selkirk, time, other Canadian madjackers ? inside

[SixFive]

One of the threads below got me to thinking about the Native Americans. When I was in Alberta, recently, I was told that the government of Canada paid reparations to the Indians. They called them "Band Checks". Apparently, the reservations are free to live on, and as long as an Indian has an address at a reservation, they also get paid to live there. I thought that was sort of shocking (especially since I saw more than one of them blow the whole thing in the local bar's electronic slot machine), and I felt there was a lot of animosity toward the local Indians because of that. Is this true, and if so, how long have these reparations taken place? Maybe reparation is the incorrect term. Did this stem from a treaty of some sort long ago?

With all the talk of reparations for "slave descendants" in America and the recent class action suit against the 4 large corporations, this is definitely in the news now. Thanks for anything u might know about this.

 

[BahamaMama]

Six Five.....they pay them in the US, too

 

[SixFive]

no kidding? where? Thanks.

 

[BahamaMama]

anywhere, if i'm not mistaken.....they get *some* from the government, and a BUNDLE from the tribe itself from casino profits if they live ON the reservation. I'll check with my father about his sister, as she collects native american benefits......but at work right now, so the answer will take a while

 

[selkirk]

Six Five up in Canada it depends on the reserve. there is no taxes paid, but some reserves are terrible and some are quite modern and great places to live.

There was one reserve in Alberta that when a member turned 18 they received $50,000 oil royalties, however it also had a very high sucide rate. In Northern Ontario sometimes there is anger thinking that they should be taxed more, also some communities reserves are not well run and do not even have plumbing or electricity or heating, not good when it is 40 below.

like any system some of the reserves are run by people looking out for themselves. their own private kingdoms the money they get from the goverment is wasted.

still think it is getting better, more native Canadians are getting college and University education, I know 3 that are about the best engineers you can find.

I am glad when growing up in high school I met a few and became friends, I would say in Canada many face racism, they have to fight the stereo type of the pictures you get from some of the poorest reserves of glue sniffing and drinking.

thanks
selkirk

 

[TIME TO MAKE $$$]

Selkirk pretty much nailed it on the head. The only thing I can add on is that it varies from province to province. I admit though that I do not have much experience in this matter, but I will try my best if you have any more questions. Research the canadian websites if you can, they might offer some info..

GL

 

[AR182]

My mother had a live in health aid attendent who was Native American.She told me that when they reach a certain age(forgot the age)the American gov't gives them free land.She was given 10 acres in New Mexico.
Don't know if this is true,my I don't know why she would lie to me.

 

[spanky2]

The profits in the casinos are huge and the Majority of the 'net ' goes to a number of Bands. They have made MEGA_MILLIONS over the last 5 years. Better them getting the MAJOR piece than the dam Gov't, they just hide the $$$in the "General Fund".. What BULLSHIT...


They can't keep up with the demand ,and are constantly expanding the Casinos. Everything but Sports Betting..The Gov't has "Changed " about 30 laws in the last 15 years regarding gambling here. Anything for a Fuchin Buck !!! And they charge you for 'Drinks,' what fuchin balls they got !!!!



But I'm glad the REAL NATIVES are getting HUGE sums of money, they should send some to the poorer Bands,But that ain't going to happen...GREED, GREED, GREED......
Spanky..........

 

[SixFive]

Where I was, there were no res. casinos. The gambling was the I'm sure typical slot machines in the bars. The way I took it, the govt was paying thises local Indians out of the local tax income.

 

[selkirk]

sometimes the Casino money is shared by only one reserve and sometimes by a group of reserves. Not every reserve has a casino but many which they had.

Sixfive Indian Affairs (now called Native Affairs I believe) has the responsibilty for funding these reserves. That is a federal government responsibility. It is hard to get into all of the politics since at this time the Federal liberals want to change the Indian act (name may have changed) but many native groups are against this, and are afraid they will be worse off.

My native friends recieved free University education, but there is now I believe a cut off, (you need to show progress towards your degree) They also when I knew them had there housing paid for by the government when they were going to school in the city off of the reserve.

A neighbour has an adopted Native Canadian as a brother and was raised by the family. He gave him a job, and he even stayed for free with his family. The government wanted him to live in a different house and offered to pay the rent, in that case I do not understand since he was happy where he was, now he is still happy but the goverment pays $600 a month in rent and he has to travel a little futher to work.

There are many reserves across Canada and the Federal Government helps to fund them all, some are rich due to Casinos or industries and some are brutally poor, just depends. Overall most of them are improving for the better, still can show you a few that I refer to a no reserves.

No running water
no heat (not good in 20-40 below winters)
no electricity
no contact (isolation)
no money
no jobs
no hope
no future

still it is getting better.

thanks
selkirk