It was my first interview as an employee for the Kwikwetlem First Nation and I was so nervous. I’d seen my boss, the Chief of the nation, do many interviews. Though some modes and methods kicked in stemming from having been in front and behind the camera. A certain amount of self-awareness took hold in each moment. I didn’t want to say the wrong thing or what I consider taboo in this case, trip into personal opinion.
Oh I hold quite strong opinions on many things to do with aboriginal issues, specifically and generally. My tongue bled as I clenched it between my teeth!
And continue to bleed I must. Truly I am only an employee and not a member of the Nation. Certainly I speak to generalities of the aboriginal experience witnessed everyday, especially considering my Metis roots, but for the Nation whom employees me, I leave to their voices, their truth.
excepting Globe and Mail article © 2012 by DC Lessoway
