Look together for a brighter future

Editor,

I was born, baptized and continue to live all my life here. I take care of grounds and clean chimneys to keep people here warm. My parents, grandparents and great-grandparents were hard working farmers, and often endured hardships, but provided necessary food items to citizens of the U.S.

My parents wept for their friends and acquaintances killed in WWII. I have and continue to have dear friends and customers of tribal ancestry. I recognize the worth, hardship, endurance, culture and contributions of so many good Indian people.

Mr. David Daniels, is it best to promote division and tribal war parties, or forgiveness, love and peace?

You feel we should give all non-private lands in the reservation to full, "rightful" tribal authority, due to agreements. Yet, with bright hopes our United States government encouraged us to live here, and I believe with intentions for the good of all, including Indians, regardless of the percentage of blood ancestry.

People are going to be people no matter what their blood type or percentage. Tribal exertion of authority without representation, liberty or equality to all its residents could extend to all government lands, private lands and eventually our entire country.

Would that be hopeful and pleasing to all? What happened was a collision of cultures, with many unfortunate effects. What is needed now is to look to a bright future together.

I have been trying to contact you to talk about your views on how our property, which we have poured our life's work into, should be controlled.

Is not your home in Berkeley, Calif.? I'm sure some Indians once lived there. I think it best to take care of the future of your own back yard.

This letter is in reply to your letter, which attempts to enhance one enterprise over another.

Ray Kackmann

Polson