Doug Ford forced to apologize after First Nation comments || But he was right…

Today, Ford met with chiefs who are part of the Anishinabek Nation, which represents 39 First Nations in the province.
Before their meeting, Ford quickly issued an apology for comments he made about First Nations taking advantage of the government. “I just want to say that I sincerely apologize for my words, not only if it hurt all the chiefs in that room, but all First Nations,” he said.

Let’s look back at what exactly Ford said. A day before the meeting, Ford made comments in regards to First Nations being outraged that the Ontario government did not consult them before proceeding with legislation regarding a mineral-rich Ring of Fire region in Northern Ontario.
“This is like handing an opportunity on a silver platter to First Nations that, by the way, I have treated like gold,” he said. “But there’s going to be a point that you can’t just keep coming hat in hand all the time to the government, you’ve got to be able to take care of yourselves.” he continued. Ford concluded his comments by saying, “When you literally have gold mines, nickel mines, every type of critical mineral that the world wants, and you’re saying, ‘No, no, I don’t want to touch that, by the way, give me money’ — not going to happen.”. Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak urged Ford to withdraw his remarks saying that they were “racist stereotypes”. What did Ford say that was wrong? Sure you could argue he was rude, but the facts remain facts. According to CBC news, “As proof of his government’s good will, Ford pointed to the province’s $3 billion Indigenous financing program for loan guarantees to allow First Nations to become owners in big infrastructure projects, as well as $70 million to train Indigenous workers for jobs in construction, development and mining.”. In 2023, Canada revised a settlement agreement to compensate First Nations children and families totaling over $23 billion. Heck, the Toronto Sun posted an article stating that “The federal government spends far more money for every aboriginal Canadian than it does on non-aboriginal Canadians.” back in 2016. There is so much more that is being given and still to be given to our First Nations peoples. Everyone likes to point out that we live on ‘stolen land’ and all the horrible things we have done to their peoples (as if no one else in the history of the world has done similar to others) yet we are still here stuck paying for it. What more do they need? The Indian Act of 1876 happened 149 years ago. Billions upon billions of dollars later, schools and news stations forced to recite the same ‘land acknowledgement’ speech daily, many more supports, national holidays, many apologies later, and yet here we are still giving more and more. And so we say, what was wrong with what Ford said? Where was the lie? The truth is, we have done more than enough to make amends for the past. It’s time to move forward and focus on building a better future for everyone, rather than dwelling on past mistakes and continuing to pay for them indefinitely. Those who hate Ford’s comments, are the same who say his comments are creating a divide within the province. No, what is causing the real divide in this province is the continuation of hate for this country and the constant demand for more and more, as if enough hasnt already been given.
Shame on Doug Ford for his apology, and shame on everyone else who takes advantage of what this country has to offer, and still hate on it. enough is enough. What happened to the first nations was sad, but over 100 years later, we should not be stuck continuing the same stories.