Across Canada, First Nation millenials struggle with outdated First Nation administrations. Country-wide, many First Nation communities are undergoing major shifts as a new generation of educated youth are taking the lead. Some transitions are easy, some not easy at all and others will need allies, but change is in the air and it’s long overdue.
Some, but not all First Nation administrations, look for complicity to keep the status quo of mismanaging funds going. But change is coming and it’s been part of an ongoing movement of transparency led by millennials who are holding their community’s administration accountable. For the first time in the history of Canada you have more educated First Nations who grew up completely loved, supported and respected. These individuals often come from families that broke intergenerational trauma. They don’t speak through trauma when making choices that impact vulnerable populations. They speak through an equity and equality lens.
This particular generation does not participate in lateral violence but rather calls it out. They are often the first to speak up when workers’ rights are not being followed, basic human rights are violated and call out office jokes that are discriminatory. They don’t utilize their education to oppress the disadvantaged. They try to find solutions to problems and look for win-win solutions.
However, they are often the first to be pushed out by an old boys’ club way of thinking. This is where lateral violence is weaponized by those who profit off the coffers of the community. They slander, spread rumors, and intimidate this new wave of First Nation millennials.
Here and now, you have an educated class empowering the people and they are at the gilded gates of corruption demanding justice for their communities. The price of greed has real consequences such as high suidice rates, addictions and violence. There is money that could be used for meaningful initiatives and programs.
So, I encourage you to wake up and witness that First Nations are fighting for justice in their communities too. It’s not enough just to elect leaders who value justice but ousts senior management who act like gate keepers of corruption. Change will never take place until anti-corruption policies are in place and transparency is implemented. The first step is a forensic audit that includes its own source revenue.
These are just my thoughts and observations in the plight of some First Nation communities in Canada. There is First Nation governance doing it right like Enoch Cree Nation and the West Bank and I just pray that people wake up and speak up. But Change is coming and needs your help …
Thank you for reading Spill the Tea with Rabbit.