I read the following article in the Era-Banner this week, and was moved to tears.
To give credit to York Region News, I am reprinting this article from here.
Think environmentally when casting your vote
Apr 19, 2007 11:08 AM
Becky Big Canoe
As a human being in my mid-40s, I have lived my 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, I have witnessed the unchecked growth of the city as it spreads outward from the shores of Lake Ontario.
As a mother, I have been aware 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 unthinkable 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 pleas of those concerned about the state of the environment.
I became skeptical of the ability of society to make meaningful changes 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, it has 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 has consistently shown her integrity and ability as leader of the Sierra Club and other environmental causes in the past. She showed 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 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, as a woman and First Nations person, I had a leader who would sincerely take into account my concerns for this country and this planet.
I felt 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.
Working with Liberal Party Leader Stephane Dion to ensure neither runs a candidate in the other’s riding is an incredibly right-thinking and courageous act of political generosity.
I raise an eagle feather 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 the policies the Green Party is putting forward.
To me, there is no doubt our society needs many changes to build a community, economy and future that supports the needs of everyone into the next seven generations and beyond.
Becky Big Canoe is a First Nations businesswoman who grew up on Georgina Island. She can be reached at bbigcanoe@hotmail.com
Thank you Becky. I have rarely seen it worded better.
