First Nations member impressed with Green Party
Dear editor,

As a human being in my mid forties I have lived my entire life in the shadow of environmental degradation in the name of profits and progress. As a member of a tiny First Nation just a little north of the growing metropolis of Toronto, Ontario I have witnessed the unchecked growth of the city as it spreads outwards from the shores of Lake Ontario. As a mother I have been aware that the world I was born into has become ever more stressed and potentially less able to provide for my children and grandchildren because of the unthinking abuse and misuse of our precious earth. As someone who tries to be aware of the forces that shape our society I have continually been disheartened and disappointed by those elected to lead who have always seemed to ignore the warnings and the pleas of those concerned about the state of the environment. I had become very skeptical of the ability of society to make meaningful changes in order to halt this mindless destruction and felt a sense of hopelessness. As a Native Canadian, I have always been taught and reminded about the sacredness of our land, water and air and I have seen how my people's views have been ignored, even scoffed at. It was truly beginning to seem like there was no hope. When the conservative government was elected it seemed to confirm it because, since taking minority power, they have consistently demonstrated an inability to hear what Native people are saying. The Liberals of Jean Chretien and Paul Martin at least pretended to.

Then all of a sudden there was Elizabeth May agreeing to lead the Green Party, this woman who had so consistently shown her integrity and ability as leader of the Sierra Club and other environmental causes in the past. Here was this woman who showed that she could rise above partisan politics and forge a clear vision, backed by thoughtful policies, encompassing many areas of society.

Suddenly I had a reason for new hope and I grabbed a hold of it by joining the Green Party, the first real political act I had ever undertaken. I did it because I could see above the cynicism for the first time in my life. I truly felt that as a woman and a First Nations person I had a leader who would sincerely take into account MY concerns for this country and this planet.

I felt that this newly energized party could be the place where First Nations people across the country could pledge a membership and truly feel part of a political organization that would represent them fairly, honestly, courageously and openly without hollow promises and endless bureaucratic buck passing. And NOW I am even more impressed.

I am seeing a leader with the unparalleled ability to be willing to take the unbeaten path and go where no Canadian politician has gone before. This working with the leader of the Liberal party, to ensure that neither runs a candidate in the others riding, is an incredibly right thinking and courageous act of political generosity.

The same goes for Stephen Dion. I raise an eagle feather into the air for both of them. I urge other Canadians and especially First Nations people to take note and be inspired by this unselfishness and take a serious look at all of the policies the Green Party is putting forward.

To me there is no doubt our society needs many changes throughout in order to build a community, an economy and a future that supports the needs of everyone, unto the next seven generations and beyond.

Becky Big Canoe 115 Bear Road, Georgina Island First Nation