When we look at the Native communities, we must see the people for who they are and not what they have become. There are two sides to every coin and blaming is never an answer for it leads us into despair and anger. In all the wars of this world that have ever occurred, Canada and America tried to do an honorable thing against all odds of success. We tried to give back but knowing human agenda, ego, greed and pride; it has never worked. It hasn't worked due to human frailties and weakness's.

When blame becomes an issue, nothing will every get accomplished. Blame is the issue in the Native Communities that are poverty ridden. Blame means one must judge each other, their actions and their independence. Chief Dan George stated "we are all One," yet we cannot live together. The reason for this is the insistence of separation. This is mine and that is yours. You are not good enough for me or me for you. This is wrong, wrong, wrong.

Throughout history when one country won a war, the other blended into the winners country. They never separated out from one another as we did with the Native Americans. We are still being blamed for the past rather than living today. The past haunts us throughout time because it is not left in the past. This too is a two sided coin because it is with both parties.

Blame breeds one thing and one thing only, destruction and misery. The evidence for this is right before our eyes in a lot of Native communities, but not in all.

Natives have the right to a proper education, housing, and whatever the current treaties have given them and it is up to them to change and live a life of prosperity and peace. It is up to Canadians and Americans to accept them into society for we are after all, "all one." Racial discrimination must end on both parties lines as blame has created a mountain of anger to be overcome.

Why are the Native Communities more poverty stricken than not? We must let go the past, the hate, the wrong, the injustice, the blame, the anger. We must become human and accept one and other in every facet of living. We must adopt a policy of service to others rather then what is in it for me. We must learn acceptance. Not just the Canadians or Americans, but also the Native Americans. We must learn to live together without grief.

It is only in this way that change can be brought about. It is up to all to want change, as change will not occur in a lop-sided idealism, for this will bring about blame rather then open-mindedness. In acceptance, all can be handled and blame will cease to exist.

Learn more about this author, Jack Mckeever.
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