At one time, I opposed retention of monarchist relics. However, it is a fact that elected heads of states can't be everywhere and the people expect a little ceremonial event now and then. I don't, but here I go with the flow.

When other Lt governors were put in office did the press or government say white person... Chinese person... Black person, WHY????say NATIVE CANADIAN....WHY NOT JUST TELL us who the Lt Governor is and his Qualifications for the job are. Racist Asses.

Agreed....either you are qualified or not...race has nothing to do with it.

I agree with you, Mr. MacKenzie, however, if you look in the archives, there are many racists comments made about First Nations people in the comments section (see Aboriginal Education, Sept. 25, 2007 for an example). The goverment needs to show that they are putting First Nations in places of power as a token gesture so they can say "Look at us, we're making ammends". I am pretty sure it is a form of sublimital racism. I am very glad that Steven Point was appointed Leiutenant-Governor, however, if Canada had made ammends earlier to the First Nations people, years earlier, Mr. Point's race would not be an issue. Before I get attacked for making this comment, let's get a few things straight. I am a thirty one year old caucasion women. I am not a feminist by any stretch of the imagination and hey, my daddy's a line dance instructor, I come from true blue redneck stock. However, I feel frustrated that many people in B.C. assume that because we live here, we have every right in the world to critisize First Nations for the way they supposedly are. They were here first;sure, we are the majority now, but that because the Europeans came and tried exterminate them. There is a lot of ignorance when it comes to the First Nations, their treatment, and the way they are viewed now. I would like to say anyone who wants to chanlenge this, consider this for moment; how would you like to have your children ripped from your homes, taught a different laungage and a different belief system? Not to mention the physical and sexual abuse. I believe it was in a comment in response the display of Residential schools at Exploration Place that someone said it was a long time ago, let's forget it. Hello, the last residential school was shut down in the 80's. I remember the 80's, that wasn't that long ago. Of course there are going to be problems with addictions, abuse and FASD, let's see our families survive the same treatment and come out without any damage. Wouldn't happen. Until we all learn to accept and respect where others are coming from, we are going to have articles that proclaim "First Nation Lt Governor." I know this was a little long winded, however I couldn't comment on the other articles. Oh, and yes, I will sign my name to this. If one is going to have an opinion, one better own it and take responsibility. Samantha Farrow

I am very glad to be informed and learn that your ancestry is First Nation! It is not important but we all have ancestors, or else we wouldn't be here!

Congratulations, Your Excellency! I know you will serve with wisdom and dignity!

BTW: I am of Caucasian origin and know what it feels like to be treated unfairly because of racist treatment coming from other Caucasians.

I did not allow that to ruin my life, although it was very undeserved and hurtful.

In this case, ethnicity is irrelevant. All that matters is qualifications.

Oh man i love it how they use the "residential school" bomb on us. Just becasue you or a member of your family was in a residential school doesnt give you any special privileges or regards over anyone else. How many people reading this had a family member directly involved in a war or maybe even the Holocaust or maybe you experinced these events first hand. Alot of people from all races came out of these horrific ordeals to lead very sucessfull and full-filling lives because they found the power within themselves to put the past behind them and move forward to better things.Blaming your problems on the past or someone else in this day in age isnt going to get you no where. Check out the link for some racial humor. and yes we all get trashed in it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlogCXzDHuA

I reviewed several of Mr Point's Provincial
Court judgements. He appears to be compassionate, and not prone to over-moralization like some of the ex-prosecutors on Lower Mainland courts.

http://www.provincialcourt.bc.ca/judgments/pc/2004/05/p04_0541.htm

Can't "..critisize First Nations for the way they supposedly are.."?

Well you lost me there Sam! You mean just because we live here, grew up with indians, play ball with "them", camp, fish, fight and chase their women that we can't comment on what we see?

So many politically correct rules to keep track of. Must be nice to be you.

"On some reserves, some children have drugs and alcohol available to them at 12 years old. "

If society were to feel compelled to rescue them from those conditions, wouldn't that be deja vue all over again?

Mankind still needs to learn a lot, barely having climbed the first rung on the ladder of ethical and moral evolution, apparently.

Everyone is a victim.

I really didn't look forward to spending my taxes and my life apologizing for other people's behavior since I was a young lad. Apologizing for history has turned into a growth industry. Some people even get money from us because of what some people decided to do eons ago. Sounds fair to me.