Why is there so much poverty in Aborginials lives?

I would like to focus this blog assignment on a particular incident that took place during the 70's and its horrible impact that continues to take place today.

Has anyone heard of the Residential School in British Columbia? Well it was a school of extreme genocide! Many aboriginal children died there, but fortunately there are survive. Survivors who can testify that this took place.

The story was uncovered from a brave man named Kevin Annett, who I met and talked briefly with about this long ignored issue.

How it was eventually uncovered;

Kevin Annett was a priest in B.C. He worked at a church where he noticed a large population where Caucasian people. He questioned why this is when a large proportion of the cities population were aboriginal. Long story short, he began to ask questions and invite many aboriginals to services he ran. Many said no thanks, others rude and other sad. He asked more questions and eventually heard something that thought was a lie at first. Little did he know that this fact would change his life. He heard about the Resident schools, how children were abused, raped, killed because of their culture. People who ran the Residential schools demanded all aboriginals parents give up their children or be forced into jail. They wanted to place the aboriginal children into white-English speaking home to try to erase the aboriginals babies from their culture, their identity. They commit ed a genocide! The also, sterilized the women and men so they could not further create. The used them as ginny pigs for scientific experiments. The told the children that they were not allowed to give hugs, they were not allowed to say "I love you" . Can you just imagine for a moment if your parents or guardian did not say that they loved you or showed affection that they do love you. Can you imagine they negative impacts that would have a child and their upbringing into an adult? These reasons are why I believe aboriginals are struggling today.

All they things I say I truly believe happened, but I must admit I didn't at first. I went to a gathering in Toronto and few months back where this issue was raised to the public yet again. Kevin Annett was there talking about the issue. (In his documentary he talks about how he lost his job because the leaders of the church were threatening him on this issue. These people talked to his wife about how crazy his was and she left him. Kevin Annet was lost without a job and without his family. He could not get another job while tackling this issue. He eventually tried to go back to school and the government denied him money. He is a hero, a man with no regret. He lost his wife, kids, job, his life because he wouldn't back down, because he believed it was his duty to bring this hidden issue to the surface.) I saw and heard residential schools survives share their story of the things they witnessed and experience. All they wanted was some recongzition from the people that this DID happen.

I see the effects on aboriginals today in society where many of them have the opportunity to get free post-secondary education but few utilize it. I see many who are drug addicts and suffering to the point where some overdose, commit suicide or become another part of the system. Then I begin to question why this is happening. I truly believe a large part of this issue is because of the Resident Schools. I believe more people should be educated on this issue so they understand and hopefully not judge or discriminate, and help aboriginals.

For more information check out www.hiddenfromhistory.org

Todays Generation vs. Hippy Generation

I don't think today's generation is that far different then the Hippy generation. Today, I witness a lot of political and social movements in my town, London, ON. I witness people using pot and playing lots of different kinds of music. A lot of people I know are involved in environmental and against war, pro peace groups. In fact, there is a rally coming up in a few weeks. I think today's generation is very similar to the Hippy generation. Today people are experimenting with all sorts of things, such as music, drugs and politics. I do see a similarity.

Returning Home

Dear loved ones,

I am finally returning home. After being gone for almost six years, it is time to return home to my family and friends. The war has ended, troops are now going home.

I can't wait to see little Timmy and how much has grown and little Sarah all grown up, graduated from college to become a teacher. Mary, I can't wait to see your beautiful brown eyes staring deep into mine. I've missed you guys so much. I'm excited to here all the new things you've have learned and created with your lives. I am excited to be apart of you guys again.

I shall be returning home in a few weeks and every day seems to last like a year. I've missed you guys so much. See you soon.

Love always

My Town London

Many urban areas in the developed world are ethnically diverse. London, ON is one of many. London has vastly expanded vastly since the 1980's and is continuing to expand. Not only is London expanding in the number of people, but also ethnicity as well. The population of London, ON is around 450 000 people. With this brings great excitement and accomplishment but also economic struggles for many.

London offers many different types of employment, resources, education and recreational opportunities, summer festivals, concerts, plays, etc. Home of the London Knights, the John Labatt Centre attracts many Londoners to Friday night hockey games. There is always something to engage in London.

However, the number of people compete for housing, employment, educational resources and political representation has risen. Many suffer residential segregation, but also contribute culturally.

The homelessness ratio has also increased. As a result, the availability of resources such as shelters and food banks has become a huge problem. The government has denied funding to places in the community that offers support, which results in shutting down these resources. An example would be My Sisters Place, located beside H.B Beal Secondary School. They have been without government funding for 10 months now and are still open because people of the community have helped.

London is a great community. Fun safe activities for the family and something exciting is going on.