A6 - The Terrace Standard, Wednesday, September 13, 2000 ‘ CORRESPONDENCE FOR THE TERRACE STANDARD MP fought for native women Dear Sir: Over the past few years, I sought the assistance of Mike Scott in his role as critic for Indian Affairs. I did so when it became clear that the government was ignoring my do- cumented reports about the lack: of accountability of federal funding for native programs and irregularities of band governance involving my band, the Squamish Nation.” Mike Scott provided me with in- formation about the parliamentary process that enabled me and other native women to labby the House of Commons, In addition, Mike Scott was a leader in bringing native women’s concerns, including mine, to the floor of the House of Commons by treading into the record our coo m- ments, concerns and peti- tions, which had been ig- nored by the gov- ernment about the treaty process and legis- lated land management powers. I raised issues concerning native women's rights including funda- mental property matters such as di- vision of property on marriage break- dwon , inheritance and expropriation. Mike Scatt not only supported na- tive women, he empowered them by giving them a voice in Parliament. His intervention in aboriginal affairs, when the government failed its re- sponsibililies, is a pivotal point in the advancement of native women and grassroots band members. When the consequences of the lreaty process reach a wider popula- tion, Canadians will have a better understanding of what Mike. Scott was trying to achieve on our behalf. I was dissappointed to read that Mike Scott The Matl Ba Mike Scott will not run in the next election, but I am pleased, indeed honoured, to have had the opportun- ity to meet, know and work with such a hard-working and resepected individual and Member of Parlia- ment, Wendy Lockhard Lundberg , Richmond B.C, People, officers a menace to bears Dear Sir: It seems like we have the same prablems every summer over and over again. People are warned through the TV and newspaper to take care of your garbage and your fruit trees so you won't attract bears and get them into trouble. A bear does what comes naturally to them. He or she is looking for food, and if it comes the easy way, why not? Wouldn’t you do the same thing if you were hungry? What does it take to make people understand. Is it so hard to be a little bit tidy and organized with your garbage? We are surrounded by bush and wilderness, so it is bound to happen that bears are wandering onto your property. We have lived next to the bush for over 40 years and we have not had any problems at all, They come and they go as there is nothing in our garbage of any interest to them. Please give the bears a chance to live, too. As one famous zoologist Professor once said, “If there is no more room for wild animals, there won't be any room for us either.” And as far as conservation offi- cers are concerned, we are very dis- appointed with them. You are sup- posed to protect the wildlife and not just shoct them without even trying to save them. Please don’t excuse it with the cutbacks, which is usually the case. Why not learn something from the American conservation officers who do their best to save the bears. One officer even came to Vancouver to tell our officers here how they do it, But it seems like it is easier and no effort to use a bullet. So much for conservation. All the tourists who come here are very eager to see a bear, but the way and the rate they are being de- stroyed here in Terrace and that goes for the tawn of Stewart too, tourists will be very disappointed and out of luck thanks to inconsiderate people. Supernatural B.C. is disappearing. Ortrud Buschmann Terrace B.C, Good neighbours Dear Sir: As president of the Terrace branch of the BC Schizophrenia Society and as an educator for the Family course on understanding and coping with mental illness, I wish to comment in support of Osborne Home. The approval by neighbours for permission to have an Osborne-type house next door to them should be a non-issue. The people who live in Osborne are idea! neighbours. In north west BC evidence shaws that approximately 50 per cent of mentally iil people live with their families. One in five of us will suffer a mental illness sometime in our lives. Thus’ many of our curren neighbours suffer from mental ill- ness. People living in Osborne are those who need supported living, some for an extended period and others until they are ready to move to semi independent living. New medications are allowing people to reclaim their lives. People living in Osborne are not allowed to be on street drugs nor do they have a history of violence. They are supported 24 hours a day. It is the seriously ill who refuse medications and who ‘self-treat’ with street drugs and alcohol and who may steal or deal to support their ad- dictions, the ones we don’t know about, who potentially pose a threat to the community. To oppose an Osborne-type home moving into any area may give a message that all people who suffer from major depression, bipolar disor- der or schizophrenia would not be welcome next door. Our energy needs to go towards education and compassion, not op- position, Eileen Callanan. Terrace B.C, LOGAL FIREFIGHTERS NEED YOUR WELPt [THE ALPHA COURSE INTRODUCTION TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN TO THE CHURCH A REFRESHING OF ONE‘S FAITH DEEPENING OF YOUR FAITH A JUBILEE 2000 CELEBRATION ACTIVITY at 6:\ 5pm Wesneen Welcome Includes: A shared meal Fellowship Video Presentation 4830 S Straume Ave. . . | Phone 250-635-2313 Discussion | September 2000 September 2000 SUNDAY. MONDAY TUESDAY. WEDNESDAY’ THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY fils, Terrace Saeuth Memorial cad Keave Society Hoiprtal Auxiliary taode leandhig ary Tecrxe Anti-Poverty Tarroca Youth Soar Group Society Asso tion 3s 8/5 |6mm . 1) = olumbus FSH 4 Terrace tbat Tetroxe Little . Skeena Junior Ketace Minot Nerrece Peaks Gumi Theate Society Community fond