Dear Editor
The Idle No More movement is trying to save the environment, not corrupt band councils. One of the reasons poverty exists on our reserves is band council misappropriation. Band councils divide what little we receive from the government among themselves, family and friends. It is a form of abuse, as grassroots people end up living in poverty.
Furthermore, some band councillors are not qualified to work in that capacity. Bands should have regulations that make it mandatory for band councillors to have the necessary qualifications to conduct a business. Some band councillors have little education let alone business education. They lack organizational, leadership and business skills and are not capable of writing proposals and applying for the grants that are available. They, therefore, do not earn what is paid to them.
Prime Minister Harper should be directing his policies at corrupt band councils not the grassroots people who are the ones who will suffer from the corruption and imposed policies. On our reserve it will be the true treaty people who will suffer.
Rona C. Fineday
Sweetgrass Reservation
