RE: Grain Freight Regulation in Canada — May 28, 2012

Had a look at the report and first thought was: it's about time.  In the CWB world the farmer paid the freight plus all other costs either deducted off his cash ticket or charged to his CWB pool account. The wheat and barley farmer owned and was responsible for all costs to the end user. In the post CWB monopoly world, the farmer gets an agreed upon grade and cash price, paid in full at delivery. The grain company is then the owner of the grain and all relevant costs including freight, are a cost of doing business. This, in my opinion, is the key argument for the need to examine the importance of all grain related regulation.  It would seem to me that the need for rail regulation as it applies to protecting the farmer’s interest, fundamentally changes.

Mary Jane Bennett and the Frontier Center are to be commended for the report.   Email from Keith Lewis, Saskatchewan

RE: The Costs of Caledonia — August 22, 2011

Dear Mr Quesnel,

As a fellow Quebecer, I thoroughly enjoyed your point of view regarding the Caledonia incident this morning.

It is refreshing and, sadly, far too rare, to read a commentary from someone who is able to step back and present a balanced and informative view. Too much of our main stream media today are filled with supposition, innuendo, and sweeping generalisations.

You have added considerably to my understanding of the issues in the Caledonia matter, and I thank you for that. Your Métis heritage gives you a good understanding of the First Nations view point, but you are also able to see all sides of the issue, with the right and wrong activities of all the parties. Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Band in BC is another who is able to do that and he has set an example for other First Nations Chiefs to emulate in leading their bands to success in the modern world without blaming everyone else.

Let us hope that our various levels of government can shoulder their responsibilities and find a way to reach negotiated settlement with all of the parties involved. Thank you for your good ideas. Email from Ontario

RE: Aboriginals Need Roadmap For Success, Not Ideology — July 12, 2011

Hi Joseph. More good stuff! Please keep it up. It is very important. You are helping to change the paradigm.  Email from Gordon Gibson

RE: In the Fire at Ground Zero — October 28, 2006
Upon reading Friday's October 27th [Winnipeg Free Press]article about "Fast-moving arson fire kills 4 firefighters in California" I was reminded of a closer to home excellent article written by Don Sandberg. At the time I was most impressed because Mr. Sandberg's August 31, 2006 article, "In the fire at Ground Zero," so clearly wrote of tremendous dangers presented to all Ground Zero firefighters and especially initial attack crews. His article made me aware of the necessity of men with superior decision-making skills and the courage to follow through in the face of nature's vicious unpredictability. These workers are definitely the strong and the brave in the face of a ferocious enemy. Unsung heroes the lot of them and Mr. Sandberg showed so vividly their dangerous occupation. I hope they get well paid for their efforts! Thank you for printing a much needed article about workers outside the perimeter.E-Mail from Joan Pawlikewich, Winnipeg

RE: It's Time To Focus On Healing — July 14, 2010

I refer to your column in the Winnipeg Free Press on July 9th, "It's time to focus on healing", where you appear to encourage moving on in the Residential Schools issue. Over the years I have spoken to a considerable number of former staff members, teachers and students from the Indian Residential Schools and I can assure you, from my perspective, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission will discover very little of the truth they are seeking and there will never be a true and full reconciliation. The "truth" in this matter is something other than that which is propagated and promulgated by aboriginal leadership, governments, churches and the media. more -- E-mail from Bill Steele, Winnipeg

RE: Residential Schools Propaganda? — August 8, 2008
I always enjoy getting updates from Frontier and reading what you have to say. I just wanted to comment on the residential school article about the fact there was also good that went on. My mother-in-law who had only positive experiences at her school and has nothing ill to say about it received a cheque last year for 35,000 no questions asked and was told there would be more. More -- E-mail from Pauline, Ontario

RE: Grand Chief Ron Evans' responds to the Aboriginal Governance Index, and the Frontier Centre replies. — June 20, 2006
It is our position that this report clearly demonstrates an absolute lack of respect for the First Nations leadership by choosing not to discuss the purpose of the methodology of this research with any First Nations leaders or organizations beforehand to ensure that appropriate protocols would be followed or that useful questions would be asked. -Letter from Grand Chief Ron Evans

RE: A Reserve in Turmoil — June 26, 2007
I'm from St. Theresa Point but have been living in Winnipeg for the past 20 years. Over the years, I have been hearing about the same things that Don Sandberg mentioned in the Free Press. My family has been asking me to move back but as I have five kids, and with the gang problem up there, I don't want to. It is as bad as Sandberg mentioned. The councillors have no idea how to handle things now that the kids are out of hand. I would like to thank Sandberg for letting people know how bad it can get on the reserve. But I'll always feel a little badly because I will no longer be going home. - Email from Winnipeg

RE: Grassroots Natives Need and Elected Chief — June 16, 2005
I'm glad to see and hear more people from the grassroots that see the problems in Indian country with our leadership, locally, provincially and nationally. Keep up the good work. - Email from Fairford First Nation, Manitoba

A solution to the gang problem?
The north provides many ideal locations for boot camps such as islands surrounded by pristine waters where the only sound to break the silence may be the barking of orders by the drill sergeant at 6 am on the parade grounds as new recruits stand at attention to begin their day. In addition to a strict form of military discipline and training, classes could be part of the daily regimen: carpentry, plumbing, and electrical and business management, offering future alternatives to street life. Some may even choose a career in Canada’s military.

The Tragedy of Davis Inlet
For months, the response from authorities has been the usual non-performance. Newfoundland’s Aboriginal Affairs Minister, Tom Rideout, wanted Ottawa to launch an investigation into the missing funds. INAC Minister Andy Scott said it was up to the RCMP to lay charges upon receipt of a complaint.

Think Tank Conducts Ground-Breaking Study of Nisga’a Treaty Experiment
The study confirmed self-government has not ‘hurt’ the Nisga’a, but neither is it a panacea. Creating effective institutions, wise leadership, and changed attitudes, is a long-term task. First Nations need to be prepared for the consequences when they clamour for an end to the Indian Act. That is one test in policy experimentation where the consequences of failure could harm individuals and communities.

Don Sandberg, Frontier Aboriginal Policy Fellow
Currently there is nowhere to turn. The Federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs appears to turn a blind eye and assists the band council more. You can turn to the courts if you have the money. Then you are up against some of the top lawyers that represent the leaders who have full control of the band funding. Huge amounts of money are spent on lawyers by them. Sadly, it is the people’s own money that helps persecute them. We are also not recognized under the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms whose protection other Canadians enjoy.

Manitoba Has It Right On First Nation Equality
This shows there is still much work to do. Anyone looking at First Nations politics in Manitoba will notice that it is still largely a male-dominated world. So, it still stands to reason why the NDP’s Status of Women critic is challenging legislation that will serve to better protect mainly women on reserves. The time for delaying on fundamental justice for First Nations women is over. This issue of equal rights should transcend party lines. Let’s hope the federal NDP listens to the wisdom of the Manitoba legislature on this issue.

Calvin Helin, Author of "Dances with Dependency"
The federal government instituted policies for 100 to 150 years that basically put aboriginal people on welfare. What they’ve effectively done is socialize several generations of people in this dependency mindset, where they think it’s normal that everything you have in life is provided by someone else. Your house, your income – everything.

Media Release - Evaluating Canada’s Place in International Property Rights Protection
By allowing Nisga’a citizens to sell, lease or transfer small parcels of land to anyone, whether Aboriginal or not, the Nisga’a have embarked on a path unique among indigenous communities in Canada. This shows the Nisga’a are serious about advancing their community economically and want to fight widespread poverty.

Native Women Still Quite Vulnerable
First Nations cannot afford waiting longer for fundamental justice for Native women. Their leaders can support Bill S-4 and can later develop culturally relevant, equal matrimonial property laws of their own. Women should be involved in reserve community life, including sitting on committees and being involved in decision making. Band leaders ought to encourage women to become educated and employed, even become entrepreneurs. This is the way to independence.

How Martin Could Help Native Poor
That would mean $40,000 a year for a family of four, more than enough to lift most aboriginals out of poverty. But it won’t, because most people at the grassroots will be lucky if they see a dime out of every dollar.