In my last three congregations there have been public readings of the Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol. It's hard to imagine anyone not knowing the story with its central character, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge undergoes a change of heart which leads him back to the true spirit of Christmas. Even though this tale made only passing references to anything religious it became hugely popular at the time it was serialized in a magazine, and it essentially revived Dickens' failing career.
Of course there are many supporting characters, including the ailing child, Tiny Tim. Dicken's doesn't tell us what young Tim's disease is, so people have speculated on everything from renal failure to rickets to polio to tuberculosis. These diseases still exist in the world, especially in places of poverty but they have been largely eradicated in developed nations with modern health care systems.
Isn't it sad and an indictment that the number of cases of tuberculosis amongst native communities in the North is on the rise, and that the per capita rate is 64 times that of Canada as a whole. It is as though we have a third world nation "hidden in plain sight" here in Canada. Water borne diseases, high suicide rates, disturbing addiction levels in so many of these communities -- how can this happen in this nation of relative prosperity?
I'm not sure what the answer is, but surely there can be a better response to these situations. Is this the government's problem alone? Do you think we should be more active as churches to develop partnerships of hope and support? Is it time for a change of heart?
3 comments:
The whole question of what can we do to help native communities is tough. I think there are few people outside of the native community that understand how their system works. It is very different from our own. There is another country operating inside our own, or are we operating a different country inside theirs? All depends on your prespective.
Having lived for two years on a reserve in northern Saskatchewan, I saw a real sense of hopelessness. It is hard for people to feel positive about life, when many around you are sniffing gas, drinking heavily or fighting.
There are no easy answers, but I think it may be a combination of the right assistance from the government(with consultation and no hidden agendas) with proper leadership in the community from the Chief and Council.
I have seen some communities who were proactive in helping their people as well as educating youth, and others that were the opposite.
I like that idea of our country being a different one operating inside the pre-existing nations. Somehow the imposition of our values, with a host of strengths, has not benefited First Nations.
I see too, Johnny, how some bands are finding their way out of the pit and agree that the solution will involve cooperation from band councils, local and federal governments, and maybe even churches.
Thanks guys.
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