The following letter written and released by the Department of Indian Affairs in 1921 may as well have been written and signed by Stephen Harper.......IT`S 2013 but, First Nation and Metis Nations are facing the same damn racist mentality and attitude under Harper: Office of the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Ottawa, Canada K1A 0H4 OTTAWA, 15th December, 1921 Sir.- It is observed with alarm that the holding of dances by the Indians on their reserves is on the increase, and that these practices tend to disorganize the efforts which the Department is putting forth to make them self-supporting. I have therefore, to direct you to use your utmost endeavours to dissuade the Indians from excessive indulgence in the practices of dancing. You should suppress any dances which cause waste of time, interferes with the occupations of the Indians, unsettles them for serious work, injure their health or encourage them in sloth, and idleness. You should also dissuade, and, if possible, prevent them from leaving their reserves for the purpose of attending fairs, exhibitions, etc. when their absence would result in their own farming and other interests being neglected. It is realized that reasonable amusement and recreation should be enjoyed by Indians, but, they should not be allowed to dissipate their energies and abandon themselves to demoralizing amusements. By the use of tact and firmness, you can obtain control and keep it, and this obstacle to continued progress will then disappear. The rooms, halls or other places in which Indians congregate should be under constant inspection. They should be scrubbed, fumigated, cleansed or disinfected to prevent the dissemination of disease. The Indians should be instructed in regard to the matter of proper ventilation and the avoidance of over-crowding rooms where public assemblies are being held, and proper arrangement should be made for the shelter of their horses and ponies. The Agent will avail himself of the services of the medical attendant of his agency in the connection. Except where further information is desired, there will be no necessity to acknowledge the receipt of this circular. Yours very truly DUNCAN ELLIOT Thos. Graham. Esq., CANADA
Posted on: Thu, 28 Nov 2013 14:30:37 +0000
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