Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter because I am very concerned about the state of our community (Lower Nicola Indian Band).

Recently, a group of elders wrote that they were locked out of their buildings, and feel that they are not being respected or valued.

I would like these people to think back to a few years ago. A person who was chief at the time, locked the children out of their school, and if that wasn’t enough, the natural gas was turned off as well. Just two years ago, the same person closed and locked the doors of our band office, so most of us know the feeling of being locked out and not being respected or valued.

One of the elders in a recent newspaper article always talks about wanting a healthy community. Yet, some of us question her involvement with actions that are tearing our community apart.

Being a democratic community, I think it’s wrong, immoral and unfair for one person or group to make decisions. This approach is not working.

I’m sure we can all agree that we want a community that is healthy, safe, happy and yet prosperous. The approach and behaviour used to achieve this is very important.

A privilege in a democratic community is the right to choose our leadership. This Saturday, Jan. 28, is election day. I urge the membership to make their voice and choice be heard. Don’t forget to vote.

The choice we make will determine the approach and behaviour used to meet our goals.

I remember a time when our community was an example of how to be. Today we are an example of how not to be.

There might be people who will critcize me for submitting this letter. I only have one reply: There are two types of people, those who work on themselves to get what they want, and those who work on others to get what they want. They might also say I am being personal, but it was personal from the start. Although I made the choice to stand up against my brother and my cousins, I still love and care for them. This is my mother’s teaching.

One person started this, but it’s going to take all of us to fix it.

Concerned LNIB member, Brandon Garry Joe