Walpole Island marches against elder abuse
By David Gough, QMI Agency
25 AUGUST, 2011
From taking their money primarily. Food would disappear, articles were sold," Gilbert said. "We figured that it was just the tip of the iceberg. It was probably more rampant than that."
Gilbert said council wanted to do something to bring awareness to the problem. A march was planned.
"The turnout here from our community I think is something that I'm overwhelmed with," Gilbert said, after the march.
A declaration against elder abuse was signed on Wednesday, and Gilbert said band council pledges to address the issue and make people aware of elder abuse and preventing it from helping.
He added police have been involved in a few cases, but many times elders are hesitant to admit there is a problem.
"In many occasions, there is immediate family involved. Secondly, we've been told they've been threatened that they will not see their grandchildren and it's terrible that they're held in that situation but we're calling attention to it."
Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Maria Van Bommel was on hand for the march. She said elder abuse happens everywhere.
"We hear the horror stories every so often, and you think, 'how is it possible,'" asked Van Bommel.
She said the march was important because it brings the issue public so people talk about it.
"It's a good thing because people start to pay attention and watch their elderly neighbours to make sure they are OK."
Angus Toulouse, the regional chief of Ontario, said elders are a critical piece of First Nations communities.
"They carry the knowledge and history of who we are. They have retained the language and ceremonies and those songs that make us unique to who we are," Toulouse said.
The march was about giving elders the respect, kindness and love that they have provided for their families, Toulouse said.
SOURCE: The Chatam Daily News
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