hello! I was wondering if I could ask some advice? A new landless First Nations tribe banded in my area two years ago, meaning you just need lineage to receive benefits and they do not live on a reserve. A lot of white people have applied for status within the tribe, in order to receive government subsidies. I'm white, and when I call them out on their abuse of the "system", they argue "but my great-great grandmother was half First Nations so I qualify!" They know nothing of the culture, (1/2)
Asked by Anonymous
have no interests in learning, and are just doing it to get a discount on their tuition. I have no idea how to argue with these people because they were granted the status but it wasn’t meant for white people get your paws off!! (2/2)
It is frustrating to see anyone throw their culture away. I have acquaintances who are from a small, nearby tribe, who receive free housing because of their heritage yet when they are invited to help their community or participate in the cultural practices they are not interested. That is frustrating. These people I am referring to are not White passing, so they are not benefiting from any White privileges.
I don’t have any advice to offer, but I can understand the frustration. Hopefully, they will have a change of mind and do what they can to preserve the cultures.