The Forgotten Children of Attawapiskat

[reddust117]

im from attawapiskat

[jakegrise]

I am a grade 11 student, that happens to go to school with two of the people who came from there. I realise some of the money was misplaced. BUT, do the children deserve to not have education. Remember everyone, we are the future. Those kids need a school.

Take my words, and actually understand this problem. I personally hope you all do and help these kids get the school they deserve!

[jakegrise]

For one good job david on the video, i came from your school and am now in high school, but i feel proud that you did this, even if it was a while ago.

Now on that note, I go to school with a couple people from Atawapiskat. I agree with everything that has been said in this video. I agree that maybe the money was misplaced but also remember, did those kids have any say in what the money went to? NO!!

Now try to take these words, from a grade 11 student, and actually understand them.

[Tenny18]

Shame on the Conservative Government.

Where are the Chilren's Rights'

All Children have a right to be educated.

Someone Help the Children, make the Government Accountable.

If 27 schools need to be built, then build 27 shcools and a few more.

Education is a Fundamental Right.

[Savie123]

Wow I cant Believe Mrs Livingston Is still teaching after all these years , heck she was my kg teacher , grade 1 , grade 2 teacher , She rocks , and i am almost 30 now, And St pat';s has been up in running since my Mother went to school , Alot of that school was paid for my the community , So many the community their should stand up and do something , At lest they havea school most kids dont even know what a school is

[Maxammax]

Great song btw. We always rush in our haste to do things and get our work done and there never seems to be enough time to remember a moment to save for the worlds children, especially for the ones who seem to barely getting by with so little. But we have to make time. Its time to remember who our work is for. If we cant make time to remember and allot for ALL the children in this great land, something then is seriously wrong with our moral compass. Not our watch or clock!

[tootoosis1972]

INAC is a cheque making factory, period. The AFN licks the bootheels of INAC and the Gov't for $(how else do they pay the bills?) And what about the Aboriginal Congress you say? Geez, they want everyone the same, same rights, even the same skin colour (gray I am assuming). While the money is being talked and spent AROUND places like Attawapiskat, our youth are falling subject to atheism, crime, drugs/alcohol, and suicide.

[Ladynish08]

Kennbard! 75 Million is just chum change if you spread it across the country, there are hundreds and hundreds of first nation comunities across the country.

[ffejsrennam]

Why is it that as soon as something bad happens in the world, people always try to find excuses for it -- or to lay blame elsewhere. Mismanagement of funds or no, these students need a school. Way to go David, for understanding this need and for spreading the word to others with this great video. And for those who wish to dwell on the lost money -- haven't we all done something we aren't proud of? Should we make these children suffer because of it? Make That Change!

[GG2906]

Awesome video guys, great work on behalf of the kids. I live on reserve but have also spent 10 yrs fed gov't. The politicians that make these important decisions for our people probably have never stepped on a reserve. Federal funding that comes into a community is based on population, and the leaders are accountable for ensuring that these $ get to the programs they are intended for.

bottom line is these kids need a school 8 yrs is too long to wait. if they were white they'd have one for sure

[IntronSnake]

Here's the real question. If your children had no school to attend, wouldn't you speak up? For the love of everything that is supposed to be good in this country, we need to make light of these problems in our society, communities, and homes across this wide nation of ours so that those who do need get what they need while those who don't need as much get the satisfaction of knowing that if they ever do need or fall into hard times the rest of us will be there for them as well.

[IntronSnake]

kennbard1,

though your comment is valid, if I answer your question can you answer mine? Where are the hundreds of millions that both the conservatives and liberals have misplaced, mismanaged, and taken from the countries tax payers now that we know so much about the scandalous behavior of all of our political parties?

Where children are concerned and are being neglected does any of this matter? Yes it does, but not until we fix the problem first Then lets weed out all of the wrong-doers.

[brianbeau54]

It is easy to point fingers and lay blame kennbard 1, and I agree that mismanagement has happened, but if you look at the amount of tax dollars our own government has mismanaged or misdirected and the many inquiries we have had to pay for in pursuing these discrepancies, we are not much better. Our children do have safe, healthy schools however.

[kennbard1]

Please tell us where the millions of dollars sent annually to First Nations has gone. Shouldn't these children be asking the leaders where is the money earmarked for infrastructure and schools has gone.. Now an additonal 3 Billion is added this month. Also the 50 - 75 million that went missing by the leaders with no questions and no one asking ??

The song states "I'm asking" so start asking your leaders where is the money?

[bruyerey]

This is a wonderful video, congratulations to David (and the staff at his school) for doing such a great job and for helping to get the word out about other kids in dire need of a decent school. AFN National Chief Phil Fontaine spoke about the Attawapiskat school situation in a speech in January - you can see the video on YouTube at watch?v=_mVjkgg7ix4

[zenything]

Well done! I stumbled upon this video and the issue it brings to light. I will be sending this link to everyone I know (and some I don't..;-) and will ask everyone to contact Chuck Strahl (Minister of Native Affairs and Northern Development) to demand that he reverse his decision regarding the building of a school for the children of Attawapiskat. Once Again, Great Video!

[landankolby]

Way to go David! I am extremely proud of you! You have become the voice of these innocent children who want only one thing...To go to school! Something that should be a given in this day in age.

You are definitely "The Light of the World" and I know you will inspire others to follow in your footsteps and spread the word. Together we can make a difference and it has started with you... Way to Go!

Mrs. Fleury

[brianbeau54]

David, I can see your gentle and compassionate nature in each frame of this wonderful video. We emphasize daily that each one of us is "The light of the world", and each kindness we offer has a "Ripple Effect". The "Light" of your vision and the compassion in your protest is inspiring to say the least. Its ripples are spreading, directing this video to center stage, one viewer at a time. All this you have accomplished simply by believing in yourself, and this cause. Bravo!!!

[airtank1000]

Thank you I worked very hard on this video and I'm glad that I'm helping the children in Attawapiskat.

[IntronSnake]

Great video and to imagine that this was all put together by a Grade 6 student! Good job!

I love the fact that we're able to see the differences between students and schools who are fortunate enough to have a nice warm school to attend (St. Patricks in Cobalt Ontario), and those who do not have a nice warm school to attend ("The Forgotten Children" of Attawapiskat).

It's hard to believe that here in Canada, there are children who want to attend school but can't because the do not have one.

[riccocheryl]

This video is a wonderful piece of work by a talented young man with a vision! David, you have a gift and a warm heart. Thank you for sharing them with us!