Editor:
Re: TFN putting focus on culture, May 24
Interesting article on the TFN rediscovering its culture. As a longtime non-status descendent of the West Coast, the TFN rediscovery has, unfortunately, missed the whole thrust of the First Nation's culture, which was formed out of a direct connection to the land.
How many years have we heard how the First Nations are the true guardians of the environment?
"Every part of this earth is sacred to my people.
Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods ... Our dead never forget this beautiful earth for it is the mother of the red man ... the perfumed flowers are our sisters, the shining water that moves in the stream and rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors." Chief Seattle, 1854.
How would the chief like the blinding dust storm blowing off the beautiful earth of the TFN lands where pavement will soon cover the land that could grow the perfumed flowers and the nourishing food for their people and our people?
From guardians to pillagers?
Cecilia Tanner
