Sy Murseli. (Richard McGuire file photo)
Dear Editor:
This letter is written in response to two recent Letters to the Editor that appeared in the May 6 and May 13 editions of the Osoyoos Times.
I give kudos to Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band for his statements about Judge J.C. Haynes and the fact he benefitted, as a government official, from claiming the land where Haynes Point Provincial Park now sits and became “part of the reserve.”
I also give kudos to Sean Peltier for his letter in the May 13 edition criticizing and challenging the letter written by local citizens who have absolutely no proper grounds to involve themselves in the matter.
Those expressing concern, should take a moment and reflect upon the true origin of these lands, including the land upon which many of their own residences currently sit.
In early 1990, the Haynes land agreement was worth over $44 million and it’s my belief the OIB got robbed.
Please, could somebody tell me which non First Nations people would settle for less (the amount was over $10 million).
I agree with the statements of Chief Louie and Sean Peltier because over 143 years ago, the colonial governments’ deprived the First Nations people of their rights, land and dignity.
I would like to share some of my observations in hope of deflecting some misinformed individuals.
For anyone who watched the classic movie Little Big Man, they would be familiar with Canadian Chief Dan George, a humble man of great talent who ceaselessly strove to promote the highest ideals, closest relations and deepest understanding between all people of this Earth.
Chief George wrote a beautiful verse called Brotherhood that I would like to share.
He wrote, “My friends, how desperately do we need to be loved and to love. Love is something you and I must have.
“We must have it because without it we become weak and faint. Without love, our self-esteem weakens. Without it, our courage fails. Without love we can no longer look out confidently at the world. Instead, we turn inwardly and begin to feed upon our own personalities and little by little we destroy ourselves.
“Soon it will be too late to know my culture and integration is upon us and soon we will have no values, but yours. Already so many of our young people have forgotten the old ways. And many have been ashamed of their Indian ways by scorn and derision. My culture is like a wounded stag that has crawled away into the forest to bleed and die alone.
“The only thing that can truly help us is genuine love. You must truly love us, be patient with us and share with us. And we must love you with a genuine love that forgives and forgets. A love that forgives the terrible sufferings your culture brought ours when it swept over us like a wave crashing along a beach. With a love that forgets and lifts up its head and see in your eyes. An answering look of trust and acceptance. This is brotherhood. Anything less is not worthy of the name.”
For the record, all treaties are based on sharing the resources of this country from coast to coast.
I support the OIB and Parks Canada management deal regarding Haynes Point Provincial Park and the Okanagan Falls campground.
I also support the decision to allow the campgrounds to change names in the First Nation language. I suggest we work together for the betterment of both communities.
Thank you very much for allowing me to participate in this very important issue in our community.
I would also like to thank John Brent Musgrave for his excellent and informative letter to the editor that appeared in the April 22 edition of the Osoyoos Times.
Sy Murseli
Osoyoos, B.C.
