The Blood Tribe First Nation in Alberta is trying to pave the way in which for a greater understanding of racism from a Kainai perspective and to develop methods to deal with the long-standing societal challenge.
In a launch issued Aug. 31, the Blood Tribe mentioned an evidence-based examine was initiated by chief and council a few years in the past following “a variety of blatant incidents of racism directed at our individuals.”
“If you enter a retailer, individuals begin following you round and assuming that you just’re going to do one thing unlawful, you’re going to shoplift. It’s simply fixed, it’s in every single place,” mentioned tribal authorities member Annabel Crop Eared Wolf.
In late 2019, Gabrielle Lindstrom was enlisted because the lead researcher within the examine to work alongside members of tribal authorities in creating and implementing the examine.
Lindstrom, an affiliate professor in Indigenous Research at Mount Royal College in Calgary, created complete surveys for each Blood Tribe members, Indigenous individuals and non-Indigenous individuals.
“We requested them questions on their childhood experiences with racism and in the event that they thought that impacted how they dwell their lives at the moment,” she defined. “We requested them about their experiences with racism within the health-care system, within the justice system, in training, even within the monetary world like going to a financial institution.
“For the non-Indigenous surveys, we requested them (what) they thought racism meant, how racism was expressed and in the event that they thought racism was an issue in southern Alberta.”
The examine additionally included speaking circles with Kainai elders and focus group dialogue with members of non-Indigenous municipal management, together with these in Lethbridge, Cardston and Fort Macleod.
The Metropolis of Lethbridge thanked the Blood Tribe for the invitation to be part of the work.
“The findings of the examine spotlight the significance of making social and systemic situations in our neighborhood that create a way of belonging and respect of Kainai and all Indigenous peoples,” a press release from town learn.
“This is the reason the work of reconciliation continues to be an vital and significant strategic objective of each metropolis council and the Metropolis of Lethbridge. We look ahead to persevering with to work with the Blood Tribe in reviewing the findings and suggestions of this examine.”
“What I discovered (hopeful) was a willingness on the a part of our non-Indigenous neighbours on the management stage to take part within the mission, and an acknowledgement that the issue does exist and the additional willingness to take part in cures,” mentioned Crop Eared Wolf.
In keeping with Lindstrom, there’s an absence of an satisfactory skilled coaching strategies that will change the deeply held beliefs of racism that start in childhood.
The examine additionally discovered there was a misalignment between how non-Indigenous individuals outline and perceive racism, and the way it’s truly skilled by Indigenous individuals.
Lindstrom mentioned she shouldn’t be conscious of some other research like this in Canada.
“We’re definitely hoping that different First Nations throughout Turtle Island will be capable of additionally design their very own research and use their very own languages in very self-determining methods to deal with racism.”
With the examine suggestions now in entrance of Blood Tribe officers, they want to use exterior and inside methods to reframe how individuals consider racism and to develop an anti-racism coalition in partnership with surrounding communities.
Updates on the “Kimmapiiyipitssini – Shifting Ahead” implementation plan will likely be shared with members because it develops.
In keeping with the Blood Tribe, funding to conduct the examine was offered by the Alberta Human Rights Fee’s Human Rights Schooling and Multiculturalism Fund, whereas the implementation part is receiving monetary help from the Blood Tribe and Calgary Basis.
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