Editor:
Re: Michael Smith letter in the June 10 Chronicle
I am interpreting that the letter regarding the Stz’uminus people suggests that recognizing Indigenous people’s rights somehow takes away from all other Canadians. This myth is tired and offensive.
Sadly, it is a well-known Canadian story that perpetuates the “idea” that by honouring agreements made with Indigenous people, the Canadian government is giving “special treatment” to Indigenous people. Really? Is this how we want the world to understand Canada? As exploiters and takers?
We sure have a short memory of history, and this letter reveals that we have learned nothing, and that what we burp out as opinions is unsubstantiated and uninformed rhetoric.
Almost as alarming as this, is that the Ladysmith Chronicle has chosen to publish this. Did we learn nothing from the recent debacle with Nanaimo Daily News? This letter is in line with same letters that triggered a national reaction. Publishing this letter here without a caveat warning that the content is provocative and offensive, is a clear sign that we don’t learn from our mistakes.
This is so disappointing to me as a Canadian and as one who is working hard to face the truth about our history.
Laurie Harding
Ladysmith