By Myron Wolf Child, Cardston, AB

I live in a small town in Alberta, close to the US border, called Cardston. Cardston is a beautiful town with some breathtaking views of the mountains.

Unfortunately, Cardston has a few problems--problems that affect and concern my people, the First Nations of Kainai. You see, Cardston is a town filled with racism and prejudice that targets native people, eating away at what should be a peaceful town that allows all people to be treated fairly.

Some may argue this problem, saying that Cardston does not have any problems involving native people. Well! These people are blinded from the problems that are really occurring, making themselves believe that Cardston is okay.

I am afraid it is not.

You see, when store clerks and business employees follow natives around their stores, assuming that they are about to steal--that's a problem.

When fellow citizens call natives names, names that I can't even write in this story--that's a problem.

When restaurant workers won't give a cup of water to an indian, but freely give on to a non-native--that's a problem.

My friend went to a local grocery store in town to purchase a few items. At the cash counter the store clerk handed her the money, trying hard not to touch my friend's hand because she was a native.

A Story of Racism

Walking into a story
one that has been re-written over and over
was perhaps the hardest thing.

A story that hated me for who I was,
disallowing me to be the person I am.

A story that locks its chains around my legs,
making it impossible to break free.

A story that has been told and believed,
ever since its beginning…from one
to another that's how it exists

But…

Stories must have pages…
these pages must be ripped…
and its cover
broken

To help eliminate or at least dent these problems, I--along with other youth (not just natives)--will collectively and cooperatively come together to form the Cardston "Flying Eagles" Youth Council.

By doing so, we wil bring about awareness--making people aware of the racism and prejudice problems. We will hit the roots and hopefully make a ripple effect across this town.

Some people may think that I will fail because I am Indian. Maybe…but only if my skin colour is a problem or concern.