Reflection of Kaydance and Santana Pauchay
Kaydance and Santana Pauchay froze to death on Tuesday. The 2 sisters were 1 and 3 years old. On Monday afternoon, their father started to drink and drink and drink. By early Tuesday he was drunk. So drunk, that he decided to walk to his sister's house with his 2 young children, despite the fact that it was -50 outside.
His kids were dressed in diapers and onesies. As he stumbled in the bitter cold, fighting snow drifts, he blacked out. He was discovered by police, suffering from extreme hypothermia.
After the alcohol wore off and circulation began to return, and blood began to flow to his brain, Christopher Pauchay asked where his daughters were. This started a frenzied search throughout the reserve. The snow and cold stunted their efforts.
Eventually both girl's bodies were discovered - frozen to death.
The entire reserve is now convulsed in grief, anger and despair. And a shocked nation recoils and starts to wonder who or what could have prevented such a tragedy.
Of course we need to lay blame on Christopher Pauchay. He was an irresponsible parent who will carry forever the tormenting guilt of his actions.
Can we blame the systematic failure of First Nations leaders and government leaders in addressing and alleviating the social ills of alcoholism, unemployment, poverty and crime.
The Yellow Quill reserve, where this tragedy happened is by all accounts a reservation that represents all of the above listed social ills.
Less then 10% of their community hold down employment - the average income is $10 000. 15 people have completed high-school. The unemployment rate is 3 times that of non-aboriginal communities. In every single indicator of "healthy community", this reserve falls short.
This places Christopher Pauchay's actions within a context of despair and failure. It is well known that band leaders have had trouble handling financial matters. Any attempts of the federal government to relegate the use of these funds, is met with fierce resistance. (No doubt, memories of past colonial control still control present fears).
The death of these girls is a tragedy. But, the death of hope among so many First Nations communities is also a tragedy.
What is the answer? Education? Money?
His kids were dressed in diapers and onesies. As he stumbled in the bitter cold, fighting snow drifts, he blacked out. He was discovered by police, suffering from extreme hypothermia.
After the alcohol wore off and circulation began to return, and blood began to flow to his brain, Christopher Pauchay asked where his daughters were. This started a frenzied search throughout the reserve. The snow and cold stunted their efforts.
Eventually both girl's bodies were discovered - frozen to death.
The entire reserve is now convulsed in grief, anger and despair. And a shocked nation recoils and starts to wonder who or what could have prevented such a tragedy.
Of course we need to lay blame on Christopher Pauchay. He was an irresponsible parent who will carry forever the tormenting guilt of his actions.
Can we blame the systematic failure of First Nations leaders and government leaders in addressing and alleviating the social ills of alcoholism, unemployment, poverty and crime.
The Yellow Quill reserve, where this tragedy happened is by all accounts a reservation that represents all of the above listed social ills.
Less then 10% of their community hold down employment - the average income is $10 000. 15 people have completed high-school. The unemployment rate is 3 times that of non-aboriginal communities. In every single indicator of "healthy community", this reserve falls short.
This places Christopher Pauchay's actions within a context of despair and failure. It is well known that band leaders have had trouble handling financial matters. Any attempts of the federal government to relegate the use of these funds, is met with fierce resistance. (No doubt, memories of past colonial control still control present fears).
The death of these girls is a tragedy. But, the death of hope among so many First Nations communities is also a tragedy.
What is the answer? Education? Money?
Comments
I don't drink, I've never drank. And i don't think anyone should say "I was drunk" as an excuse for anything.
Sad, the whole thing is so sad
I spent a majority of my working life dealing with issues involving aboriginal people and communities. By in large it has been to affect positive change but the reality is startling when you spend time in these communities. There are impoverished conditions here in Canada that are comparable to many of the places I have been in SouthEast Asia!!
An interesting take on turning the situation around is seen in the Okanagan with Chief Clarence Louis. He has a no nonsense, no blame approach that places the responsibilities back in the communities themselves.