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Is this a common sentiment? The mainstream media sends the message that the first nations don't WANT to do things for themselves because they are constantly reporting that it is unjust to have first nations members leave their communities to look for work, even if there is none to be had on the reserve. It almost seems to me that this viewpoint is proliferated to such a degree to try and keep first nations on reserves rather than providing the incentives for them to leave and stand on their own two feet.

Do you think the government policies are creating a dependence that will be harder and and harder to overcome? I have worked in close proximity to several northern communities where we employed many of the people, and one of the issues we had was that at certain points in the year people would stop showing up to work because if they made more than a certain amount in a year they would not get their government subsidies. It is an extremely controversial topic, but would systematically reducing the subsidies to first nations and creating the environment where they had to support themselves potentially alleviate some of these issues?

How do the band leaders feel about this as it seems they are always demanding more money from the government rather than trying to find ways for there to be more cross-cultural integration (and I don't mean diluting of the first nations cultures, but rather less segregation of the groups).

Finally, as I said, I have worked with many first nations and have always found them to be some of the nicest and friendliest people I have ever met. Much luck to you in the future.

• Why do a majority of first nations youth choose not to go to university or college even though it is completely free for them to do so?
• Do most first nations choose to stay on reservations because leaving means giving up many of the financial subsidies that are provided?
• How do you feel about the Aboriginals Act and how it impacts the first nations societies? Do you believe that the imposition of reserves and the benefits that come with them are holding first nations back from self-sustainability and advancement?
• How transparent are the finances in your nation? This has been a sensitive subject and also quite controversial lately, and it would be very interesting to get the perspective of a member of one of the first nations communities.
• As a 20 year old, what are you plans for your future with regards to taking advantage of the educational and vocational programs that are publicly funded for the express purpose of empowering the first nations youth?