Editor:
Thank you for the informative letter from the Cariboo Friendship Society Feb. 22, 2011.
It is nice to read the facts instead of the rants of a writer not known for being concerned with them. I did not see Mr. Cobb’s column of Nov. 16, 2010 but it is no surprise to me that research was replaced by ridiculous rhetoric.
While I am not from around here, I am concerned with local issues for all the best reasons, not the least of which is the fact that I have the privilege of being the spouse of Soda Creek Chief Bev Sellars.
This is a beautiful land that we share, so different from the Coast and Vancouver Island where I was born and raised.
When I first passed through here in the early 60s it was one of the most racist places I had ever experienced.
I could not believe how the First Nations were treated, both the locals and the immigrants.
Thanks to people like Mayor Kerry Cook and others, over the years things have improved. I applaud the recent efforts of Chief Bev Sellars, Chief Anne Louie, Chief Joe Alphonse, Roger William, Chief Marilyn Baptiste and many, many others who truly want to build a better future based on mutual respect and dignity for all.
I know that the basis of understanding is still being built and remains fragile. Thus, it puzzles me how Mr. Cobb can continue to represent local business.
Consider the image presented to the “outside world.” Yes, Walt, there is one!
Hemas Kla-Lee-Lee-Kla
(Chief Bill Wilson, BA, LL.B.)
Deep Creek