Sunday, 26 June 2011

The film was about the Constitutional talks between the Native people of Canada and the PrimeMinister and Premiers.It took place between 1983 and 87.The film was sharing the story of Ethel Pearson and her experiences as a native of the West Coast. It was also telling the story of the White man's culture and the cultures of the native people of Canada, and how their mindsets can be so totally different from one another.I didn't see any Mikmaq leaders that I knew. Before watching this film I was aware of the Constitutional talks and the concept of Self Government. Ethel Pearson was a main character through out the film as she shared her story of tradional ways and the importance of teaching them to our children. Bill Wilson led the debate against the Gov't trying to get across the importance of just what it is we are fighting for. Its not just money or a power play, its about our land, culture way of live and how everything is connected. Its not about getting rich its about the importance of leaving a lasting legacy to your kids, and ensuring that our identity will not be lost. Prime Minister Trudeau was just totally  arrogant the way he reactted when the Native leader started to pray again on the second day of the meetings.Again this is an obvious difference in culture, and,mindset. I would have expected the Gov't to educate themselves on the different cultures in Canada.Especially the  Prime Minister should have to be educated on the different people he represents. Then maybe he wouldn't have came across as a total idiot. Renee Levesque didn't impress me either.Again a total arrogant idiot. Mocking the native leaders by lighting up a cigarette as if he's saying he's doing a tobacco offering too.As the Premier of Quebec and their fight for Sovereignty I expected more support from him.The Premier Of BC Bill Bennett again very arrogant very disrespectful. At one point one of the  native leaders mentioned that his kids were at home watching these discussions.I couldn't help thinking that he was trying to give them a heads up, reminding them that people are watching and that this isn't behind closed doors.Also theres a protester holding a sign that says"No More Secret Memo." Then in the second video, they actually do go behind closed doors, maybe someone told them how stupid they looked. The one Premier that stands out to me as having a clue of what our native leaders were saying and trying to do was Premier Hatfield, and Trudeau didn't waste anytime calling him out. It was just so disheartening to watch what our native leaders are up against. To the Whiteman its all about money and power, like Ethel Pearson said"the whiteman and his money go hand and hand". But to us its about a land that has always been ours, and about having the right to make our own decisions for our own well being.Watching this video leaves a bad

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