In response to J.G. Ryder’s letter of Feb. 2, I'd like to extend an apology on behalf of all of us snivelling whiners.

I am sorry that during pre-contact times we did not clearly map out and mark our territories. You see, back in the day, the concept of "owning" the earth was literally a foreign concept. Modern greed is something that came with the HBC blankets and firewater.

I am sorry that we didn't have more stringent immigration policies. We weren't sure how long the people were staying. Perhaps we thought after all the gold, beavers, and trees were gone the non-natives would have left.

I am sorry the governments in power at the time did not negotiate treaties. I have read about how treaty Indians still get their $1 per year (five for the chief) and a bag of beads per year! I realize that by the time B.C. was colonized the people here were not needed for exploration/exploitation.

I am very sorry that the Indian Act was successful in assimilating the people here. Our languages are nearly gone and the traditional way of life doesn't really jive in modern society. I have four beaver pelts...will someone trade me for an iPad?

I am sorry that there are still people who mourn the loss of the culture and self worth. It is something that each individual needs to work out on his or her own. I suggest education as a remedy. Knowledge is power!

I am sorry that your rant very blatantly exposed your inability to learn, absorb, and regurgitate any knowledge of facts relating to the history of B.C., B.C. First Nations, and Canada as a whole. Its initial lack of context gives it a certain inarticulate madness and the ironic fact that you're complaining that native people complain too much actually made me laugh out loud.

Finally, I'm sorry to point out that it was non-natives telling us what to do and how to live which got us into this mess in the first place. So I'll give J.G and all those on both sides of the coin some advice:

1. Stop your crying.

2. Stop your whining.

3. Educate yourself (become lawyers and use the courts).

4. Build a bridge.

5. Get over it.

JOEY JACK

Member of the Okanagan Indian Band