First Nations protesters from the "Idle No More" movement demonstrate at the border crossing between Canada and the United States in Sarnia, Ontario, January, 5, 2013. (REUTERS/Geoff Robins)
TORONTO — Deciding who to listen to in the First Nations community isn’t easy. That’s unfortunate, because average Canadians want to lend a sympathetic ear to the right people.
Good luck choosing. It’s a common problem with special interest debates. Is there an official “black Canadian” representing all? A spokesman for “gay Canada”? Whatever that even means.
The hunger-striking chief of Attawapiskat, Theresa Spence, has now been discredited in the minds of all but the most Pollyannaish. This is a good thing for the silent majority of band council chiefs who, hopefully, have less trouble with their financial records. Taking your view of all aboriginals from Spence is like crafting views of federal politics from the actions of a small-town mayor.
