising their children around drugs.  As we are all aware, how we were raised and brought up really shapes how one will turn out.  Being in such an awful and unhealthy environment at such a young age, is a terrible influence on little children.  Nurses and doctors that have came into help and support the addicted communities have not yet set up a medical treatment program that many health authorities understand is the quickest and most efficient way to eliminate addictions.  The medical treatment, Suboxone, helps reduce the awful withdrawal symptoms.  Where as the recovery program is a process that can takes week or months, which has to be monitored very closely (The Star).  In my opinion, I feel that the “sub oxy” is a great idea.  I understand that quitting is hard, and since the drug is becoming rare, people are forced to quit cold turkey.  This sub oxy slowly helps in the quitting process as it a lower dosage, and helps with all the aches and pains.   In Sioux Lookout, the medical center there just expanded their center adding a five bed unit for the mentally challenged.  These rooms were converted into a drug clinic, but with so many people hooked on the drug, the beds are always full (The Star).  When I reflected on this, I really respected the nurses and doctors taking care of theses patients.  And I realized there doing all they can to help these addicts without being granted money to expand their services. In Cat Lake, Health Canada has converted an old building into a medical center to assist individual’s struggling.  The recovering addicts are to be sent out in the bush, with minimum tools and gadgets.  They will be out there for several weeks, watched by a doctor.  The plan is for the addicts to soak in nature and conquer their addictions (The Star).

Since I am in the social work program, reflecting and researching this issue really opened my eyes to seeing issues I may be dealing with when I am older.  I personally would like to get involved with helping individuals with addictions, because I have many friends who have gone through the same thing.  I have seen all these symptoms in my friends; I just did not know that so many people were struggling with the same problem.  In my years to come, I would like to help out communities and individuals suffering with this issue, as no one should have to go though that awful stage of life.

References

Addiction | Define Addiction at Dictionary.com. (n.d.). In Dictionary.com | Find the Meanings and Definitions of Words at Dictionary.com. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/addiction

Scoffield, H. (2012, April 15). First Nations children send distressing letter to addicted parents - thestar.com. News, Toronto, GTA, Sports, Business, Entertainment, Canada, World, Breaking - thestar.com. Retrieved October 28, 2012, from http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/1162160--first-nations-children-send-distressing-letter-to-addicted-parents

Drew

Caregivers Taking Advantage of Senior Citizens

Caregivers Taking Advantage of Senior Citizens

Elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult (Administration of Aging).   In today’s society, elders are being harassed and taken advantage of strictly because of their age.  As elders age and become more physically frail, they`re less able to stand up to bullying and or fight back if attacked.  Since they may not be as sharp in terms of seeing, hearing, and even just thinking clearly.  It leaves gaps for people to take advantage of them (Help Guide).  The various types of elder abuse include; physical abuse, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation.  Thousands of elders around the world are under the radar in terms of abuse, there concerns and opinions are ignored because of their age.

            Elder abuse has been an ongoing issue that our society has been struggling with for years. I have witnessed this issue first hand and can understand the anger and frustration that the older citizens of society are feeling. A perfect example of elder abuse was discovered when I was walking down the road in Houghton, Michigan when I passed this little old well kept home.  At the door were 3 teenagers and the homeowner who was an older woman.  The teenagers were asking for money to support a charity, as the old lady went to open her wallet.  The teenagers pushed her down the stairs, grabbing her wallet from her hands and took off running.  I couldn’t believe my eyes, I mean, in my family I was raised to respect and help all elders.  It is just common courtesy, something nothing theses teenagers had.  When I looked into her eyes as I was helping her up, I could see tears.  This is when I realized that something has to be done, people cant be getting away with treating the people who brought them into this world like this.  There people with the same rights as everyone else.  In fact, we should be making their lives easier by helping them out and giving them benefits as some are unfit to take care of themselves.  The most common types of elderly abuse are physical and emotional abuse.  Physical abuse is a non-accidental use of force against and elderly person that results in physical pain, injury, or impairment.  Such abuse includes not only physical assaults such as hitting or shoving but also the inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, or confinement (Help Guide).  Where as on the other hand, emotional abuse can be verbal in terms of intimidating, threatening, blaming and humiliating elders.  Also, there have been many cases of elderly individuals being ignored, isolated and terrorized across the region.   Another issue that seniors are constantly facing is the financial exploitation abuse.  Many so called “caregivers” misuse elders personal checks, credit cards, steel cash, income checks, household goods and even engage in forging signatures (Help Guide).  I think that society should be investing in a plan to benefit seniors.  Aging is a part of life, and everyone will at some point in life become old.  There should be better health benefits, higher monthly income rates, and a reliable source of public transportation.  The first step to help put an end to this worldwide problem is by making people more aware of what is actually happening in our society. 

In my opinion, I think that society is in an era where younger citizens have lost respect for our elders.   After reflecting on this sad topic, I put my self in elderly persons shoes.  And thought to my self, how would I like it if I got bullied around for being fragile and slower to react?  It is not fair that they have to live this way after being around so much longer then we have.    In the near future, society must increase senior benefits across the globe, to help the elders who are the reason we stand here today!

References

Elder Abuse and Neglect: Warning Signs, Risk Factors, Prevention, Help. (n.d.). Helpguide helps you help yourself and others. Retrieved October 29, 2012, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/elder_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm

What is Elder Abuse? (n.d.). Administration on Aging. Retrieved October 29, 2012, from http://www.aoa.gov/AoA_programs/Elder_Rights/EA_Prevention/whatIsEA.aspx

Drew

Freedom of Religion

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Freedom of Religion

“Why not require a chaplain to provide spiritual services for all religions? Because it becomes an exchange that lacks authenticity and the facts needed for inner transformation. The Christian can only point to Jesus and forgiveness – deeply offensive to people in other traditions and utter nonsense to humanists”. (Dueck, 2012)

   Firstly, how could a Christian chaplain teach another faith when the Christian chaplain has only been trained to teach Christian teachings? He is not qualified to teach other faiths. Similar to when we are in university we expect our professors to be trained in the discipline that we are learning, otherwise it just does not work.  

  

What the government wants to do with prison chaplains I think is wrong and smells of racism.  As a taxpayer I would want to see that the government provides services for all inmates, no matter what race or religion they happen to be. I understand that the men and women who are incarcerated have done something wrong by breaking the law,  but they are still all human, have human feelings and they have rights.  By removing all other religions leaders and only offering a Christian cleric for the inmates, regardless of the inmate’s religious beliefs, is, in my view wrong and discriminatory toward other races/religions.

If we had a Social Democratic government in power this kind of thing would not be happening. I say this for two reasons: 1)Social Democratic governments balance the interests of different groups in society ensuring that no group becomes dominant, 2) absence of a ruling class or group. (Mullaly, 2007)  By not providing specific religious counselling to all religious groups, the government is not balancing the interests of different groups thereby making Christians dominant in this case.

Dueck , L. (2012, Oct 12). One-size prison chaplains don't fit all. The Globe and Mail. Retrieved from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/one-size-prison-chaplains-dont-fit-all/article4607354/

Mullaly, B. (2007). The new structural social work. (Third Edition ed., pp. 114-136). Don Mills, On: Oxford University Press.

By: Jeff

Attawapiskate Round Two

      Attawapiskat First Nation

As a first year student I am learning how media can manipulate and change the context of a topic. This can be seen in the portrayal of the community of Attawapiskat.  How does such neglect and maltreatment happen in our own Country?  In our own province, only a few districts away from where we live.
      The neo conservative views on human nature are that, "people are isolated and selfish individuals. They determine behaviours by pleasure or pain. It is necessary for humans to live in society” (Mullaly, 2007, p. 79). This describes how the emergency housing state was dealt with in the Attawapiskat community. Immediately, the Federal government put blame on the community.  The community had to prove to the federal government that it was not the mismanaging of money that led to the crisis. This was proven in court in August of 2012, when the Attawapiskat community won over the Federal Government.  The government’s response was very selfish, and isolating, forcing this First Nations community to relocate into another community, Timmins.
       DeBeers Diamond Company donated a few trailers in 2009 to be used for temporary housing while families awaited permanent homes in their community.  These same trailers were condemned in September of 2012. Once again many families faced a housing crisis as they still had not received permanent housing. The Federal Government did provide funding for more trailers; however, this will not resolve the ongoing housing crisis.  The acting chief of Attawapiskat states, "they are just trailers they are not going to last long” (Carpenter, 2012, p.1). The Aboriginal Affairs for Northern Development Minister, John Duncan would not approve an application for 30 housing units.  His spokesman Michelle Perron stated, “We recognize that there is a need to address housing issues in Attawapiskat over the long term and while housing remains the responsibility of the First Nations, addressing the long-term housing needs of the community requires a long-term housing strategy. We have offered repeatedly to assist the chief and council in developing strategy” (CBC, February 12, 2012).  They still fail to address the immediate need for housing in this community.
       A neo conservative view describing nation states is that it is a "necessary evil to maintain law and order. A referee role in trade and contract disputes and assures conformity of subordinate groups to interests of dominant groups (Mullaly, 2007, p. 79)" The situation in Attawapiskat clearly shows the government’s role of attempting to control the subordinate group of First Nations people by denying a basic need.
       CBC News Radio’s latest post presented the plans of the Federal Government for the proposed new school in Attawapiskat.  The school will hold 540 students.  It will have a library, gymnasium, and community spaces for the entire Attawapiskat community to use. Construction was scheduled to begin in September of 2012 and Spokesperson Rock Belair stated that the school would be ready for 2013. There are currently no updates on whether building continues on target.
        Neo-conservatives  believe that "social changes should be slow and evolutionary” (Mullaly, 2007, p.79)".  It seems this is how the government responds when there is a social crisis for a small community that does not impact the mainstream population. Social justice believes that " poverty is a good thing and it teaches discipline and provides incentive” (Mullaly, 2007, p.79). The First Nations peoples do not need any more discipline or incentives; however the federal government should heed this advice. 
    The first Nations peoples in the community of Attawapiskat are being economically abused by the De Beers mining company, the federal government, and the Minister of Indian Affairs. Their survival skills are heroic. This community continues to show resiliency in the face of crisis, and continues to demand that those who hold the power are held accountable for failing to protect the basic needs of this community.
Heather

    


Reference List:

CBC News.(February, 2012). New School Brings Hope for Attiwapiskate Residence. Retreived from:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/story/2012/02/27/sby-attiwapiskat-school.html

Carpentar, L. (September 2012). Wawatay News On Line. Attawapiskat Planning for Housing Crisis 'Round Two'. Retrieved from: http://dev.wawataynews.ca/archive/all/2012/9/27/attawapiskat-planning-housing-crisis-round-two_23522.

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