Reply #41: Thanks

[CitizenWill]

The healing is ongoing. The residential schools destroyed my parents generation and almost did away with our heritage. But I think that was the plan all along. To make us assimilated white folk but second class cause we were still dirty Indians as they saw it.

The shame my mother had caused the most damage. It led to rampant alcoholism and she had no idea how to nurture her children. It was never taught in the schools and there was no connection with their mothers or aunties to teach them.

My generation is fucked up because of this, we have rampant alcoholism, suicides, drug abuse etc. But there is hope we are lost, but our children the third generation are finally getting their act together and are lot more proud of themselves.

There is bad racism up here but I think it is a lack of understanding of our culture. We don't view money and wealth the same way white people do. There is a running joke with the Dene. "If you are down to the $15 in your pocket and nothing in the fridge what would you do? Take it and go play bingo! May as well enjoy yourself!"

We are very close knit and know if we need something our neighbor will help or share. Nothing to worry about. Most white people don't understand this mentality but it's how we survived in the arctic for thousands of years. You will starve to death if you are greedy and selfish.