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January 10, 2003
Keep the trust strong
Letters
This letter was originally sent to Matthew Coon Come, national
chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and copied to the Canadian
Jewish Congress. It is reprinted with permission.
Dear Chief Matthew Coon Come:
In reference to the statements by Mr. David Ahenakew, we were appalled
and horrified upon hearing his personal opinions on national television.
The media will focus on these horrendous statements and damage our
relationship with Jewish people and other nations throughout the
world. It is indeed a very sad day in history for us and especially
for the Jewish people who are on constant alert for acts of terror.
The statements have brought hurt to the many survivors of the Holocaust
and their families who have suffered throughout history at the hands
of their oppressors. This has also brought shame to the First Nations
of Canada.
We appreciate your public objections to the statement made by Mr.
Ahenakew. We trust you will follow up with conveying regrets to
the Canadian Jewish Congress and the Jewish people throughout the
world. We also want to ensure that the positive relationship between
the Jewish people and the First Nations remains strong and intact.
We also support the call for the removal of the Order of Canada
from Mr. Ahenakew. His statements and personal opinions cannot undo
the harm even in light of his public apology. The statements were
unbelievable and reprehensible in this day and age and were unacceptable
from someone who was in a respected position like Mr. Ahenakew.
Our traditional chiefs and, especially, the honored Chief Gisdaywa,
have expressed shock and dismay about Mr. Ahenakew's conduct and
comments. The long and labored journey towards justice by the Del
gam uukw landmark ruling is overshadowed by this despicable act.
We are hopeful the damage done to the Jewish people will not break
the trust and respect between our nations.
Yagalahl, Chief Dora Wilson
Hagwilget Village Council
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