Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

I sometimes feel as if I am as old as the Indian Act and feel the wounds of this oppressive piece of legislation placed on all of us, without our consent. Well, I have tried hard in over 45 years of public service to point out the negative aspects of living and operating under the Indian Act and now it is time to pass on this quest to younger minds with more energy and hopefully with the same passion as I have demonstrated. I pass this on with the knowledge that there are a number of social actions currently underway to make substantive changes for the betterment of First Nations People which includes Akwesasronon. One of these is Self-Government negotiations with Canada to establish a new legislative relationship with Canada that will guide Akwesasne into the future.

This has been a great opportunity for me to be part of a great team within MCA working on this important project that will encompass many, if not, all MCA departments. I have stated to others that this has been the most important work I have been engaged in because it is visionary, with a defined purpose, to control and manage our affairs, which we are more than capable of doing, while protecting our rights and forfeiting absolutely nothing.

I would like to thank my present Nation Building team – Cheavee Willie, Rachel Lazare, Joanna Jesmer, and now our newest addition Jacey Rourke for their commitment to me and more importantly to the project. As well I would like to thank Mavis Williamson, Peter J. Herne, Isaac White, Erin Cole, Sawentanon Skidders, Patty Francis and Nolan Mitchell for their support, skills, and their professionalism that each brought to the project.

Gratitude also goes out to Donna Roundpoint, Micha Menczer, Grand Chief Abram Benedict, and Portfolio Chiefs, past and present, for being a major contributor to self-government negotiations with Canada. Thanks also goes out to those MCA Managers and Directors that also participated in Negotiations and at our working tables. I would be amiss if I don't express my sincere appreciation and guidance I received from the community members, Elders and youth who participated in all of our Nation Building working tables. I wish all of MCA could have witnessed and heard and participated in the dialogues and exchanges that occurred especially in our Entewatatha:wi Advisory Committee (EAC) meetings. EAC, the History Summit and progress made on the Entewatatha:wi Self Government Agreement hold a special place in my long career. My one regret is not having History Summit 2.

Continue doing the great work you are engaged in and always do your work and in life with kindness towards others.

As "Chuckles the Clown" said on the Mary Tyler Moore Show – "A little song, a little dance – a little seltzer down your pants."

Or my statement to all "As I leave, I offer this last piece of advice, pull down your pants and slide on the ice."

Peter Garrow