Made of Sterner Stuff – The Problem with Allies – Bruce McIvor

September 29, 2021

Allies depress me more than opponents.

Many who outright disagree with me about respecting Indigenous rights are open to persuasion. I don’t include the committed racists in this category. I’m talking about those whose opinions rest on a lack of information, context and empathy. If I listen to them honestly and without judgement, they often do the same for me. When they realize I will not ridicule them for their opinions, they become more receptive. They begin to acknowledge I might have a point—maybe they should have a rethink.

For example, several years ago I spoke to a group of people working in a resource extraction industry. As expected, I didn’t receive a warm reception. For an hour and a half I fielded questions and comments I hear on a regular basis: Why can’t we all be treated equally? Indians don’t pay taxes. Don’t your clients want to work?

Read More: https://www.firstpeopleslaw.com/public-education/blog/made-of-sterner-stuffthe-problem-with-allies