COMMENCEMENT ANNUAL

Foreword—
(O~Z)

Of absorbing interest at the present time is the problem of Indian enfranchise-
ment. The opinion of people who have studied it, is that discrimination should be
freely exercised in favour of enfranchisement for the advanced and educated
native. Reserve life with its limitations and restrictions is extremely irritating to
some. Many of our graduates when they leave school covet and are fitted for a
wider sphere than forever to be accounted wards or dependent children of the
nation without responsibility or citizenship. Would we not go far towards solving
this problem by taking a more sympathetic and liberal view of his interests in
his reserve without requiring him to relinquish all his ancestral and acquired
rights. Is there not a way?

Another, to my mind, serious problem, should be given most intensive con-
sideration viz.: What can be done for our graduates, both boys and girls? Could
not the work be adequately followed up and the graduate of our schools be placed
upon his feet. The efforts of the government and the church along the line of
education are excellent so far as they have gone. But have we gone far enough?
Has not the splendid educational system of the government inspired the hope
and ambition of possible self-support? There is a missing link somewhere which
should be forged into the system before either the government or the church can
get the best results for their expenditure of time, effort or money. | am convinced
the Indian Department is sympathetic and would give consideration to a feasible
plan if it were advanced.

Dated at Sardis, B.C.
June 5th, 1933.

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Rev. C. M. Tate

The Rev. Charles Montgomery Tate whose name we honor as the founder of Coqualeetza
was renowned for his evangelistic labours amongst the tribes of the North Pacific Coast.
Mr. Tate always had at heart the interests of the native people of British Columbia. Fifty-
two years ago he organized the first Indian School in the Chilliwack Valley with twelve
resident pupils, from which small beginning has grown “Coqualeetza Residential School,
the largest Protestant Indian School in Canada.

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