[Eric]

And I apologize for not adding my compliments to the post ... definitely a good one. And I know that coming to terms with problems faced by aboriginal peoples is complex ... by definition they were there first, and some of the things done in the early days of colonization would not be tolerated today. In my area of Canada, for example, Lord Geoffrey Amherst attempted to solve the indian problem by handing them free blankets infected with smallpox ... today, that would be "crimes against humanity," then, it was merely a quick way of clearing out the natives so that the whites could settle peacefully. But I do agree that one should not allow guilt to be the main driving force behind doing something positive for First Nations. My partner of several years is a member of the Tyendenaga Mohawk First Nation; she thinks of herself as a moderate in terms of First Nations issues, but she does agree with the extremists that now is the time that many outstanding issues have to be addressed, hopefully by discussion between the governments (federal, provincial, and territorial) and the Council of Grand Chiefs who speak for many natives, and the reps of the Metis.