Indigenous leaders denounce online harassment after allegations of racism at small-town Sask. hockey game
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A provincial senior hockey game in a small Saskatchewan town has gained far-reaching online attention after altercations in the stands that some believe were driven by racism.
Nearly two weeks ago, the Wynyard Monarchs and Round Lake Bears faced off at Co-operative Place in Wynyard, Sask., a town of roughly 1,700 that's about 150 kilometres northeast of Regina.
Two videos shared on social media that appear to begin midway through the incidents show disagreement between groups of people at the Feb. 28 game.
People responding online to the videos have alleged some of the people involved made racist comments or discriminated against others in the crowd. A picture also being shared on social media purports to identify people in the video, as well as their apparent employment or relationships.
Wynyard RCMP officers attending the hockey game "mediated two verbal altercations between attendees," RCMP said in an email, but no charges were laid.
It's still unclear what exactly happened during those altercations.
What is clear is the power and potential ramifications of online denunciations.
Kayla Maxie is a Round Lake Bears fan from White Bear First Nation, about 260 kilometres southeast of Wynyard. She said she went to the game expecting a fun Friday night.
When she went to take a seat, she said a man lunged through the crowd and told her she could not sit there.
"It knocked me off guard first, and then it kind of made me feel a little shy, a little cheap. I felt embarrassed, humiliated," said Maxie.
When she asked why she could not sit there, the man responded that he paid taxes, she said.
Maxie posted about her experience online and said she did not intend for the people called out in posts online to receive any hateful responses, but she wanted people to know who she believes was responsible for causing problems at the rink.
Shelley A. Bear, who is okimaw iskwew (chief) of Ochapowace First Nation — where the Round Lake Bears' home rink is located — said there have been online comments directed toward Wynyard and people there that are unacceptable harassment.
"As First Nations people, we want to continue and move forward in a positive path forward to reconciliation," Bear said
But she was at the hockey game that evening and said she heard "comments that challenged my patience and understanding" and bordered on racism. She would not share what was said.
Bear said those kinds of comments have become routine for Indigenous people.
Faith McNab-Watson, who was involved in a separate altercation at the same game, said she was accosted for laughing among her group while a Wynyard player was injured, though she insists they were not laughing at the injury.
Then, she said, the two groups began hurling insults at each other. She said she didn't perceive the comments as explicitly racist, but "it's so embedded in our society that we often don't recognize that we are displaying racist behaviours."
McNab-Watson, who is Indigenous, said power dynamics set in place by colonialism still play a role in altercations like the one she was involved in.
"I can't 100 per cent say it was racism, and I hope in my heart that it wasn't."
Game 'marred by ugly words': mayor
Like Maxie, McNab-Watson posted about her experience on social media, hoping those involved would take responsibility for their actions and be held accountable. McNab-Watson said she did not participate in or encourage harassment in response, but the content took on a life of its own.
CBC attempted to interview several of the people accused in the online posts of racism. Those who responded declined to comment.
The post that said it identified the people involved listed some as employees at Cornerstone Credit Union in Wynyard. CEO Doug Jones said the business has investigated the incident but would not provide more information than that.
Bear said she's spoken with the credit union, the town's mayor and Hockey Saskatchewan, trying to find a positive way forward.
Harassment of any kind, whether online or in person, goes against our teachings and traditions.
In a statement, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron reinforced her message.
"Harassment of any kind, whether online or in person, goes against our teachings and traditions. The harassment that has followed this incident undermines our position and creates further division," Cameron said.
"We are taking immediate steps to address this behaviour within our community and call on everyone to engage in respectful dialogue rather than harassment."
Wynyard Mayor Sigourney Hoytfox said in a statement posted on social media that the town "regrets the incidents that affected our Indigenous visitors."
"The town is deeply sorry that what should have been a safe, welcoming event where everyone could enjoy a shared love of hockey was marred by ugly words and hurtful behaviours."
The statement says the town will review its policies, including on alcohol consumption at events, and its safety plans for events.
It also says it will work with First Nations organizations to provide a chance for community members, staff and town council to learn about "cultural humility" and "anti-discrimination response."
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