Racism in all forms must stop

Dear Editor:
There are many unique things about Sioux Lookout, some positive and some not. As the former co-chairwoman of the Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee, I believed in what SLARC stands for.
It is dedicated to helping all residents and visitors to our community to work and live together while respecting and celebrating our difference. The goal is to develop a just community where the future will be better for us all.
Our world is changing and our young people have to bear the burden of past mistakes. We bring children into this world to protect and teach them about our world. Teaching our children to respect one another and others should come naturally but it doesn’t. We can all agree our teenage years are the most difficult because we strive to show our independence and yet we still need so much guidance.
How many of us as adults actually say to ourselves, what was I thinking of? The teachings in the classroom do not cover what is taught on the streets or at home. We have no control of what is taught behind closed doors.
I have always provided warnings to my children about putting themselves at risk when using alcohol. A social event can turn tragic and the environment can become unpredictable and can only lead to more problems. Go to our local courthouse during the week or read crimes in brief in our paper and you will see more than 90 percent of First Nations people are in court due to alcohol-related offenses.
Organizations such as Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and Tikinagan Child and Family Services were all formed to have more First Nations control. NAPS was formed to have more First Nations police working in the communities and once again employ many non-Native people in this organization. They now belong to the working class and contribute to society.
These organizations that employ non-Native people should show a bit more tolerance of our social ills.
If your child knows you work for a First Nation organization then teach your children to be more culturally sensitive and have tolerance. Racial slurs and violent acts are not acceptable because it is wrong, painful and creates bad feelings and so much animosity.
It is not a “drunk” on the street but rather a First Nations person who was affected by historical events and his/her alcoholism is an illness.
By working at a place that helps First Nation people, you can then explain to your children we can pay our mortgages, buy a car or two and take a family vacation. The term dirty Indian is a racial slur and is offensive. How does one react to this statement? When I hear those words I do get angry, defensive and I start to look at our world differently. As the former co-chairwoman, I have tried to foster community relations, with my friends, co-workers, other organizations and my church members. Now all that work seems to be for nothing and I am left to feel angry and resentful. I realize we don’t live in a perfect society and racism will continue to roam in this town.
On a personal experience, my daughter has experienced first-hand how a racial slur can affect you. She was kicked in the face and called a “dirty Indian” by some non-Native girls. When she was on the ground, a male remarked to her Native friends, “Is this one of yours?”
Did they feel powerful when they did this? Was it worth it? In a few years from now, these teenagers will be making career choices in their lives. And what if their career choice leads them to working in our First Nations communities? Do they really want to help the “dirty Indians?” But do we as a society mislead our young people to think negatively about our First Nations people. Why were the park benches removed from Centennial park or why is the bank (and only in Sioux) closed at 11 pm? Why is the hairspray and hand sanitizer not on the shelf. Why does the liquor store not sell Mickeys?
The incident in Fort Frances where a group of teenage girls, all non-Native, videotaped themselves dancing to powwow music with bottles of alcohol was so despicable and brought out so much anger and racial tensions within their community.
These young girls did not think about the repercussions and how it would affect them. And what happens after they graduate and decide to teach or enter the medical field in our First Nations communities.
Were they sincere when they apologized or was it a token apology. I spoke recently to an Elder about how I justify my beliefs by comparing my family to what a mother bear does for her cubs, which is to protect them. If they are in trouble we protect them. The majority of our children are non-judgmental and see the world as one big playground. However, when they enter high school, things start to change and they can see a whole different world of what their community is, the organizations, the people on the streets, the news, the rumours etc.
There have been many unreported incidents in Sioux Lookout. A young Native girl jumps into a cab only to be punched by a non-Native male because it was his cab. Some Native women are reacting to a racial slur and are spit on by a white male.
We should never forget what Levius Wesley died from, a senseless beating by two teenage youth.
Could this happen again? Dennis Hill, one of our famous residents in Sioux Lookout, is passed out at an apartment building and some youths start to kick Dennis in the head with their boots. A young Native girl is given a choice by our local police, either go to jail or end up black and blue.
A young Native boy is revived after being held down in the water and the incident is kept quiet. Have we lost faith in the justice system which has never really worked for us?
Parents must ‘guide and protect children’
I brought my daughter to a mediation process as an observer to teach her racism does not have to be tolerated and services such as the Human Rights office can be accessed to ensure there is equality and justice for all.
I accepted their apology and continue to live my life.
The only unfortunate part of the process is that it was a long process and it took finally one person to speak up and how many did not or could not.
I wrote this letter as a form of healing and I hope to educate our parents and young people. We have lessons to continue learning throughout our short time on this earth. I am a firm believer in what goes around will eventually come around.
Racism is like a moray eel, it hides in its cave and then comes out and bites you and returns to its cave. We have chosen not to take it any further because the bruise will heal and eventually our negative feelings will subside.
These girls will continue to whisper and point and giggle yet you can’t take away a person’s dignity and self respect. The story has probably changed about a hundred times and when it is five against one, there is no reason to take it any further. We all make mistakes we live to regret.
It is our job as parents to guide and protect our children.
Your child could one day be a contractor, a teacher, or doctor that has to work with our First Nations people up north.
I was hoping my children would not experience the harsh reality that racism does exist and the colour of your skin and who you are will affect you one day.
I continue to teach my daughter to be proud of who she is, a First Nations woman and to be proud of her heritage.
Her grandparents may not have worked for the CN or been a manager but she comes from a long line of trappers and hunters. They were natural ecologists, healers and teachers. They were good people and well respected.
I hope the word “respect” will be understood and continue to be taught in your home and behind your closed doors.
And by the way, I do shower every day and I use Dove so I really can’t be a “dirty Indian.”
Barb Carpenter
Sioux Lookout