The debate about racism that’s been raging around the world was brought right to our doorstep when a video was shown on Global TV and circulated on social media showing a young woman being violently assaulted at West Park Mall by a security guard when he attempted to apprehend her for shoplifting.
That the person assaulted is a member of the Ulkatcho First Nation caused anger and disgust among our local First Nations communities, prompting the Chiefs of Lhtako, ?Esdilagh, Nazko, Lhoosk’uz, and Ulkatcho to formally call on the Quesnel RCMP Detachment to address systemic racism in our community.
This is Quesnel City Council’s response to the letter from the Chiefs and their subsequent Press Release:
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Chief Lebrun, Chief Alec, Chief Squinas, Chief Price, Chief Stump
On behalf of Quesnel City Council, I wish to express our regret and dismay over the incident that occurred at West Park Mall involving a member of the Ulkatcho First Nation. We want to assure you that, as per the commitment made to you by the Quesnel RCMP Detachment Staff Sergeant, this incident will be thoroughly investigated.
Your letter to the Quesnel Detachment was heartfelt and, along with calling for a thorough investigation, you asked the Detachment to work with you to address systemic racism. You also requested that the “department take steps to meaningfully implement the UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.” These requests are best directed at Quesnel City Council, as the City is the major funder of the Detachment and Quesnel City Council is the body that has the most direct capacity to ensure that the spirit and intent of your requests are met in a timely and accountable manner.
To that end, at our November 17 regular meeting, Quesnel City Council unanimously adopted a resolution that will see Council take the lead on the adoption of UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the development of a comprehensive anti-racism strategy for the City (which would include the RCMP Detachment), and the implementation of an anti-racism sensitivity training program along with educational opportunities to deepen our understanding of local and regional indigenous culture and history. Staff Sergeant Dodge has assured me that the Detachment will fully and freely engage in this process and the training and education programs as we develop and deliver them.
Over the past six years Council has taken steps toward greater recognition of Indigenous rights and title. We have also developed meaningful and productive partnerships with your Nations on a number of discrete initiatives. However, we still have much work to do to achieve true reconciliation, address historic wrongs, and eradicate systemic racism in our community. We hope you will continue to patiently assist us on this journey and, in particular, actively engage with and support us as we embark on the next steps Council committed to this week.
I look forward to continuing to work with each of you to improve and deepen our relationships and, together, build sustainable and resilient communities. Please, do not hesitate to reach out to me at any time if you have questions or concerns.
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Bob Simpson is the Mayor of Quesnel, BC. He can be reached via email here
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