Tansi;
As one who has been the subject of some of M Porcupine's attention, I feel that I should put my own opinion in this thread.
In my Culture, there is a way that we have of "talking around" something. This is common and is very useful in different ways, such as describing a situation without having to ask for assistance, or in many other ways.
In my attempts to describe modern realities of our Aboriginal peoples, in my region and of efforts to create ways of sustaining Traditional knowledge at the same time as living in a modern society, which includes the use of money, I was challenged, by M Porcupine in a very disrespectful manner. Issues that this person brought up included this individual finding it laughable that Aboriginal people freely shared the knowledge of the use of corn and potatoes with non-natives, without benefitting from this. Corn is used in ceremony, but is common in the marketplace, as well. When She/He learned of our plans to use Blueberries, as one of our planned market products, MP supported this product, so I can only assume that He/She did not know that Blueberries are a very important component of many of our ceremonial feasts, in our region.
I also took personal offense in the manner in which He/She spoke of suicide, which has impacted all of our communities, including when my own brother committed suicide, in the next room to my mother. As a neice of mine (my late brother's youngest daughter) also took her life at age 16, I have more than a "book learned" connection to this issue.
In including references to the illegal drug trade in a discussion about legally selling products that come from our Traditional knowledge and local natural resources, I was offended by the attempt to bring this connection into what I had hoped would be a respectful dialogue.
When I stated that many of our Aboriginal politicians supported the development of a Non Timber Forest Product industry, She/He mentioned that many of our politicians are accused of corruption. As I had previously stated that I held elected office, within the Metis Nation, Saskatchewan, and have a great deal of Respect for many Aboriginal politicians, both Metis and First Nation, I was personally offended by this suggestion.
This individual seems very good at finding information on the internet, but much of our Cultural ways are not posted there and must be learned by living in the Culture. There is information about many things, on the internet, and caution should be used, especially since much of the information posted, is able to be used to support either side of any argument or debate. I considered leaving this forum, but after discussing this individual with some of the forum's administration, chose to remain, in order to use this potentially valuable resource and contribute, when I can offer something, that affects me or that I have knowledge of.
I continue to hope that Respect, the most important lesson of Life, as I was taught, can be a guiding principle of any debate held here.
With Respect
Ric
