DEBWEWIN REPORT Inside ... 212 5 7 3 Racism examined in North Bay,Racism examinedinNorth SaultSte. Marie,Timmins Many respondents felt relievedto talkabout racism…but manyremain skepticalthat anything willchange. Quotes fromtheDebwewin study otherweek. But, hestillsaysencounters name-calling.Hesaysithappensoncea week orevery Timmins man says racismbecomingmore subtle Housing vacancysuddenly filledwhentheprospectivetenantarriveson the frontstep. Sault educators saymoreeducationonracism isneeded inthreecitiesdemonstratethatracismisanissueformany.Questionnaires andinterviews Debwewin racismstudyexplodes somemyths DEBWEWIN REPORT

3 Debwewin project addresses racism in three cities 4 North Bay active since 1988 5 Education is the key Editor’s Note 6 Life as a journey from racist background Young People’s Press (YPP), of North Bay and Toronto, is 7 Racial comments upsetting coordinating a three-city anti-racism project. Titled Debwewin, the eastern Ojibway word for “truth,” or 8 Not welcome in white neighbourhood literally “to speak from the heart,” the project involved questionnaires and interviews in its first phase in North Bay, 9 Racial discrimination, race and racism Timmins and Sault Ste. Marie. 10 Why I wear the ridah Unity and Diversity Sault Ste. Marie and Race Awareness Cultural Education (R.A.C.E.) in Timmins are providing local Fobs hudai - NOT 11 coordination in their respective cities. The Union of Ontario 12 Quotes from the Debwewin study Indians provided cross-cultural training in each city and led a newspaper content assessment component of the phase one 14 I’m black and I rock, so what? project. Students at Algoma University College, Canadore 15 Suddenly, I’m coming to Canada College and Northern College carried out that work. The Debwewin reports, available online at 16 Natives discriminate too www.debwewin.ca, are based on in-depth questionnaires 17 Data collection permitted completed by 438 people in the three cities and 33 one-on-one Multiculturalism Day reaffirms equality recorded interviews. The reports each had eight recommendations, which are now 18 Upset over ‘special’ status being implemented in the three cities. The recommendations 19 Racism national video competition centred on publicizing the results and further public education, New human rights policy for Ontario encouraging the education sector to be more proactive in counteracting racism, seeking the support of municipal 20 Systemic discrimination governments, providing cross-cultural education for the 21 Racial harassment & poisoned environments hospitality and service sectors, involving more organizations in anti-racism efforts and starting a speakers’ bureau. 22 Organizational responsibility regarding racism This newspaper section, published in The Nugget in North Bay, The Sault Star, and Timmins Daily Press, is a major 23 Examples of racial discrimination component of the public education initiative. Most of the stories 24 Reflecting on the truth are based on the questionnaire results and interviews from Where to now? phase one of the project. The intent is to educate the dominant population about the reality of being an aboriginal person or visible minority in Northeastern Ontario. Many believe racism does not exist, because they haven’t seen it or experienced it. One article concerns racism among aboriginal people, Sponsor’s Note something not normally discussed. Others provide specific cases of discrimination and racism, and talk about education as In 1971, Canada became the first country in the world to adopt an official multiculturalism the solution to ignorance. policy. The policy recognizes the diversity of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, or The articles are by Don Curry, unless otherwise noted. mental or physical disability as fundamental values of Canadian society. Illustrations, except for two, are by Laura Ouellette of YPP’s Our multiculturalism policy is designed to preserve and enhance our multicultural heritage North Bay office. The illustrations accompanying the Fobs while working to achieve the equality of all Canadians in the economic, social, cultural and Hudai and I’m black and I rock articles are by Derick Chow of political life of Canada. YPP’s Toronto office. Multiculturalism ensures that all Canadians can take pride in their ancestry and have a sense YPP is a national news service for youth, 14 to 24, and has of belonging. Acceptance gives Canadians a feeling of security and self-confidence, making us been active in anti-racism education for many years. It has more open to and accepting of, diverse cultures. The Canadian experience encourages racial offices at 374 Fraser Street, North Bay, and in Toronto. More and ethnic harmony and cross-cultural understanding. than 500 daily and community newspapers in Canada and the Canadian Heritage works with Canadians to strengthen their shared sense of identity while U.S. have printed YPP stories and several publish them on a respecting the diversity of the people. The Department’s Multiculturalism Program is essential to weekly basis. YPP maintains a number of web sites, with its this work. main one at www.ypp.net The mandate of the Multiculturalism Program is “to strengthen Canada by fostering an YPP earned the 2001 Award of Distinction from the Canadian inclusive society of people of all backgrounds, whose identities are respected and recognized as Race Relations Foundation, the 2001 Harmony Movement vital to an evolving Canadian identify.” Award of Distinction and CultureLink’s Diverse City Award in Public education campaigns now include annual events such as the International Day for the 2003. Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the anti-racism campaign Racism: Stop It!, Black History CEO Don Curry can be reached at 495-8887 or Month, the Mathieu Da Costa Challenge, Asian Heritage Month and Canadian Multiculturalism [email protected] Day. YPP is very grateful for the support of the Government of Canadian Patrimoine Canada’s Multiculturalism Program of the Department of Heritage canadien Canadian Heritage for this project.

2 Debwewin Report 2005 Debwewin Project addresses racism in three cities Debwewin By Don Curry three-city anti- Those affected by racism were pleased with Ste. Marie it was 70 per cent and in Timmins recommendations centred on publicizing the racism project the Debwewin (Ojibwe word for truth) reports 60 per cent. Their stories and comments results and further public education, and the media attention they generated. They appear in these pages. encouraging the education sector to be more reports were felt a public airing of the issues surrounding The Debwewin surveys found racism is most proactive in counteracting racism, seeking the racism in Northeastern Ontario was overdue. prevalent in the retail and education sectors of support of municipal governments, providing released in Those in denial about racism questioned each city, but there are examples across the cross-cultural education for the hospitality and sample sizes for the questionnaire, the spectrum, including housing, transit, police, service sectors, involving more organizations questions posed and the motivations of the North Bay, Sault social and medical services and recreational in anti-racism efforts and starting a speakers’ project teams. settings. bureau. Since then a major Ipsos-Reid national poll Ste. Marie and The project was funded by the Department Complete reports are available for verified the Debwewin results—-racism is a of Canadian Heritage and coordinated by downloading on the project web site at problem across the country and North Bay, Timmins in the Young People’s Press (YPP) of North Bay and www.debwewin.ca The Sault Ste. Marie Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins are no different. the Union of Ontario Indians. The Sault Ste. report is 64 pages, Timmins is 65 pages and summer of The poll, released March 21 to coincide with Marie organizing group was Unity and North Bay 67. the International Day for the Elimination of Diversity Sault Ste. Marie. In Timmins a new The reports caught the attention of the 2004 to mixed Racial Discrimination, said roughly four million community group formed, now called R.A.C.E Ontario Human Rights Commission, which Canadians, one in six adults, have been (Race Awareness Cultural Education.) urged the three cities to participate and help reviews. victims of racism. The poll included the dominant population, which means that if In North Bay Blue Sky Economic Growth lead the Ontario and Canadian Coalitions of visible minorities and aboriginals only were Corporation hosted organizational meetings Cities Against Racism initiatives. The national surveyed the situation would be worse. that included representatives from YPP, the project is promoted by UNESCO, which has a The poll surveyed 1,001 randomly selected Union of Ontario Indians, City of North Bay, similar project running in Europe. people and is considered accurate to within North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, That initiative has a 10-point plan for plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times OPP, North Bay Police Service, International participating municipalities across Canada, to out of 20. If the poll had eliminated the Connections, Near North District School make them more inclusive and reduce racial dominant race from its sample the results Board, Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District incidents. Discussions continue on how the would have been much higher, as the School Board, Conseil Scolaire Catholique three cities will be involved with this project. Debwewin surveys showed. Franco-Nord, Conseil Scolaire Public du Nord- YPP is very grateful for the support of the So, let’s get past the question of whether or Est de l’Ontario, Canadore College, Nipissing Government of Canada’s Multicultural not racism is an issue in our three cities. It is. University, and private citizens. Program of the Department of Canadian The Debwewin phase one project This newspaper supplement presents the Heritage for this project. information was based on completed in-depth stories of some of the 438 people who questionnaires from 438 people in the three responded to the questionnaires or were Don Curry is the three-city Debwewin project cities, and 33 one-on-one recorded interviews. among the more than 30 people interviewed. director and CEO of Young People’s Press of In North Bay 45 per cent of all aboriginals The reports had eight recommendations, North Bay and Toronto. E-mail: surveyed said they were discriminated against which are now being implemented in phase [email protected] Web: because of their race in the past year. In Sault two of the Debwewin project. The www.debwewin.ca and www.ypp.net

2005 Debwewin Report 3 North Bay active since 1988 North Bay has been a leader in anti-racism education since 1988.

It began at Canadore College and Association of Canadian Community Members are Dave Linkie, CAO, City of Nipissing University in 1987 when Colleges, presented in Winnipeg, and a North Bay; Chief Paul Cook, North Bay professor Gary Gould of Nipissing, also national anti-racism award from the federal Police Service; Staff Sgt. Irving Sloss, dean of student services and college Canadian Heritage ministry, presented in Ontario Provincial Police; Lindsay Furlong, development at Canadore College, was Ottawa. MP Anthony Rota’s office; Jason Corbett, discussing racial discrimination with his Susan Church was subsequently hired as MPP Monique Smith’s office; Mumbi social welfare class. a public affairs officer at Canadore, and Kariuki, International Connections; Bill Student Debra Geddes did some she began helping to coordinate the event Elliott, president of North Bay & District research and learned that the Government in the city. Chamber of Commerce; interested citizens of Canada, through the Department of The International Day program and all its Isabel Mosseler, Melodie Contant and Canadian Heritage, was starting a national components has continued to this day, Mariela Karpecki. Curry continues to work program to recognize the International Day despite Gould, Curry and Church all with Unity & Diversity Sault Ste. Marie and for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. leaving the college in the early 1990s. a new group in Timmins, created for the The event is held March 21 each year in They all remain involved as volunteers on recognition of the Sharpville Massacre in the organizing committee, with Curry, Debwewin project, Race Awareness South Africa in 1960, when 70 people Gould and Tara Gillies representing Young Cultural Education (R.A.C.E.) Unity and were killed and more than 100 wounded. People’s Press (YPP) and Church Diversity has a history stretching back to Gould put her in touch with Don Curry, representing Blue Sky Economic Growth 1994. Canadore’s director of public affairs at the Corporation. Other organizing committee YPP, located at 374 Fraser Street, time, who developed a funding proposal members are Joanne Bénard of the continues its anti-racism leadership with for the Department of Canadian Heritage Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District Curry as its CEO. He serves on the board for the first anti-racism project in the city. School Board, Laura Kerr of Canadore of directors with Church, Bénard, Kerr and It took place in 1988, when more than College, Cynthia Roveda of Conseil Gould. The organization manages a 1,000 elementary and secondary school scolaire catholique Franco-Nord, Marcel number of web sites, including its Northern students were bused to the college and Morin of Conseil scolaire public du nord-est Ontario anti-racism project site at university campus to present skits, plays de l’Ontario, Jodie Nychuk of the Near www.debwewin.ca and its main site at and songs they had prepared with their North District School Board and Laurie www.ypp.net classmates and teachers on an anti-racism McLaren of Nipissing University. YPP helps young people write stories for theme. The present program includes in-school publication on social issues that are That was repeated the following year, activities focused on the International Day important to them. More than 220 daily when educators from Sault Ste. Marie for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, and weekly newspapers in Canada and attended the event and left feeling an anti-racism poster contest sponsored by 300 in the U.S. have printed YPP stories or energized to start a similar program in their Tembec Inc., the Evening of Applause, columns and some publish them on a city. Students Who Make a Difference, and the regular basis. The Toronto Star published At its peak the project expanded to Nipissing District Human Rights Hall of Winnipeg and The Pas, Manitoba, Fame. approximately 500 YPP stories over a five- Témiscaming, Quebec, Halifax and Cogeco televises the Evening of year period and the Halifax Chronicle- Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and Sault Ste. Applause each year and The Nugget Herald published approximately 350. YPP Marie. Gould and Curry traveled to those produces a two-page section promoting the has distribution agreements with the Toronto locations to present the education model to event, with photos of all the Students Who Star Syndicate in Canada and Scripps school boards and community colleges. Make a Difference. Howard News Service in the U.S. Those activities earned the college a The group has a broader representation YPP also publishes special newspaper national partnership award through the for initiatives outside the education sector. tabloids on occasion, such as this one.

4 Debwewin Report 2005 Max Iland, past president and now is localized. “Obviously if you go to treasurer, and secretary Susan Garrett say Garden River or Batchewana you realize the education system has to play the lead we have a large native population, but if role in making Sault Ste. Marie more you go downtown or to the mall there are accepting of diversity. Their organization very few. They’re under-represented in was the driving force in Sault Ste. Marie in every sphere I can think of. I can’t think of last year’s survey on racism in the an aboriginal teacher in our system, yet community. there are lots of children. They’re very “The solution is to educate people, but under-represented in any professional you don’t change that overnight,” says area, and even in the retail sector. Iland. “People need to get to know one “Economically, and that’s all anyone another better, to establish that wants to hear about nowadays, we have a Education fundamentally we’re the same. People want huge population that’s under-developed, the same things for themselves, for their who have something to offer Sault Ste. families. We may come from a different Marie and they haven’t had a chance to do culture, we may look different, and we may that. The time is right for us to collectively have an accent when we speak. assess what is going on in the world and “People are afraid of what they don’t the native tradition has some valuable ways know. It makes them insecure and it is of being that we could tap in to.” is the key insecure people that will be racist. Once While education is the route to follow to we get to know one another we find out enact change, Garrett says it is also part of that he may have an accent but he’s no the problem. Her view was confirmed by different than I am.” the Debwewin survey that showed the retail Education is the key to fight racism in Sault Ste. Marie, say Iland notes there has been no influx of sector and education system as the most two executive members of Unity and Diversity Sault Ste. visible minorities in Sault Ste. Marie, “so problematic when it came to racial the city hasn’t revealed yet what it will do. incidents. Marie, who happen to be educators. But I think if we had a large influx there “Racism is systemic,” she says. “The would be some negative reaction. The institutions breed separation and racism, irony is that you would probably see this but once people get to know each other, coming from people who at one time were once barriers are broken and it’s not us themselves discriminated against. The versus them, it disappears.” persecuted become the persecutor. People She said she does not believe that racism feel very good when they are in that has subsided in Sault Ste. Marie since she position because they are the strongest.” arrived some 11 years ago. She feels it’s He says Sault Ste. Marie seems to have because of the economic situation. The a problem retaining visible minority Sault is losing people and jobs “and professionals and wonders if it’s because people are in survival mode.” they feel discriminated against and don’t On a positive note, she says things are want to stay. beginning to happen. With Unity and Garrett says she believes the future Diversity spearheading the Debwewin strength of Sault Ste. Marie will be its survey last year and now following up on diversity and ability to attract people who the project recommendations, the bring different skills and perspectives, but community is recognizing the problem. She the city has a way to go. She referred to a says Unity and Diversity is one of a number man from Ethiopia who came to the city of groups coming together to address the and was looking for accommodation for his issue. family. “I see a real hope. We have a rich She said he checked the newspaper for diversity in our group. houses to rent and there was one he was “Having taught young children I think interested in. He phoned the landlord, who that’s the place to get in. I don’t want to invited him to come over right away and overburden teachers who are already view the house. “Within 10 minutes, when overburdened, saying, ‘here’s another he got there and was standing on the curriculum,’ but somehow to work with doorstep, the house had been rented. Of children would be one of my goals.” course he is black and the person meeting She said the significant contributions of him decided he didn’t want to rent to a First Nations’ people in developing North black family.” American culture should be taught in the She said the man was highly educated, schools. For example, she referred to the a teacher who rose to be a principal, writers of the U.S. Constitution using the superintendent and then director of Iroquois Confederacy as a model, native education. He was also mayor of his people helping early European settlers to district. survive the winters, and the contribution of “And he couldn’t get a home. I felt the native people in fighting for Canada in the Sault was not taking advantage of what this two world wars and in Korea. She said the fellow brings. We lost a wonderful family curriculum should also include present day with lots of skills. The husband and wife struggles to recognize treaty rights and the were both very well educated.” fight for such things as land claims, Garrett says diversity in Sault Ste. Marie education and housing rights.

2005 Debwewin Report 5 Race Awareness Cultural Education (R.A.C.E.) Timmins committee Some of the members of the Race Awareness Cultural Education (R.A.C.E.) committee in Timmins are seated from left: Kirk Fournier, Timmins Native Friendship Centre; Madeline Chokomolin, Timmins Debwewin project coordinator; Celine Sutherland, Ojibwa Cree and Cultural Centre; and Kathy Dionne, Timmins and Area Women’s Crisis Centre. Standing from left are: Tara Lee Laroche, Timmins Police Service; Lyndsay Mullins-Keone, Mennonite Central Committee; Joanne Lacourcierre, Timmins and Area Women’s Crisis Centre; Mary Boyden-Lachance, Northern College; Georgie Sabourin, Timmins and Area Women’s Crisis Centre; Linda Job, District School Board Northeast; and Archbishop Caleb Lawrence, Anglican Diocese of Moosonee. Missing from photo are Yves Malette, Timmins City Councillor; Heather Bozzer, Golden Manor; Marjory Boyd, Timmins Multicultural Society; Anita Damini, Downtown Timmins Business Improvement Area; Keitha Robson, Timmins Chamber of Commerce. Life as a journey from racist background

aleb Lawrence sees his life as a journey don’t think it’s overt, people saying they don’t the line there may be resentment. People resent from a racist background. want them here, but they don’t feel welcome.” affirmative action more if there are not enough C He says there have been discussions about positions to go around.” The Archbishop of Moosonee, Anglican it at some of the churches but they have not He sees the school aboriginal committee and Church of Canada, is a member of Race had a great deal of success in overcoming the some of the work the church is doing as steps Awareness Cultural Education (R.A.C.E.) in problem. toward improvement. “It takes people awhile Timmins A member of a former aboriginal committee sometimes to understand that the attitudes they He volunteered to join the committee when at a public school, he says the committee’s hold are not only prejudicial, they’re unworthy he saw an article about the Debwewin project purpose was to help affirm a healthy self-image of the values that we hold as a church.” in the newspaper. He came from a part of in a school where aboriginal students are a Archishop Lawrence says they try to have Canada, “though I didn’t realize it at the time, minority. He said a second objective was to church events that include First Nation and foster inter-racial understanding. non-First Nation people “and we go out of our that was incredibly racist. Any people other He said discrimination at the school takes way to be inclusive. than our own people, our own community, had the form of bullying and teasing “and it’s not “I think the schools generally are doing a to be denigrated—by colour, by race, by unknown amongst staff. One staff member in a pretty good job. I appreciate other things that language, by way of life. I grew up through school can do a lot of damage.” are going on that help to break down barriers. that and I guess my whole life has been an He said the schools had sponsored some The Sisters in Spirit Campaign for example, education out of that racist background.” excellent drama presentations, with the De-ba- Take Back The Night, the memorials of the Archbishop Lawrence sees racism as an jeh-mu-jig Theatre Group from Manitoulin Montreal massacre. Those kinds of things education opportunity. He says you don’t have Island standing out. increase people’s awareness that there are to condemn people, but say “Wait a minute. He has encountered racial incidents in people in the community who are vulnerable Are you really understanding the situation? This Timmins. He received a call one night from a and voiceless and they need to feel secure.” is a human being who is in a different life First Nation woman who said she was having He says the results of the Debwewin survey situation, whose values may be different, problems getting a hotel room. She said she have to be shared in a very forward way and whose approach may be different. Are you had the money, but they didn’t want to give her people shouldn’t be afraid of what the results being fair?” the room “because I’m an Indian.” show. “See it as something that is a critique of When that approach doesn’t work he calls He made a phone call and she got her this community and measure it against what the person on inappropriate comments or room. you want your community to be. behaviour, telling the person that what he is Archbishop Lawrence related the story of a “Don’t beat ourselves up over it. But let’s say doing is unacceptable and cannot be allowed hotel in Timmins that posted a notice “that was ‘what are some things that we need to make to continue. defined as being quite racial.” He heard of official city policy? What are some things we A Timmins area resident since 1979, he had another hotel that had an under-the-table policy need to work at? What are some things we’d 15 years’ experience with Cree and Inuit whereby native people were assigned the like to see change systemically between now people on the east coast of Hudson’s Bay worst rooms. and 2007 and 2008? What do we need to before that. “It’s reality,” he says. “Although sometimes address and who do we need to help us do “Before high schools were built in northern it’s hard to spot because it’s rarely overt.” that? What input do we need? What resources communities we would get an influx of First He says things have changed in the 26 do we need? Nations’ people in September, coming to years he has lived in the area. “I’d say, yes, “It won’t be just a change in this city—it will school, and some came from a community things are incrementally changing, but not be a transforming thing. I think it will be a where we have a strong Anglican church. always upwards. Sometimes it plateaus and better community because of it and by no Some of them I may have baptized, or sometimes it slips back. I think it slips back means will we lose the essence of what we are confirmed. They came to church here in sometimes reflecting some other factors, the as a very proud northern community. I think we September, in October and then dropped out. I economic situation, for example. If jobs are on will be richer because of it.”

6 Debwewin Report 2005 Racial Comments upsetting

Chuck is comfortable with He attended high school in doesn’t help to react. You’re being beer and out or I’ll call the cops.’ that to them too. When I was North Bay and encountered just as bad as they are when you I said ‘forget the one beer. I’ll go younger they used to make me who he is but says racial culture shock after coming from a do that. Just ignore them.” somewhere else.” empty my pockets and lean over small town on James Bay. After He hopes that by ignoring it the He says he sometimes the car. Now they just talk to me comments are upsetting. A completing Grade 9 his parents ones yelling racist comments “will encounters problems when using and ask me where I’m going and moved to Sudbury, so off he went, feel stupid and ask themselves a status card. “I’ve been told I where I live. They radio it in to member of Moose Cree later moving to Timmins in 1995. who are the more mature people shouldn’t use it, that I should be First Nation, he is 46 and He now has four children, ages here?” Canadian. My first reaction is find out if I’m wanted. I ask white seven to 20. He says his boys are more surprise, then I stutter a bit, then I people and they say it never lives in Timmins. When he was younger he said assimilated than he is. When he clear my throat and tell them happens to them. I do a lot of racism was more overt than it is is with them taking a walk they about history, about the treaties walking just to stay in shape but I now. He relates a story of have strong personalities and are and why we do this. If that don’t know why the police have hitchhiking to Toronto and having happy with who they are. But doesn’t work I tell the manager.” to follow me around and look at police stop him, asking ‘Where when they’re with a larger group Chuck says his children have me.” are you off to Pocahontas, or they are quiet. “They know that encountered problems in school, Despite his difficulties Chuck Cochese or something.’ “I didn’t they’re a little bit different and receiving detentions for speaking likes living in Timmins and in like that. Why would they say they’re not a part of the group. Cree. “They were told Cree that? I wasn’t bothering them.” They always seem to isolate wasn’t allowed in school. That some ways he says it is getting He says he still encounters themselves and back off when the happened twice. They phoned my better. He says native people are name-calling, but most racism is white kids are playing ball or girlfriend and told her it’s French getting more educated, becoming more subtle. The guys yelling at something. It’s pretty common and English only in Canada. They more outspoken and their English him from their cars aren’t so because I did that too when I was said they were worried about the is better. He sees culture being subtle though. growing up.” security of the other kids. If taught at the Ojibway-Cree He says it happens once a He says Timmins has a large people are speaking Cree they Cultural Centre “and even the week or every other week. He’ll native population, (6.7 per cent of might be planning something.” mayor of Timmins coming in to be walking on a sidewalk with his the population, or 2,880 people Chuck went to the school and girlfriend and “people driving by in the 2001 census) so retail explained that native languages check it out.” or stopped at a light would bang establishments know that natives are dying and he wants his kids He says he is pleased when he the side of their car and say will walk through their doors. He to be proud to speak Cree. After sees people showing an interest in something. I get that a lot. I look, says restaurants aren’t bad, but some discussion he was told they native culture. He says the Native it’s kids, it’s middle-aged people. taverns can be a problem. may bring Cree and Ojibway Friendship Centre, the annual Never older people. “I went into one and a guy said language instructors into the multiculturalism day and “It doesn’t surprise me because “There was a native guy here classrooms. aboriginal day are helping to I hear it so often. I feel upset. who looked just like you and he He says he gets stopped a lot change attitudes. Sometimes I just ignore it and let it was pretty drunk. I’ll give you one by police. “I’m poor and I walk a “I like my community. I like pass. It bothers my girlfriend a lot beer and after that you have to lot and the police stop me more than it bothers me. She gets leave.’ I asked him what he was sometimes when I’m walking. Timmins. I’d like to see people get really upset and she’ll say talking about because I hadn’t They ask to see my ID and stuff. along better. We’ve come a long something racist right back. I tell been in that tavern before. He They’ve done that all my life. A lot ways but we still have a long way her not to do that because it said, ‘no, he looked like you. One of native people tell me they do to go.”

2005 Debwewin Report 7 Not welcome in white

Unity and Diversity Sault Ste. Marie Unity and Diversity Sault Ste. Marie members met recently to discuss the Debwewin project. From left they are Cecilia Fernandez, Dr. Mehran neighbourhood Mogharrabi, Susan Garrett, Max Iland and Jennifer McIntyre. Nancy has lived in Sault Ste. Marie for the past 10 years. She went to high school in North Bay, college in Sudbury and is from Wikwemikong First Nation on Manitoulin Island, so she knows the north well.

She notices being treated differently when she is around work with the teachers and the other parents. They’re the ones who are passing it down to their groups that are not all native people. She sees it in restaurants, children.” when the table next to hers is getting better and friendlier Genny is a graduate of Sault College and now has a job as a professional in Sault Ste. service. Marie. “I used to tip and now if I feel I haven’t been treated well I “My credibility and my qualifications are always questioned by Children’s Aid. For awhile it don’t tip,” she says. She bought a home in a white neighbourhood and “I don’t was probation and parole too, but now it’s just Children’s Aid. They don’t believe I have the find it good to live in a neighbourhood where your neighbours papers or the education. don’t want to talk to you.” She says she encounters racial incidents occasionally, especially if she presents her status card. Nancy says she would like to be more proactive in dealing “They’ll hum and haw, heave a big sigh, make a comment like ‘there they go again, thinking they with racism. have all these rights.’ I look at them and say ‘we do have rights.’ Before I would just ignore “It would be good for me and good for my children. Where I them.” get stuck is being able to find the words and knowing what to say. I’m not a person who likes to stir up things, or make people She said one time she was looking at jewellery at a store in the mall and a clerk made a uncomfortable or point fingers.” point to say she didn’t think she could afford the particular ring she was looking at. The clerk She says she saw a television commercial about bullying “and didn’t spend the time with her that she wanted, making her feel unimportant, “like I was a that’s how it was with me in identifying more around racism. I nobody.” saw somebody else react to it and then I thought ‘oh, okay “They’re so uneducated about natives. It’s ignorance. But it could be hatred too. But I think it’s that’s not appropriate.’ If you’re never shown it you just learn to because they’re not aware. They’re not educated. cope with it. We haven’t had anything like that in the media or She recalls when one son was six-years-old a boy from across the street, a friend for some time, in the schools about racism. “I remember an elder talking about sexual abuse and people was visiting. “I heard the boy say to my son, ‘You know what you are, you’re just an Indian.’ My not wanting to talk about it because it’s such a difficult thing to son said, ‘So?’ I’ve taught my children that they are not Indians. That was a term from Columbus. I talk about. She said you have to say it. You have to say it like it raised them as Anishinabe.” is and don’t pretty it up. You can’t deny it. Genny sees things improving in some ways. “I’ve found in the past few years, as the native “I’m thinking the same thing about racism and maybe that’s population started to grow, that cashiers aren’t as impatient. They’re asking for the status card the way I’ve handled it before. Even when I’m talking about in even before you present it. It’s almost like they’re accepting it now. now, you know what, it’s bigger than I’m really admitting it is. It has affected me more than I wanted to admit. Now I can say I “But I don’t think things will get better. My grandfather was chief for many years and one thing don’t want to do this anymore.” he told me that I will never forget is that racism will always be there. We’d come home beat up, Nancy wants to be strong for her children. we’d come home with scratches, we’d come home angry. “I would like to have the energy and the strength for my kids “I get a lot of people coming to me and saying they’re being discriminated against at Ontario so they can do something different and I think that’s where it Works, other agencies, the Salvation Army, John Howard Society and I believe it. They’re just not gets scary. Will there be the support out there to be able to do being dealt with. that? “I’m an adult now. I’m not being told I’m a no-good dirty Indian anymore. If I wasn’t out there “When they were small they were proud to be native. Someone would say to them ‘you’re an Indian,’ and they would in the community, if I wasn’t working, maybe it would be different. I get upset because I know say ‘yeah.” Now, they don’t even want to acknowledge it. how it makes a person feel. You don’t have any self-confidence or self-esteem. You see young “We need to do a lot more work in the schools. We need to people walking with their heads down.”

8 Debwewin Report 2005 Racial discrimination, race and racism

Every person in Ontario has the right to be constructed differences among people process. Nevertheless, racism plays a free from racial discrimination and based on characteristics such as accent or major role in fostering racial harassment in the social areas of manner of speech, name, clothing, diet, discrimination. employment, services, goods, facilities, beliefs and practices, leisure preferences, Racism is an ideology that either directly housing accommodation, contract and places of origin and so forth. The process or indirectly asserts that one group is membership in trade and vocational of social construction of race is called inherently superior to others. It can be associations. racialization: “the process by which openly displayed in racial jokes and slurs There is no fixed definition of racial societies construct races as real, different discrimination, says the Ontario Human and unequally in ways that matter to or hate crimes but it can be more deeply Rights Commission. However, it has been economic, political and social life.” rooted in attitudes, values and stereotypical described as any distinction, conduct or Recognizing that race is a social beliefs. In some cases, these are action, whether intentional or not, but construct, the Commission describes unconsciously held and have become based on a person’s race, which has the people as ‘racialized person,’ or deeply embedded in systems and effect of imposing burdens on an individual ‘racialized group’ instead of the more institutions that have evolved over time. or group, not imposed upon others or outdated and inaccurate terms ‘racial Racism operates at a number of levels— which withholds or limits access to benefits minority,’ ‘visible minority,’ ‘person of individual, systemic and societal. available to other members of society. colour,’ or ‘non-white.’ Despite the fact that Canada has made Race need only be a factor for racial Racism is a wider phenomenon than much progress, unfortunately racism and discrimination to have occurred. racial discrimination. While the Code ‘Race’ is a prohibited ground of seeks to combat racism through public racial discrimination remain a persistent discrimination in the Ontario Human Rights education and the advancement of human reality in Canadian society. This fact must Code, but like racial discrimination, it is rights, not every manifestation of racism be acknowledged as a starting point to effectively address racism and racial www.debwewin.ca not specifically defined. The Commission can be dealt with through the current has explained ‘race’ as socially human rights complaint mechanism and discrimination, says the Commission.

2005 Debwewin Report 9 Why I wear the ridah

By Tasneem Yahya Young People’s Press

You could only see her eyes. Contrary to popular misconceptions, the The woman was covered from head to toe ridah or veil is liberating. It forces people to in a black burkah, a veil worn by some focus on the person, rather than the clothes Muslim women. She’d just got on the bus I they are wearing. was taking to school last fall. Designer jeans and tube tops don’t have She carefully lifted the bottom of her to be what defines a person. Success burkah to avoid tripping on the stairs. The shouldn’t be determined by how much skin is bus was almost full and the woman sat down revealed, but by intelligence and personality. next to a white man. I was seated a couple The ridah helps emphasize these attributes rows behind them. by covering a woman’s body. He looked at her. Then he started to The ridah is also very beautiful. whisper to her. When the woman tried to It comes in many colours from pretty avoid him, he suddenly spat out: pastels to rich shades of indigo, emerald “Is Osama Bin Laden in there?” he peered and crimson. The materials used vary from into her veil. She didn’t seem to understand simple cottons to rich satins and chikan him, but he kept on haranguing. (embroidered cloth). “How do I know you’re not that ****ing Usually ridahs are adorned with lace, terrorist?” he hissed aloud, trying to look at embroidery and flowery appliqués. Pre- her face. designed ridah material is readily available For a moment, everyone looked at the in Pakistani and Indian street markets, man, and then they looked away. There was however you still have to get them stitched a tense silence, only broken by the bus’ by a tailor. rumbling engine. I look forward to trips to Pakistan where I The woman’s eyes were now full of fear. can purchase my own material and A few stops later, the man got off. The accessories to fit my own taste. I pick vividly woman moved to the back of the bus. There printed cloth and intricately crocheted laces was a perceptible sigh of relief from that are unusual. everyone on board. I figured wearing a ridah to school would I felt sick to my stomach. I also felt alienate me from my friends. Instead, all my ashamed that I hadn’t said anything. friends from various backgrounds – Irish, And now I often think back to that day – Italian, British, Guyanese, Pakistani – all what if happened to me? encouraged me to wear it. You see, recently I started wearing the One of my friends asked questions about ridah. I’m part of the sect of Shia Muslims why I chose to wear it. She asked me where called Dawoodi Bohras, and after attending it came from, and whether it was mandatory a sermon by our spiritual head Dr. Syedna for women to be veiled. Mohammed Burhanuddin Saheb (T.U.S.), I I explained to her it was my choice to decided to don our traditional dress on a full- wear it. It is a true reflection of my faith. time basis The ridah is an expression of faith similar A ridah consists of a long skirt and a top, to crosses for Christians and yarmulkes for the majority of the millions of Muslims that practise their religion. Jewish men. For me, the ridah is a way to tell to be worn by women over everyday clothes. inhabit the world are either. others I’m a practising Muslim. I follow Islam I hope Canada doesn’t go the French The ridah’s top covers a woman’s head – We are students, professionals, teachers, and everything it teaches me – how I am way, stripping French students of the basic with an opening for her face – and then volunteers, philanthropists and law-abiding cascades down her shoulders, stopping just supposed to live my life and how to be a human right to practise one’s own religion. In citizens. We are compassionate believers of below her waist. better person. the coming year, headscarves, yarmulkes world peace and goodwill. I had gone to Dubai in the United Arab My friend then inquired about the images and crosses will be banned in French Former prime minister Pierre Trudeau Emirates in February to observe a 10-day of women wearing burkahs on television. believed in giving immigrants, like my schools. annual event called Ashura (the martyrdom “Aren’t veiled women a product of Muslims have protested the ban on streets fundamentalist Islamic regimes run by men?” parents, a chance for a better life. He made of the Prophet Mohammed’s grandson – around the world. I realize I’m lucky. I don’t Imam Hussein) with my religious leader. I was shocked she was so misinformed. the term ‘multicultural society’ a reality by have to march with a picket sign. Instead, I During the trip, I began to feel But I couldn’t blame her either. opening Canadian immigration in the comfortable wearing my ridah, not only to In fact, the only images I’ve seen of veiled 1970s. With that, he embraced the colour of can wear my ridah with pride. mosque but also shopping, visiting relatives women on television were from CNN’s their skin, their culture and their religion as I’d be lying if I said I still wasn’t scared and going to the beach. coverage of the “War on Terrorism.” I saw well. about how people will treat me in university, I feel more relaxed when wearing a women who were starving, uneducated and In his eulogy to his father, Justin Trudeau in the workplace, or even on public ridah. Even on hot days, it’s not clingy. It is oppressed. Everything I’m not. said, “Because mere tolerance is not enough: transportation. I know people will judge me also a convenient solution for bad hair days. It’s hard to explain sometimes. And We must have true and deep respect for based on my dress. I know I will have to sometimes I wonder why I should even have every human being, regardless of his beliefs, During my trip to Dubai, I decided I’d endure stares – even if they are simply begin wearing the ridah everywhere – not to explain. But after September 11, I have no his origins and his values. That is what my inquisitive. just on trips to UAE, Pakistan or India. choice but to defend my beliefs. father demanded of his sons and that is what In Islam, women are required to wear a Muslims have largely been portrayed as he demanded of our country.” But I refuse to be humiliated like the veil. To me, the veil signifies the reverence of Middle Eastern, evil, turban-wearing, I hope Canada hasn’t forgotten those woman who was wearing a burkah on the women, and protection from the intrusive irrational, terrorist militants. words. It’s important that Canadians bus. I refuse to stay silenced and move to the gazes of men. That is not who I am. And that is not who celebrate the choice of people of all faiths to back. I refuse to fear ignorance.

10 Debwewin Report 2005 Fobs hudai - NOT By Aletheia Chiang Young People’s Press

“Fobs hudai,” says my brother. What is he saying? Who is Fobs Hudai? Reluctantly, I succumb to my growing curiosity. “What?” He laughs. “Fobs hudai. You know,” he continues matter-of-factly, “fobs should die.” I don’t even wait for an explanation, he’s already at it. “OK look, the last letter of fobs is an s and the first letter of should is an s. The last letter of should is d, and the first letter of die is d. Put them all together. You know, fobs should die. As in, “fobs hood I”. Get it?” The term ‘fob’ is short for the expression ‘fresh off the boat,’ meaning to be an immigrant. In recent years, some people have used “fob,” along with words like “chink,” to refer to people of Asian descent who fit the stereotype of an Asian immigrant, even if they are not one. I look up from my feet, and study my brother’s skin – it is the same pale colour as my own. His eyes are brown, just like mine. The sun catches brown bits of his near-black hair. It hits me, kind of as an afterthought: He is Chinese just like me. I know racism goes on between different races, but here, I am screaming in restaurants...” his list seemed unending. introduced to a whole new genre of racism – self-discrimination, The core of his racism isn’t the dislike of who he is. It’s the dislike of what other people perceive him as. intolerance of one’s own race. He thinks when people look at him, they see a Chinese boy who probably plays the violin and takes My brother is the only person I know who discriminates against his extracurricular math. He worries about being classified as a “fob,” not because of the things he does or the own race. But maybe there are others like him, who roll down car windows and yell, “You’re a chink!” to arbitrary Asian people on the way he dresses, but simply because he is Chinese. streets. But he does the same thing. When he saw the 93.8 average on my report card, he said, “Stop being Maybe there are people like him, who say “I bet you that’s a so chink.” chink” at the sight of a speeding car. In another instance, I asked a friend what courses she was taking in her final year of high school. Maybe there are people like him, who walk into a Kumon Centre “Oh, I’m taking the Asian six-pack,” she said. (an extracurricular learning space focusing on teaching students math “What?” I asked. and English) and say, “Ew, this place is infested with fobs.” “You know, like three maths and three sciences.” This does not sit well with me. And knowing there could potentially I laughed, but inwardly I thought about how stereotypical the joke was. be more people like my brother raises an important question: Are These days, young minorities have been split up into two camps. The ones who become “white-washed” today’s multicultural youth forgetting their true origin, and choosing decide to take on North American culture while forgetting their own. instead to insult it? The second group remains true to their heritage and deals with being labeled a “fob”. My brother loves Canadian culture. Hockey is his passion. He And those who want to be both Canadian and Chinese don’t fit anywhere because everybody wants to plays hockey during all four seasons – ice hockey, floor hockey, in-line label them as either/or. That’s the injustice of it. hockey, you name it. Last winter we built a huge rink in our backyard There should be nothing wrong with a Chinese person becoming a soccer player or an artist. I do enjoy so he could play every day after school. playing the piano, but I’ve also been pounding away on a Tama drum set for three years now. My brother enjoys being a “hardcore Canuck” and there is nothing I’m different from my brother because I am confident in who I am, and I don’t let the colour of my skin wrong with that. However, my parents have been so lenient in letting alter the way I feel. I don’t let stereotypes put a downer on me. him explore Canadian culture, he hasn’t really developed appreciation Wiping away people’s preconceived notions about me, judging simply by my race, can feel pretty toward what it means to be Chinese. sweet. Sometimes it’s taking a part of who you are culturally, and blending that in with your surroundings, My parents encourage me to become a doctor. But I’m sure that’s a that makes you a well-adapted Canadian. dream many parents have for their children. Yes, I score high on math Both of my parents came to Canada from Taiwan with the same hopes and dreams that propelled tests because my parents are strict on discipline. But I recognize this as countless other immigrants to come here – to build a better life for themselves as well as for the next a very good value that comes in handy for many other things as well. generation. I don’t intend to spoil their dreams. I am proud of my ethnicity and I respect my Chinese I asked my brother to define what would make one a “typical heritage. chink.” Over the years, I have learned to embrace the positive cultural values and qualities often associated with “Small eyes, good at math, exclusively Chinese friends, can’t speak Asian people. English, no social skills, plays piano or violin, can’t drive properly, But as for the stereotypes – they shudai!

2005 Debwewin Report 11 Quotes from the Debwewin Study

“Discrimination against native people “There is a lack of backbone at the top in “Words can hurt more than physical “I strongly feel that racism is a problem in in North Bay is widespread. In finding an regard to systemic discrimination. There is wounds. Words will stay with you for the Sault Ste. Marie. All you have to do is look apartment, going shopping, eating out, not enough promotion or equality.” ‘ rest of your life.” at all the businesses. One does not see playing sports.” White female questionnaire respondent in North Bay. Native male questionnaire respondent in Sault Ste. Marie. minorities working there.” Native female questionnaire respondent. Native female questionnaire respondent. “I believe racism is a problem in Sault Ste. “I applied for work and went for an Marie because it is everywhere. From interview. When he noticed I was “There is ignorance over the history of the hearing racial comments to getting treated coloured he felt by hiring me he would treaties and our culture. Being centred out “It happens once a week or every two differently in stores or social services lose his customers.” as the only native in the classroom and weeks. I’d be walking with my girlfriend places, it is always around us. I see it as Black female questionnaire respondent in Timmins. being asked ridiculous questions with the and people driving by or stopped at a a problem that should be addressed and students laughing. Being followed around light would bang the side of their car and should not be tolerated.” “Racism is there in North Bay, even for the and frisked by security in shopping malls. say something. I get that a lot. It doesn’t Native female questionnaire respondent. aboriginal people. With landlords, if they Not being allowed or being evicted from surprise me because I hear it so often.” know you are native, black, Pakistani or restaurants or taverns for no apparent Native male interview participant in Timmins. “Systemic racism is serious in the Timmins whatever, they tell you they have nothing reason. All of this has happened to me in area. It is quite obvious by the very large available. It’s a community problem, and Northern Ontario.” number of natives incarcerated at there’s lots of institutional racism.” Native male questionnaire respondent in Timmins. “North Bay is not doing enough for me to Monteith and youth facilities in Cochrane. White female interview participant. notice any diversity, except at the college Just visit the Children’s Aid Society and university.’ building in Timmins and see how many “I think racism is a pretty big problem in “A lot of people think I don’t pay taxes. I Native male questionnaire respondent. pay lots of tax. I work for a non-native natives have been taken by this institution Sault Ste. Marie. You don’t see too much organization so I pay taxes. I live in town when there are probably better interaction. There are hardly any ethnic alternatives. Wake up Canada!” people working throughout the city that so I pay property taxes. Native people “There is big-time discrimination toward Native male questionnaire respondent. are visible minorities. Native people are pay quite a bit of taxes. People look down French-speaking people. A lot of people still set aside. There is no emphasis on on native people because they think we don’t forget (the city’s English-only bylaw.) “I don’t think what I’m discussing with you cultural interaction to clear up the have privileges, but they’re not really A lot of harm was done by city council. is racism. I don’t believe I’m a racist. problem.” privileges.” We always have to fight to be heard and Native female interview participant in North Bay. There is racism, with the Ku Klux Klan for Native female questionnaire respondent. example. I’ve never seen a racial incident to be seen. Three-quarters of the time it’s a and I’ve lived here all my life. I hear “I wanted to rent an apartment. The losing battle. We have to let people know we’re here. We’re always ignored or “Racism is widespread here. Not too people make fun of natives, and of black landlady stated the apartment had forgotten.” much for those individuals who are fair- people, and of Chinese people. I suppose already been rented and denied telling White female interview participant in Sault Ste. Marie. haired and light-skinned, but for the ones that’s a form of racism. Native people get me a few minutes prior on the telephone who are dark-skinned. They are the ones treated differently in North Bay because that the apartment was available.” who suffer.” they’re special. They have special status. Métis female questionnaire respondent in Timmins. Native female questionnaire respondent in Everyone has special status except we, the “Some guys were making Indian noises Sault Ste. Marie. white, middle class, working taxpayer. “Native people tend to discriminate when I got off the bus.” There’s more and more hatred. I can see against each other. For example, status, Native female questionnaire respondent in Timmins. it. When you sit down and have a beer, non-status, Métis, off or on reserve tend to “The way others look at me I feel like I am that’s when you hear most of this stuff. If label each other.” an outcast. Strangers have a surprised you want to find out just go and sit in the Native female questionnaire respondent in North Bay. “Discrimination against aboriginals is look. I don’t feel welcome. I feel like all hotel for awhile and talk to people. It widespread. There is a visible barrier of eyes are fixed on me. Sometimes others comes up time after time. Especially if you “The Sault has two faces and hides one uncertainty and a lack of knowledge exists don’t understand me when I talk.” talk about hunting or fishing.” very well.” between such people and whites.” Black female questionnaire respondent in Timmins. White male interview participant in North Bay. Native male questionnaire respondent. White male questionnaire respondent in North Bay.

12 Debwewin Report 2005 “Racism is very extensive in Sault Ste. Marie. My work has brought me in contact with a lot of organizations that clearly treated my clients differently depending on their race and ethnicity, and gender too!” White female questionnaire respondent.

“I married a white male who understands the barriers I am faced with on a daily basis.” Black female questionnaire respondent in Timmins.

“The justice system, the educational system, and all levels of government and commercial business are normally dominated by white males. Racism and sexism are big problems.” White female questionnaire respondent in North Bay.

“I have observed actions and heard comments from professionals and non- professionals. I believe for visible minorities, specifically First Nations’ peoples, racism is a daily experience in stores.” White female questionnaire respondent in Sault Ste. Marie.

“I work with aboriginals and I strongly feel that there is a large amount of discrimination against them.” Black female questionnaire respondent in Timmins.

2005 Debwewin Report 13 I’m black and I rock, so what?

By Jerome Johnson rock won’t be accepted either by other black lines made me feel liberated. Young People’s Press youth or by white kids who like heavy metal. I find the music and lyrics of bands like Linkin But why does this have to be the case? And Park, Godsmack, Disturbed and Evanescence to rowing up, I listened largely to what’s so odd about a black youth listening to be therapeutic. Instead of getting mad when reggae and hip-hop. I had no choice. rock? things don’t go my way, or when I’m constantly GI lived in Jamaica from the age of Many white kids listen to rap. Some even being told what to do, I turn on this music and nine to 16 and that’s all you’d hear – on the become successful hip-hop artists themselves, like tensions dissolve. radio, in taxis and from open windows walking Eminem, or crossover urban artists like Justin For example, one of my favourite songs at the down the street. Timberlake. In fact, hip-hop has become moment is Numb by Linkin Park. It describes At first, I liked the reggae rhythms of my mainstream. what it’s like to feel that everyone expects you to parent’s homeland. But after a while I found it And I’m certainly not the only black rock be perfect or cohere with what parents and repetitive, monotonous, vulgar and irritating. renegade, am I? Jimi Hendrix, Lenny Kravitz, peers want of you: “I don’t know what you’re Don’t get me wrong. I’m not dissing it outright. Fefe Dobson, as well as black members of hard expecting of me/ put under the pressure of It’s just how I felt. rock bands P.O.D., Sugar Ray, Incubus and walking in your shoes/...every step that I take is So when I returned to Canada a year ago, it Sevendust all must have seen something another mistake to you...” was a surprise to turn on the radio. I was blown worthwhile in this genre too. Now, I’m no sell-out. I realize that rap and away by the rejuvenating sounds of rock – Maybe, like me, they found the diverse hip-hop have been of some benefit to my race by classic, alternative, hardcore, ethereal, emo, rhythms, powerful sounds of electric guitar and giving black stars exposure and representation death-metal, rap-metal, grunge, punk, even subject matter of the lyrics appealing. in the mainstream. Christian. A whole new world of music opened I don’t remember exactly which song first But on the downside, a lot of hip-hop is not before me. And I couldn’t get enough of it. attracted me to the genre. It could have been very uplifting. As anyone who listens to it knows, But as a black teen who prefers hard rock When I’m Gone by Three Doors Down, You hip-hop contains much profane-laced talk of and heavy metal to rap and reggae, I often feel Remind Me by Nickelback, Coldplay’s Clocks or violence, homophobia, drugs, degradation of like an outcast. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana – all catchy women and get-rich-quick schemes. All the other black youth I know are into hip- songs that showed me there’s more to good So I don’t get it when my dad insists I should hop. When they talk about their favourite rap music than just a good beat. listen to the same music as other black youth, artists and about who they saw on BET (Black Good music should enlighten those who hear and that ignoring my musical heritage will be my Entertainment Television), my mind goes blank, it, or at the very least give them something new downfall. like a high school jock listening to a science to think about. In the end, my choice of music is just that – my geek talk about spontaneous combustion. When I first heard Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen choice. It’s not like I’ve decided to have a skin And it’s not just my peers I feel alienated Spirit I thought the chorus “Here we are now/ change operation. I’m still black. I just happen to from. My dad, a hardcore reggae fan, thinks I’m Entertain us/ A mulatto/ An albino” contained like rock music. And what’s the harm in that? neglecting my heritage by listening to rock. an underlying message of racial unity, something Luckily for me, I am accepted by many other He says rock music is satanic, stupid that didn’t seem to exist beyond the tourist resorts teen rock fans who hail from varied ethnic madness. He says I must be a lost soul trying to and beaches in Jamaica. Whether or not this backgrounds. Most importantly, I accept myself escape a dull life. He says a black teen who likes was in fact Kurt Cobain’s intent, hearing these as I am, a rocker and proud of it.

14 Debwewin Report 2005 Suddenly, I’m coming to Canada Many people leave their countries because they want to improve their jobs, or they want to look for a better way of life. Well, that was not my case.

Many people leave their countries because they want to improve their mentally, with threats. I became afraid. jobs, or they want to look for a better way of life. Well, that was not my One night, Javier* appeared at a gathering at my friend’s house. case. Aidin’s* mother was with him. She grabbed Aidin* and pulled her roughly My coming to Canada story begins in Mexico City. I was a young to her car. When I tried to help Aidin*, Javier* hit me across my face with middle class guy working part-time in one of the city’s most important a gun, in spite of the people looking at us. He shot at me. I was hit. My companies and I was also studying for my University degree. I wanted to friend’s leg was also hit. Javier* yelled that if anyone dared mess with him be a filmmaker or a war journalist. I hadn't decided yet, but I knew I he was not afraid to kill. wanted to leave a legacy. Fortunately the bullet passed under my skin without touching my skull. It I had a good life and a wonderful girlfriend. Today is the greatest day took time for me to recover. I went to the police. Instead of getting help, I of my life! I thought the day I met her. I did not realize she would change came to know that some of the policemen were part of the cult. This cult is my life forever. We started to spend all of our time together. She is a a reality in Mexico and bigger than I thought. courageous beautiful woman with olive-green eyes, long golden-brown I began to think about leaving my country to make a life without the hair, and a great attitude towards life. constant and terrible feeling of being harassed. Unfortunately, this is not a bedtime story where the couple lives happily Once Aidin* and I ran away to another state in Mexico, but Javier* ever after. Her family was strict and did not allow her to date. They did not found us and beat me up. accept people of other religions. They told her she couldn’t see me. I moved again. This time he didn’t find me, but he knew how to reach I couldn’t believe what was happening. We were in the first years of the me at school and at work. He was always there. He was never alone. He twenty-first century. Racism and prejudice in my country? It didn’t seem often hit me. I made a lot of complaints at the police office, but no one possible. I always thought society in Mexico was open-minded, at least in would bother him. these kinds of issues. I knew about racism against black people in North I was scared for us. We decided that the solution was to immigrate to America, but I never thought it would happen to me. Prejudice towards another country. A person close to us told us about Canada. I started to religions! Come on! My girlfriend and I were just teenagers who wanted to look for the best way to leave the country. I sold my car to have money to be together! My girlfriend, Aidin* and I decided to maintain our relationship in travel and pay my debts. I found a school in Canada which was not so secret. But a bigger problem was already heading toward us. expensive; I bought two courses, one for Aidin* and one for me. I did this A friend of her family began to follow her. Javier* stalked her steps. He through a travel agency and did not have any problems with immigration. used his family connection to be close to her; he drove her to school and To get Aidin* out, we faked a break up just before Aidin* had to travel picked her up from work. Javier* said he was protecting her against me. to meet her family. I bought a ticket for her to Canada instead. Her family But later, I figured out those were not his only intentions towards Aidin*. thought that she was on her way to Guadalajara but she was really on her When I had free time I drove to her school to see her. Once Javier* way to Toronto with her best friend who offered to help us, traveling with saw us and started yelling. He said I would pay if I didn’t stop seeing her. her until I could reach her later. Aidin* went to her car, scared, to avoid more problems. I had to stay behind to make it appear real. I almost never left the After that incident Javier* started to bother me regularly. Sometimes he house where I was living. After a month or so I snuck to the airport and messed with my car. I had uncountable encounters with him. He told me took a plane to meet with my loving one. that he was part of a powerful cult. He said if he saw me close to Aidin* In Canada we have started a new life as immigrants trying our best for again, he would kill me. our relationship and for the country, which has help us a lot. I still can’t I felt trapped. On one side, I had my girlfriend and the huge love that I believe I am here and will not take my freedom for granted. felt for her. I didn’t want to lose her. On the other side a crazy guy, We have great expectations. We decided to get married, even though member of a cult, was threatening me with death. we are sad our family and close friends are not around. Probably by the I chose love (and I still do), but our relationship wasn’t the same. We time you read this, my girlfriend and I are now husband and wife. had to be careful. Javier* often caught us. He struck me physically and *All names in this story have been changed.

2005 Debwewin Report 15 he Debwewin 2004 three-city She believes many natives model I’ve seen it. survey on racism showed behaviour they see elsewhere. She says many times people have Taboriginal people face the brunt “What they have been taught and told jokes and when they find out of racism from the dominant white what has happened to them is she is part native they say ‘oh, I majority, but follow-up interviews discrimination, so when they get a hope I haven’t offended you.’ She indicate there is also a problem little bit more power they model the says she tells them they should among aboriginals themselves. The behaviour that they’ve seen. I think always watch what they say interviews also confirmed that they have to become more aware as because they never know where appearances play a role in racism. a community as to what’s people come from. Aboriginals in Northern Ontario happening. There’s so much that has Carol, who lives on Batchewana are not a homogeneous community. to be done. It has to be done in First Nation, Rankin Reserve, says “I Some live on-reserve, some live off. small steps.” am dark so people would see that I Some are Ojibway, some are Cree, Frank is from Garden River First am an Indian. I am discriminated some are something else. Some have Nation and is learning the Ojibway against because of people status as an aboriginal, some do traditional ways. Also an Algoma stereotyping Indians. Based on what not. Some are Métis. University student, he says “to tell I’ve heard and experienced people Some are dark-skinned and some you the truth, the worst ones are our say Indians are inferior. Indians are are not. own people. There are those that stupid. They don’t want to work. Alice was born and raised in are traditional and there are those They are drunk. They have so many Garden River First Nation just who follow the Christian way, and problems.” outside Sault Ste. Marie. She they’re the ones who are harder on Genny, a Sault College graduate attended high school in North Bay their own people. now working as a professional in and lived in Batchewana First “That’s probably what hurts the Sault Ste. Marie, says “because of Natives Nation, also just outside Sault Ste. most. They’ve got that same my skin colour, because of the way I Marie. mentality, like we have to save you talk, I was made fun of as a kid She has three children and seven from yourself. People should get to coming from a reserve. Today, it’s grandchildren living in the area, plus know our culture. Go to the not so much on me, but for my five sisters. She is now a student at ceremonies. Learn. Accept the fact grandchildren.” Algoma University. that man is different, or that culture Kathleen is retired after working discriminate “There is an awful lot of is different. It’s our leaders that don’t 22 years with the federal discrimination within the First Nation say anything.” government in Sault Ste. Marie. She community,” she said in a Debwewin Linda, another Algoma student, says she never lets her guard down. project interview. “My own people says “I find that the most prejudice is “I’m definitely discriminated will tell me I’m not native, even on the reserve, against their own.” against. I mean, look at me. I look too though I was born and raised native. Priscilla was raised on Nipissing Anishinabe…dark hair, brown eyes. It’s probably because of my looks.” First Nation between North Bay and It’s not often what a person will say Sturgeon Falls and now lives in but the way you’re treated. Sturgeon Falls. “I know that I stand out as an Her husband, although he’s Anishinabe. You’re on guard Mi’kmaq, is fair with blond hair. because you never know how you’re When he goes to Garden Village on going to be treated. You have to use Nipissing First Nation he says up a lot of energy for this. people give him a look that he “I dress properly. I dress nice. I interprets as ‘What’s he doing here?’ have an income because I worked “He is a native person and raised for the federal government but can on a First Nation but he says he you imagine if I had a shabby jacket goes there and people treat him like or torn jeans or holes in my boots, he’s not. You have to look at it from or messy hair and no makeup? I’d both sides. We’re just as guilty,” be treated differently. I feel like a Priscilla says. second-class citizen.” Many aboriginals interviewed Maggie has lived in Sault Ste. said darkness of skin colour is a Marie all her life. Her mother is from major factor. Merv, an aboriginal Wikwemikong on Manitoulin Island from Timmins who is retired, says but Maggie doesn’t look native. “I’m not discriminated against “I hear a lot of things,” she says. because I don’t look native. I would “In grade school and as a teenager hear things at work. The work you hear the jokes and whatnot. You environment was good but near the see the way other people get end it got to the point where it treated. I go to the store with my wasn’t good. With all the sister, who is a lot browner than I downsizing I guess people worried am and you get the looks. People and were under stress. I felt there wouldn’t expect that we’re sisters. was a lot of discrimination and “It hurts me inside. Sometimes I comments being made.” just walk away, probably because I Linda, the Algoma student, says just don’t want to deal with it.” she too doesn’t get discriminated Maggie thinks there is more public against because she doesn’t look awareness now. “I remember seeing native. “But I have lots of cousins, so a sticker saying ‘Let’s stop racism.’”

16 Debwewin Report 2005 Data collection permitted The Ontario Human Rights Code assessed on an objective and Observed inequality in the be appropriate for an organization to permits the collection and analysis of subjective basis. The organization‘s distribution or treatment of racialized seek out the expertise of someone data based on race and other actual knowledge of a problem will persons within an organization familiar with good data collection grounds, provided that the data is be considered, as will whether from Evidence from other organizations or and analysis techniques. In other collected for purposes consistent with the point of view of a jurisdictions that a situations, it may be possible to rely the Code, such as to monitor reasonable third The Ontario Human Rights similar policy, discrimination, identify and remove party, the program or practice on existing resources such as systemic barriers, address historical organization would Code permits the collection and has had a employment equity tools. Staff disadvantage and promote have been aware of analysis of data based on race disproportionate collecting data should be given substantive equality. the problem. and other grounds, provided effect on racialized appropriate training. The Commission Some situations persons. In the context of racial that the data is collected for recognizes that how data collection is discrimination, data collection and that may warrant The Commission done depends on the context, analysis can be a necessary or even data collection and purposes consistent with the says data collection including the issue that needs to be an essential tool for assessing analysis might Code, such as to monitor should be conducted monitored, and the nature and size whether rights under the Code are include the following, discrimination, identify and in good faith with the being or may be infringed and for the Commission says: goal of producing of the organization. taking corrective action, the Ontario Persistent allegations remove systemic barriers, good quality, It notes that an organization that Human Rights Commission says. or complaints of address historical disadvantage accurate and chooses not to collect data in The Commission says data discrimination or and promote substantive meaningful data, situations where data collection is systemic barriers rather than achieving collection and analysis should be equality. warranted may not be able to make undertaken where an organization A widespread public a particular outcome. a credible defence that it did not has or ought to have reason to perception of Acceptable data discriminate. believe that discrimination, systemic discrimination or systemic barriers collection techniques and proper barriers or the perpetuation of Data or research studies research and design methodologies For further information visit the historical disadvantage may demonstrating discrimination or should be used. Commission’s web site at potentially exist. This must be systemic barriers The Commission says it will often www.ohrc.on.ca Multiculturalism Day reaffirms equality

Canada was the first anniversary of section 15 country in the world, in of the Charter of Rights 1971, to have an official and Freedoms—the policy on multiculturalism. section that guarantees Canadian equality and freedom Multiculturalism Day is from discrimination based now celebrated June 27 on race, ethnic or each year. Raymond national origin, religion, Chan, Minister of State sex, age, or mental or (Multiculturalism), says physical disability. “Canadian “Canada is known Multiculturalism Day is a around the world as a time for Canadians to society that embraces celebrate our ethno-racial fairness, equality, and and ethno-cultural respect for diversity as its diversity and to learn fundamental values,” more about the Chan said in a news contributions that all release. communities have made For more information to building our country.” on Canadian He says the day should Multiculturalism Day visit also reaffirm Canada’s the Department of commitment to Canadian Heritage web democracy, equality and site at mutual respect, noting that www.pch.gc.ca/special/c 2005 marks the 20th anada/

2005 Debwewin Report 17 Upset over ‘special’ status

The fish rotting at the dump appeared to be an isolated incident. When Peter is an angry white male. natives agreed to share the land with the European settlers they retained fishing treaty rights as well as others. Still working at 67, he says he can’t quit work because he can’t afford to. “I Peter is just as upset over the federal government’s bilingualism initiatives. have to go to work every day to support somebody sitting at home watching “People out west are really upset because out there nobody speaks French television.” yet they are forced to be bilingual because the government made that a law. (In He had a lot to say on the Debwewin questionnaire last year and in a follow- fact there are few bilingual people in the west and there is no such law.) There up interview in North Bay. should be one language, like they have in the United States. If you don’t like it, “I don’t feel Canadians basically are racist,” he says. “ I think they’re just leave.” cheesed off with special status being given to special groups. Everyone should Peter doesn’t think he sounds racist. He equates racism with the Ku Klux Klan. be a Canadian, period, with the same rights, the same language, the same “I’ve never seen a racial incident and I’ve lived her all my life. I hear people opportunities. Government promotes racism. Our system promotes racism.” make fun of the natives, and of black people, and of Chinese people. I suppose He says he’s a “second-class citizen, yet I’m the one who pays most of the that’s a form of racism. taxes. We’re going to be called racist because we have something against the “Native people get treated differently in North Bay because they’re special. Indian, but we don’t. It’s the status they’re given. They’re better than us, or They have special status. Everyone has special status except we, the white, they’re special. middle class, working taxpayer. The only reason governments give this special “I can’t go and catch any fish because they’ve taken all the fish out of the treatment to everybody is to buy votes.” lake with gill nets. They’ve killed them all. They throw fish in the dump (referring Peter says everyone should be Canadian. to a story in the North Bay Nugget where fish were found in a dump) instead “There’s more and more hatred. I can see it. When you sit and have a beer, of giving them to poor people. They let them rot on the ground because they that’s when you hear most of this stuff. If you want to find out just go sit in the have that right. They can catch spawning fish and we can’t. We’re the ones that hotel for awhile and talk to people. It comes up time after time. Especially if you get penalized, yet we’re not Canadians, they are.” talk about hunting or fishing.”

18 Debwewin Report 2005 New human rights policy for Ontario

“It is time organizations and harassment to occur,” and institutions acknowledge Norton said. Obligations in the reality of racism and be this regard range from prepared to act against collecting numerical data in subtle and sometimes appropriate circumstances, subconscious prejudices and accounting for historical stereotypes that too often disadvantage, reviewing result in discrimination,” says policies, practices and Keith Norton, Chief decision-making processes Commissioner of the Ontario for adverse impact on Human Rights Commission. aboriginal and racialized He announced the release communities to having in of the Commission’s Policy place and enforcing anti- and Guidelines on Racism discrimination and anti- and Racial Discrimination harassment policies and Since 1966 March 21 has been Canada. The Racism, Stop It June 28 in Toronto. education programs, and recognized by the United Nations National Video Competition is one “While Ontario has done more. Racism as the International Day for the of the means by which the federal much to provide protection The policy provides Elimination of Racial government leads the fight against against racism and racial guidance to the public Discrimination. racism and mobilizes thousands of discrimination, the fact concerning its rights and national Canada was one of the first youth across Canada to rise up remains that too many responsibilities under the countries to support the UN and take a stand against racism. Ontarians continue to Code. It describes a number declaration and, in 1989, the The national competition is a experience it,” Norton said of considerations the Department of Canadian Heritage major component of the March 21 in a news release. Each year Commission will use to video launched its annual March 21 campaign. Across the country, 30 to 40 per cent of examine whether Campaign. North Bay began its youth rise to the challenge. It is complaints filed with the discrimination has occurred annual campaign that year, with their project, they create the Commission cite race and and stresses the importance competition funding from Canadian Heritage. scenario, write the script, shoot related grounds. of building an organizational The March 21 campaign was and edit a one-minute video story Building on its examination culture of prevention and initiated in response to the need to that expresses their feelings about into the effects of racial respect for human rights. It heighten awareness of the harmful racism. profiling, the Commission’s enables the Commission to effects of racism on a national Information and entry forms on policy focuses particularly on take a consistent approach to scale and to demonstrate clearly the competition are sent to schools systemic discrimination. The mediating, investigating, the commitment and leadership of across Canada. The entry Commission found it is one analyzing and litigating the federal government to foster deadlines are in January each of the more complex ways in cases citing race and related respect, equality and diversity. For year. which racial discrimination grounds, as well as pursue more than 10 years the March 21 Canadian Heritage says youth occurs. Systemic public interest remedies Campaign has mobilized youth are the heart and soul of the discrimination refers to aimed at correcting systemic across Canada to rise up and take annual March 21 Campaign. They patterns of behaviour, discrimination and historical a stand against racism. have the energy, commitment and policies or practices that are disadvantage in settlements Through their participation in the creativity to advance the struggle part of the social or and in decisions before the campaign, Canadian youth have against racism. They are the voice administrative structures of an Human Rights Tribunal of spoken loudly and eloquently, of the present and the future. They organization, which create Ontario. saying there is no place for racism are among the most exposed to or perpetuate a position of A copy of the Policy and in their lives. racism in their schools and on the relative disadvantage for Guidelines on Racism and Every year, to mark the streets. In villages, towns and cities racialized persons. Racial Discrimination is International Day for the across Canada, the March 21 “Organizations have a available on the Elimination of Racial Campaign engages youth to positive obligation to ensure Commission’s web site at Discrimination, numerous activities transcend the boundaries of race, they are not engaging in, www.ohrc.on.ca aiming to raise public awareness ethnicity and religion and to condoning or allowing about racism take place across embrace diversity. systemic racial discrimination

2005 Debwewin Report 19 Systemic discrimination

Systemic discrimination can be into play. It is also important not Racial discrimination can described as patterns of to design policies, practices and result from individual behaviour, policies or practices decision-making processes in a that are part of the structures of way that does not account for behaviour as well as an organization, and which individual differences or that uses create or perpetuate the dominant culture as the norm. because of the unintended disadvantage for racialized Organizational culture; persons. Organizations can have their and often unconscious The Commission is very own internal cultures which, if not consequences of a concerned about systemic inclusive, can marginalize or discrimination. Assessing and alienate racialized persons. For discriminatory system. tackling systemic discrimination example, an organization that can be complex. Nevertheless, values a particular This is known as the Commission expects communication style based on organizations to be aware that how people from the dominant systemic discrimination, their ‘normal way of doing culture tend to communicate may says the Ontario things’ may be having a negative undervalue a different, but impact on racialized persons. equally effective, communication Human Rights The Commission sets out three style used by a racialized considerations that will help it person. Similarly, social Commission. and organizations identify and relationships and networks that address systemic discrimination: are an important part of success Numerical data: Numerical data may sometimes exclude may show that racialized racialized persons. persons are not being equally Organizations must ensure that treated by or within an they are not unconsciously organization. In some instances, engaging in systemic numerical data will suggest that discrimination, the Commission there may be systemic says. This takes vigilance and discrimination because too few willingness to monitor and review racialized people are Get Involved numerical data, policies, represented, for example in practices and decision-making positions of leadership. In other NORTH BAY processes and organizational situations, it may show that too culture. It is not acceptable from Young People’s Press many racialized people are Don Curry represented, for example, in a human rights perspective for an 705.495.8887 police stops. Numerical data organization to choose to remain [email protected] alone isn’t likely to be proof of unaware of systemic systemic discrimination. discrimination or to fail to act However, it serves as an when a problem comes to its TIMMINS indicator or ‘red flag’ that there is attention. Because the challenge in Race Awareness Cultural Education a problem. An organization may be able to challenge the data or establishing a link between an Georgie Sabourin show there is a non- individual’s experience and a 705.268.8380 discriminatory explanation for discriminatory system, if [email protected] the numbers. evidence of systemic Policies, practices and decision- discrimination is found to exist making processes: Formal and the Commission will require the SAULT STE. MARIE informal policies, practices and organization to produce Unity and Diversity decision-making processes can information to show that the Sault Ste. Marie result in barriers for and discriminatory system did not Susan Garrett exclusion of racialized persons. contribute to the individual’s 705.256.2546 The use of informal or highly experience. [email protected] discretionary approaches is For further information on the particularly problematic as there Commission’s Policy and is room for subjective Guidelines on Racism and Racial considerations, differing Discrimination visit its web site at standards and biases to come www.ohrc.on.ca

20 Debwewin Report 2005 Racial harassment & poisoned environments All Ontarians have the right to be free from the target, would view the behaviour. participated in, racial comments or conduct does harassment in the workplace or in housing The following types of behaviours will typically not provide a defence. accommodation because of, among other things, be considered racial harassment: In addition to racial harassment, the creation race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, ethnic Racial epithets, slurs or jokes of a poisoned environment is a form of origin, citizenship and creed. Being subjected to racial name-calling or discrimination and is contrary to the Code. While the Ontario Human Rights Code doesn’t nicknames. Unlike harassment, which requires repeated explicitly prohibit harassment in the areas of Racial jokes, cartoons or graffiti, including when behaviour, a poisoned environment can be services, goods and facilities, contracts or circulated by e-mail; created by a single incident, if serious or membership in trade and vocational Ridiculing comments related to race-related substantiated enough. associations, the Ontario Human Rights characteristics; and A poisoned environment can be created by Commission will treat racial harassment in such Being subjected to references to racist the comments or conduct of any person, situations as a form of discrimination and organizations, such as having ‘KKK’ painted on regardless of his or her position within the therefore a breach of the Code. a locker Harassment is defined as “engaging in a Racial harassment sometimes intersects with organization. Therefore, a co-worker, a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is other forms of harassment such as harassment supervisor, a co-tenant or a teacher can all known or ought reasonably to be known to be on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and engage in actions that poison the environment. unwelcome.” This Commission definition disability. It is the responsibility of every employer, considers what the person knew about how his It is not necessary for someone to object to landlord and service provider to take steps t or her behaviour would be received, as well as behaviour for it to be contrary to the Ontario ensure that its environment is free from how a reasonable third party, taking into Human Rights Code. As well, the fact that harassment or inappropriate race-related account the perspective of the person who was someone may even have gone along with, or comments or conduct, even if no one objects. Our Illustrator The illustrations in this special supplement to the North Bay Nugget, Sault Star and Timmins Daily Press are almost all by Laura Ouellette. Born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Mrs.Ouellette began drawing seriously at the age of nine and continued throughout her teen and university years, drawing portraits for friends while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in French and Italian. A freelance writer, artist and photographer, Mrs. Ouellette wrote and illustrated published articles while pursuing a commercial art diploma at George Brown College in Toronto in 1988. A graduate of Canadore College’s Print Journalism program in 1993, Mrs. Ouellette has worked as a reporter for several Ontario newspapers and written for publications including The North Bay Nugget, The Canadian Shield, The Brockville Recorder and Times, The Orangeville Banner, The Almaguin- Nipissing Travel Association, Punch! Magazine and Young People’s Press. Mrs. Ouellette currently lives in North Bay with her family.

2005 Debwewin Report 21 Organizational responsibility regarding racism

mployers, unions, educational discrimination or harassment, to engage in monitoring, to implement procedure for dealing with issues that facilities, service providers ignore or to fail to act to address comprehensive anti-discrimination may arise. Eand other organizations human rights matters, whether or not and harassment policies and to Proactive, ongoing monitoring: covered by the Ontario Human Rights a complaint has been raised. An engage in widespread training of monitoring allows an organization to Code are responsible for ensuring organization can violate the Code by staff and management. be aware of potential problems and that their environments are free from directly or indirectly, intentionally or To fulfill the duty to foster be in a position to address them unintentionally engaging in environments that are respectful of racial discrimination and harassment. quickly and effectively. discrimination or human rights the Implementation strategies: This means not just responding when harassment. This Commission measures such as mandatory training issues of discrimination or harassment Employers, unions, includes recommends a of all staff, organizational change arise, but also taking proactive educational facilities, service condoning or solid initiatives, special programs and measures to monitor for and prevent authorizing providers and other organizational sharing information about the their occurrence. discriminatory or organizations covered by anti-racism organization’s anti-racism vision In addition to acts of harassing the Ontario Human Rights program statement and policy with staff and discrimination and harassment by behaviours by consisting of the management are required in order to individuals, organizations have an failing to Code are responsible for following four successfully implement an obligation to be aware of whether appropriately ensuring that their elements: organization’s anti-racism goals. their practices, policies and programs address them. environments are free from A Evaluation: ongoing evaluation of are having an adverse impact or are Liability under comprehensive an organization’s anti-racism resulting in systemic discrimination for the Code can racial discrimination and anti-racism vision program is important to ensure its racialized persons or groups. In some result in serious harassment. statement and effectiveness. cases, this may include collecting and repercussions. In policy: such a For further information or copies of analyzing data regarding race and addition to monetary damages, an policy and vision statement sends a the Commission’s Policy and related grounds. organization found responsible for clear message about an Guidelines on Racism and Racial It is not acceptable from a human discrimination and harassment can organization’s commitment to equity Discrimination visit the Commission’s rights perspective to choose to remain be required to change practices that and diversity. It also sets out what web site at www.ohrc.on.ca or call 1- unaware of the potential existences of have resulted in discrimination, to actions are prohibited and provides a 800-387-9080.

22 Debwewin Report 2005 reasons of safety, security or public While comments about race may protection that relies on stereotypes about sometimes be made, this is not necessary for race, colour, ethnicity, ancestry, religion or a finding that subtle racial discrimination place of origin rather than on reasonable has occurred. Racial discrimination need suspicion, to single out an individual for only be one of the reasons for the treatment greater scrutiny or different treatment. Race received. Examples only needs to be a factor in the conduct There are many examples of subtle forms alleged to constitute profiling. of racial discrimination. In employment, it Some considerations that help determine can take the form of failing to hire, train, whether racial profiling occurred include: mentor or promote a racialized person. Statements that indicate stereotyping or Racialized persons may find themselves of racial discrimination prejudice such as racial comments; subjected to excessive performance A non-existent, contradictory or changing monitoring or may be more seriously blamed explanation for why someone was targeted; for a common mistake. And, normal People can experience racial People may also experience racial discrimination in a variety of different ways. discrimination because of stereotyping. The situation unfolded differently than if differences of opinion or failing to get along In its most overt form, racial discrimination Stereotyping typically involves attributing the the person had been white, or with a co-worker may be treated as more can occur as a result of stereotyping, same characteristics to all members of a Deviations from normal practices or an serious hen a racialized person is involved. prejudice and bias. Racial discrimination group, regardless of individual differences. unprofessional manner Subtle racial discrimination can occur in also occurs in large measure through subtle It is often based on misconceptions, Subtle and subversive discrimination has a variety of other contexts as well. In forms of differential treatment. incomplete information and/or false been identified as one of the most common housing, racialized persons may be turned A fact sheet from the Ontario Human generalizations. In most cases, stereotypes ways racialized people experience unequal away as tenants, or may not be granted Rights Commission says racial assume negative characteristics about a treatment. Subtle forms of discrimination can equal access to maintenance and repairs. discrimination may occur because of overt group. Even those who are well meaning often be detected only upon examining all Issues also arise in services and facilities prejudice, hostility or negative feelings held and not overtly biased can nevertheless the circumstances. As well, contrasting how including malls, restaurants, movie theatres, by someone about a racialized person or stereotype. a racialized person was treated with how education services and healthcare services. group. People are treated unfairly; such as Racial profiling is a form of stereotyping others were treated in a comparable For further information or copies of the by being refused a job or apartment simply that has particular implications for racialized situation, or looking for patterns of Commission’s Policy and Guidelines on because of bias toward them based on race persons. The Commission has defined racial behaviour will help to determine whether Racism and Racial Discrimination see its and related grounds. profiling as any action undertaken for subtle discrimination was at play. web site at www.ohrc.on.ca

2005 Debwewin Report 23 Where to now? We hope this newspaper support for diversity in the insert has provided you with labour market through new insights on racism in exercising the discretionary Northeastern Ontario. powers of the municipal Limited extra copies are governments available by contacting Young The cities commit themselves to People’s Press, 374 Fraser St., be equal opportunities North Bay, P1B 3W7, 705- employers and equitable 495-8887. service providers, and to Debwewin project engage in monitoring, training committees in North Bay, Sault and development to achieve Ste. Marie and Timmins are this objective working to implement the eight Take active steps to strengthen recommendations from last policies against housing year’s study. Those discrimination within the cities recommendations, rather Strengthen measures against lengthy to list here, are found discrimination in access to and on the project web site at enjoyment of all forms of www.debwewin.ca education and to promote the In addition, the North Bay provision of education in and Timmins groups are mutual tolerance and Reflecting on the Truth pursuing funding to work on understanding implementation of the Ensure fair representation and Canadian Coalition of Cities promotion for the diverse much the same way we take a look at By Laura Ouellette Against Racism 10-point plan. range of cultural expression ourselves in the mirror. The rest is up to you. The 10 commitments are: and heritage of city dwellers in We can use this study—like a hand-held the cultural programs, mirror—to our advantage, by taking a look Set up a monitoring, vigilance collective memory and public at ourselves and reflecting on what we can Light exposes. and solidarity network against space of the city and promote do to eliminate racism. The problem is, that That’s good news for anyone in the dark racism at the city level interculturality in city life same tool can be used by some wrongly: trying to figure out a solution to a problem Initiate or develop further the Support or establish because while mirrors can be used for self- like racism. But it’s not always pleasant— collection of data on racism mechanisms for dealing with examination and can shed light on our own because we don’t always like what we find and discrimination, establish hate crimes and conflict appearance, we can all too easily react with or see about ourselves. a knee-jerk response in our discomfort, and achievable objectives and set management Yet anyone who’s ever turned on a light shift the mirror, and our focus, onto someone common indicators to assess late at night knows: after that initial blinding else. the impact of municipal and For further information on sting, your eyes begin to adjust as you When we hide in this fashion, we also other policies anti-racism please see the YPP gradually open them more, so you see deflect the light of truth away from us. Support victims and contribute web sites at what’s around you and can begin to move Should the other person react defensively in to strengthening their capacity www.debwewin.ca,and forward without stumbling or getting hurt. the same fashion, it’s the same result one to defend themselves against www.equalitytoday.org This illustration grew out of a question gets holding two mirrors face-to-face: the racism and discrimination The Department of Canadian that kept running through my mind while reflection will forever continue, and in this Ensure better information for Heritage’s web site has illustrating these stories and while watching case, no light gets through to anyone. city dwellers on their rights and significant information at this project unfold: Once everything here is So when will it stop? It begins with each obligations, on protection and www.pch.gc.ca said and done, once we do see the truth of us taking an honest look at ourselves (or legal options and on the The Ontario Human Rights within and around ourselves, what do we do re-shifting and returning the focus back to penalties for racist acts or Commission can be found at with it? ourselves) and how we can become part of behaviour by using a www.ohrc.on.ca Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and North Bay the solution—not part of the problem—in participatory approach The Canadian Race persons aren’t the only ones being reflected eliminating racism. through consultations with Relations Foundation web site upon here. If you’ve seen yourself in any of We may not always like what we see in service users and service is www.cr.ca these illustrations or stories, then the ourselves, but it can be the beginning of a providers The City of Sudbury’s anti- Debwewin Project will have helped in part to change for the better, and it begins with our Facilitate equal opportunity racism project web site is at shed some light on an ongoing problem, in taking a look in the mirror. employment practices and www.sudburydiversity.ca

24 Debwewin Report 2005