August 6 1858
Dear Governor Douglas,
My name is Chief Swift Fox.
I am from 100 Mile House in British Columbia. In some circumstances change is good, but
the recent changes of the white men coming in search of gold, have affected me
and my tribe. Since they arrived, they have caused much damage. Sadly, I have not been able to do the
things I am used to like worship my spirits because of the dreadful noises of
the endless construction and gunshots.
It is hard to make my traditional food because the white men disrespectfully
steal from my crops. I don’t think
they’re trying to be harmful but it feels like it.
Unfortunately, 30,000 white men have
arrived and I just can’t take it. My
family life has changed in so many ways that I don’t know where to start. Before, we used to have quiet family
dinners every Saturday and Sunday night.
Now each dinner we get poor white men abruptly asking for food
and we don’t have much left. Because of the white man, who are
taking over, I worry about the safety and culture of my children and the people
of my tribe. Safety and culture are two
very important things to us and they have been taken away. I think that even if the white men go away, the
effects will linger for the rest of our lives.
One of the problems is we have to move our camp frequently
because of the white men.
Rudely, they have taken over many of our aboriginal camps. At least I would like to have a safe
quiet place to do the things that we are used to. Because we were here first, I would
like to ask for space to justly live in peace. I don’t want to start a war because we
must keep the peace and stay out of each other’s way.
At least something to think about. thank you for your
consideration.
Sincerely,
Chief Swift Fox
No comments:
Post a Comment