Mr Chairman, when I did a presentation to the board, one of the things that I questioned was why we assume automatically that the ideas and values which evolve in Europe are better than the traditional Dene ways. Again, this is a good example of this, where we assume that because health and social services are there, that the traditional healing methods must be not only recognized but must be able to fit into the existing system. I disagree with that mythology. I think what we need here is that it should be recognized and funded, but it doesn't have to be incorporated into the existing system. I think communities that have people who are knowledgable in those areas should be encouraged to go to them if there are certain illnesses that they would prefer going to a traditional healer for, as opposed to their local nursing station. Again, just like the aboriginal cultural inclusion programs, we go to the nursing stations to see a traditional healer. I disagree with that principle.
Samuel Gargan on Committee Motion 10-12(4): To Adopt Recommendation 6, Carried
In the Legislative Assembly on November 24th, 1993. See this statement in context.
Committee Motion 10-12(4): To Adopt Recommendation 6, Carried
Item 19: Consideration In Committee Of The Whole Of Bills And Other Matters
November 23rd, 1993
Page 159
Samuel Gargan Deh Cho
See context to find out what was said next.