I met with a friend for dinner last night who flew home for Christmas. She teaches in a native community that is straight north of Winnipeg and parallel to Baffin Island. I asked her about the drug and alcohol situation in that community. She said there is some, like anywhere else in the world, but for the most part the community looks after their own and it’s well under control. Being a staunch environmentalist she is more concerned with the testing that is being done on the ocean floor in that area and the effect that it has on the whales. On the other hand, I have a friend who visited another FN community where they took the rods out of the closets in all of the houses because young people were hanging themselves from them.

To anyone who is commenting on the conditions and attitudes of FN people I say to you: before you open your big mouth to judge and criticise anyone, I sincerely hope you have the research and knowledge to back up any outrageous statement you are making. Bigoted and judgemental comments are always hurtful, harmful and very small minded.

Have a nice day,

Tequila Rose