These sorts of issues are extremely complex. However, the paternalism is troubling. Our society seems wedded to hierarchical structures, in which the people at the top decide what's best for the people on the bottom ... In this instance, it does not sound as if Aboriginals were consulted as to what they need, think, want, feel.

I'm afraid the Canadian government too often takes the same approach in dealing with Aboriginals. The difference is in degree, perhaps.