Indigenous leaders turn up online intimidation after accusations of racism in Sask Sask. hockey game

A provincial senior hockey match in a small town of Saskatchewan has received far -reaching online attention after argument in the stands that, according to some, were driven by racism.

Almost two weeks ago the Wynyard Monarchs and Round Lake Bears faced an ATCO-Operative place in Wynyard, Sask., A city of approximately 1,700 that has 150 kilometers northeast of Regina.

Two videos shared on social media that appear halfway through the incidents show disagreement between groups of people at the game of 28 February.

People who respond online to the videos have claimed that some of the people involved have made racist comments or have discriminated against others in the crowd. A photo that is also shared on social media claims to identify people in the video, as well as their apparent job or relationships.

Wynyard RCMP officers who attended the hockey game “Memedated two verbal quarrels among those present,” said RCMP in an E -mail, but no charges were laid.

It is still unclear what exactly happened during those arguments.

What is clear is the power and possible consequences of online allegations.

Kayla Maxie is a fan of Round Lake Bears by White Bear First Nation, about 260 kilometers southeast of Wynyard. She said she was going to the game and expected a nice Friday night.

When she sat down, she said a man was jumping through the crowd and told her she couldn't sit there.

“It first struck me overwhelmed and then it felt a bit shy, a bit cheap. I felt ashamed, humiliated,” Maxie said.

When she asked why she couldn't sit there, the man responded that he paid taxes, she said.

Maxieposted about her online experience and said that she was not going to call people online messages to receive hateful answers, but she wanted people to know who they believe they were responsible for causing problems on the ice rink.

Shelley A. Bear, Okimaw ISKWEW (Chief) of Ochapowace First Nation, where the Home Rink of the Round Lake Bears is located, said that there are comments aimed at Wynyard and people who are Therethatat unacceptable.

“If people from First Nations we want to continue and move forward on a positive path ahead to reconciliation,” said Bear

But she was at the hockey game that evening and said that “she heard comments that challenged my patience and understanding” and Borderedon racism. She would not share what was said.

Bear said that such comments have become routine for native people.

Faith Mcnab-Watson, who was involved in a separate exchange of words in the same game, said she was addressed for laughing between her group while a Wynyard player was injured, although she says they were not laughing at the injury.

Then, she said, the two groups began to swing insults to each other. She said that she did not explicitly consider the explicit racist, but “it is so embedded in our society that we often do not recognize that we show racist behavior.”

McNab-Watson, who is native, said that the dynamic dynamics set by colonialism still plays a role in a fight like in which she was involved.

“I can't say 100 percent that it was racism, and I hope it wasn't my heart.”

Game 'marred by ugly words': mayor

Just like Maxie, McNab-Watson posted about her experience on social media, in the hope that the people involved would take responsibility for their actions and would be held responsible. Mcnab-Watson said she did not participate in or encouraged intimidation in response, but the content has had a life of its own.

CBC tried to interview various people who accused in the online reports of racism. Those who responded refused to comment.

The post that said it identified the people involved mentioned some as employees at Cornerstone Credit Union in Wynyard. CEO Doug Jones said that the company investigated the incident, but would not provide more information than that.

Bear said she spoke with the credit union, the mayor of the city and the Hockey Saskatchewan, in an attempt to find a positive way ahead.

Intimidation of any nature whatsoever, online or personal, goes against our teachings and traditions.– Bobby Cameron, federation of sovereign native nations chief

In a statement Federation of Sovereine Nations Chief Bobby Cameron amplified her message.

“Intimidation of any nature whatsoever, online or personal, goes against our teachings and traditions. The intimidation that this incident has followed undermines our position and creates further division,” Cameron said.

“We take immediate steps to tackle this behavior within our community and appeal to everyone to enter into a respectful dialogue instead of intimidation.”

Mayor of Wynyard Sigourney Hoytfox said in a statement on social media that the city “regrets the incidents that our indigenous visitors have affected.”

“The city is very regretted that what should have been a safe, hospitable event where everyone could enjoy a shared love for hockey was marred by ugly words and hurtful behavior.”

The statement says that the city will revise its policy, including alcohol consumption during events, and the safety plans for events.

It also says that it will collaborate with First Nations organizations to give members, personnel and municipal councils of the community the opportunity to learn about “cultural humility” and “anti-discrimination reaction”.