inherent differences between aboriginal sex workers, and those of us

with other backgrounds. And the differences I’m concerned about are

cultural ones, I think.

  I first wondered about all this after attending various public

meetings about sex work, and related issues, and observing the comments

and concerns of our sisters of native heritage. ‘Comments’ is a polite

way of referring to many of the feelings that were expressed. Full-on

Rage ,as well as weeping and wailing were often the methods of

expression. I found this startling, as in a Caucasian culture, this is

not thought of as a good way to get your points across, and be respected

in the process. It seems that the Canadian mainstream have learned how

to remove emotion from the equation , and use a more logic based style

of communication in order to get to the facts first, and the trauma

later.

  One wonders whether this method of expression, fully in place with

our Justice system, is at odds with the aboriginal outlook?

  Or is it just that many of the women I’ve observed at these public

forums and protests, with their shouting and crying, and hysterical

accusations are wanting attention of almost any kind. They obviously

don’t feel listened to ,and don’t feel looked after, and maybe have

never had a sense of mattering to anyone, certainly not in terms of the

Canadian culture, or system ,as a whole.

  All that being said, I know from other experiences, and gatherings,

that not all Canadian aboriginal women express themselves this way. I

have seen, and heard speak, many women of native heritage who express

themselves with dignity and careful words.

  It seems that the hysterical ones, are also the ones who wish to

banish sex work altogether……. those we call the abolitionists. I’ve

heard that there is no prostitution in the aboriginal cultures, that

this is a ‘practise’ or profession originating from those of European

heritage primarily.

  I’d certainly like to know more about aboriginal customs, and

lifestyles, how they differ from ours, and what we could learn from

their ways of life…….. I know the ways of the White Man have been

shoved down aboriginal throats, and much of their own culture, and

practises, and beliefs may have been lost, in the process.

   For now, as someone who has made a success of engaging in sex work

for almost 3 decades, I cannot possibly entertain the concept of

abolishing the work I have so enjoyed. This profession has been very

good to me, and I know I’m not the only one. Certainly, while being in

this field, attitude is EVERYTHING. It’s very hard to feel good about

something that others will criticize you for , and stigmatize you for.

  If there are aboriginal women out there who like sex work, and who

plan to stay in it, and are not ashamed of it, I’d love to connect with

them ,and their stories. If there are reasons, in their cultures, why

they cannot feel good about this work, I’d like to know more about their