SECHELT NATIVES in an UPROAR
Oldtown News
Vancouver, BC
SECHELT NATIVES in an UPROAR
Over the weekend, while celebrating the winning of soccer medals, around ten Sechelt native youth were riding around in the back of a pick-up truck driven by their coach, Troy Mathers. The situation apparently got out of hand when the RCMP attempted to pull over the truck and it failed to do so. According to one news source the truck driven by Mr. Mathers drove up on the sidewalk in an attempt to evade the RCMP.
In the ensuing arrest of Mr. Mathers, the RCMP allege they were swarmed by other native band members and had to use pepper spray to subdue the alleged instigators. In the process a few young children and the baby son of Mr. Mayers were allegedly near the pepper-spraying.
It seems to me while Aboriginal citizens have the right to be angry at the RCMP, since historically relations between these two groups haven't been great, however, instead of this directed anger, hopefully calm and productive dialogue will prevail.
A few issues though need to be aired regarding this incident. Its illegal for people to be riding around, standing up in the back of a pick-up truck. And so it should, since motor vehicle regulations prohibit someone driving a vehicle dangerously which endangers others. The Sechelt native band needs to look at this factor regarding this incident.
To say that riding around in the back of a pick-up truck is a time honoured tradition as the Sechelt Nation is stating and that the RCMP had no right to interfere with their celebration is simply not acceptable. There cannot be one law for natives and another one for non-natives. The law must be applied equally in all cases where driving an automobile recklessly has the potential to harm others.
Grand Chief Stewart Phillip of the BC Union of Indian Chiefs has waded into this issue, thereby politicalizing it. Chief Phillip has valid concerns over the alleged pepper-spraying, however what really seems lost in this issue is the behavior of Mr. Troy Mathers. As the adult soccer coach, he has a duty to ensure that no harm comes to those under his care.
It also seems to me that a proper celebration of native youth winning medals should be honoured in a responsible and legal manner. Enjoying a feast in the Longhouse and youth speaking of their accomplishments is I think a much better way of celebrating traditionally.
Riding around in the back of a pick-up truck, whooping it up seems really stupid.
And whoever thought of bringing women and children into an escalating and tense situation between the RCMP and a few members of the Sechelt Nation hasn't acted responsibly either.
Its time for the dysfunctional reserve system to get its act together. A good place to start instead of making outlandish demands, is to go into a talking circle and air their grievances and concerns in a respectful way which allows the healing process to begin. That's called real leadership.
Jamie Lee Hamilton
tricia_foxx@yahoo.com
posted by Jamie Lee Hamilton @ 8:17 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Is this Jamie or her alter ego?
I can't believe you are saying all this.You obviously have not seen the video of the incident,or you would not be writing this.
The cops were not swarmed,they pepper sprayed the coach after he was handcuffed,he was not acting threating or being combative.90 percent of the people that were there were kids.
A mother with a child in her arms was not a threat,she did not deserve to be sprayed for something she supposedly did or did not.She was reacting to the cops bizarre and uncalled for behavior .You are passing judgment on others and making accusation here that are false and untrue.
At least watch the video,or go to the CBC site and read the comments etc on this incident from those who were actually there.
As for the pickup it was going walking speed,with a few people in the back cheering the soccer game victory.
You are calling into question their behavior,you are making judgment calls?????Like its the parents fault their children got sprayed.Or their dysfunctional....what the heck.Am I reading this correct?
Like I said I can not believe you are going off like this ?????
Hello Jamie is that you ????
I watched the video and I stand by my words. I heard on the video continuous chants of the native citizens calling the RCMP fascists. This is irresponsible behavior on the part of natives. When an arrest is taking place, citizens cannot become involved in the arrest as they were trying to do in this case. Its unfortunate that pepper spray was used and in my opinion it should not have been.
However, watching the video you can see how band members were practically on top of the RCMP. They were in an angry state and shouting insults which could have escalated the situation into a riot. Especially with children around, this is stupid behavior and quite dysfunctional. What responsible clear thinking parent puts their child in a potentially explosive and harmful situation? I say one who isn't exactly showing good parenting skills.
Back to my original argument. By all means have a celebration and honour the teams and individuals who won medals, but driving around in a truck with 10 people aboard is against the law and law authorities have no choice but to enforce the illegality of the situation.
It seems to me if the Sechelt band wants a true celebration to honor its people have it in the Longhouse. Surely the band can afford this. Or have a parade through downtown Sechelt showcasing its accomplishments. But apply for proper permits to have a parade or festival. Here the gay community does it every year.
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