Hi, John!
 -=> John Stormm wrote to Ray Ledford on 25 May 98  14:48:00 <=-
 RL>I think there may be cultural reasons why Native American activists
 RL>aren't as vocal and noticable as other minority activists.  I can't
 RL>quite put my finger on what it is, but the reasons may have their
 RL>roots in post-contact cultural changes.  I'm thinking mostly of
 RL>changes stemming from adaptations made under early reservation life.
 JS> I'm inclined to believe that part of the reason is also that when one
 JS> has been lied to as many times as Native Americans (and just about
 JS> everyone else Uncle Sam deals with), you get to the point where you
 JS> just don't want to deal with the "liars" anymore.  You look back and
 JS> see where it's gotten you, and then look ahead and figure that any deal
 JS> we come to, will very likely be a "lie" as well.  Why bother?  It's
 JS> like that old brain teaser: "Everything I'm Telling You Is A Lie" and
 JS> then you try to figure out what exactly they are saying.  It just gives
 JS> you a headache.
Do I sense a trace of hopelessness in your tone, John? I'm
writing from Vancouver, BC. I'm white, if that makes any
difference to anyone.
In Canada the First Nations activists are quite noticeable. Once
in a while they blockade roads and railroads, flash their guns,
shoot out some police vehicle tires, and there is a helluva
brouhaha with the RCMP. When their national representatives elect
a new National Chief, it's front page news. When the provinces
and the feds have a conference, the First Nations representatives
are usually included and, when they aren't, they raise a helluva
stink in front of Parliament in Ottawa and elsewhere.
Perhaps if you, Native Americans, cooperated more and raised the
occasional stink about the way you are treated, the TV cameras
would notice you, and the Washington Establishment would prick up
their collective ears for a change. 
Just my two cents, for what it's worth. :-)
Kind regards,
Andy
e-mail: andym@lightspeed.bc.ca
        
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