Racism and homelessness among issues on the streets
‘STOP RACISM YQL’ RALLY HELD IN LETHBRIDGE
His name was Milton Fair. He was someone’s son, someone’s friend, and he died earlier this month after living on the streets of Lethbridge for the past decade. Dozens of community members gathered for the “Stop Racism YQL” rally near Henderson Lake on Sunday to honour his memory and bring awareness to the continuing issues of homelessness and racism.
Fair survived for years without any formal assistance and social services. By the time volunteers were able to build a trusting relationship to help him access services, it was too late.
With ailing health, Fair was admitted to Chinook Regional Hospital. But after weeks in intensive care he lost his battle on Oct. 3.
“Milton’s story deeply touched my life,” said Mallory Kristjanson, the rally’s co-organizer and anti-oppressive advocate. “I, as a volunteer with a couple others, had attempted to get him services. What we realized is that Milton is one of hundreds. Milton’s story was one that has only been heard, so it is important to continue to honour those that have gone before Milton.”
In 2014, a “Releasing Our Spirit” memorial ceremony was held in Galt Gardens to honour 320 human beings who had died on the city’s streets.
“Right now, we are at over 370 names (on) that list. This is also a way to help honour all of those who have been lost in contingent to Releasing Our Spirit,” said Kristjanson.
Byron Black Plume has lived on the streets for the past two years. He said the amount of violence towards those living on the streets, especially Indigenous people, has increased.
He’s had several friends who were violently attacked by a group of people and he doesn’t feel the police are taking the issue seriously.
“Life on the streets is pretty hard,” he said. “Things have changed over the past two years ... especially the ongoing violence ... you can’t walk around Lethbridge alone because they see you alone, they’ll jump you.”
Black Plume would like to see the end of racism but he isn’t hopeful it will happen. At the very least, he’d like to see more social inclusion.
“Whether we’re white, black, brown or whatever, we’re all in this world together ... We see the same blue sky. That’s what I want to see but I guess that’s just how the world works. Maybe one of these days it will change.”
For Zan Renee Spearchief, it was a heavy day full of emotions. Several of her friends and relatives have died on the streets over the years. The memory of her younger sister is especially raw.
“She was murdered. Nothing was done about it. They just said it was foul play,” said Spearchief. “My mom took it really hard and she made herself sick and she passed away. And just in April, I lost my dad. He died right in my hands. I lost my grandson. I lost my daughter from fentanyl. It’s just too much for me.”
Spearchief has experienced physical violence on at least three occasions. Just last week she was kicked in the leg by a man while racist insults were thrown at her. She feels there aren’t enough avenues for the homeless to report an attack.
“We’re human, too. Why can’t we get treated like humans, too?”
Rally supporters gathered together to hold signs along Mayor Magrath Drive S. Many read “Stop Racism YQL”, “His name was Milton” and “We Want Change.” Martin Heavy Head, Dr. Esther Tail Feathers, Dr. Rachael Crowder, and Mayor Chris Spearman also spoke at the event.
“The most important thing we have to say is it’s not acceptable. And then we have to put action behind the words,” said Spearman. “We accept there is racism and we understand that we have work to do and we need to change attitudes. Violence towards anyone ... not acceptable. We have to treat each other with respect.”
Spearman said he recognizes housing is the first major step to ending homelessness.
“It’s basic human dignity,” he said. “We need to make sure everyone in our city is housed and that’s a challenge. People are getting sick, getting exposed to the elements, people get pneumonia and people die needlessly.”
Kristjansen said she was happy to see so many people, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, turn out for the rally.
“It is an honour to have so many non-Indigenous people here to hear stories and raise awareness to hundreds of lives who have been lost on the streets of Lethbridge, Indigenous lives, and every single one of their lives mattered,” she said. “It’s important that moving forward we start community and collective conversations surrounding systemic racism and to hear stories from individuals who are still living this reality.”
The City of Lethbridge is holding a “Community Conversation on Housing & Homelessness” this Friday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Culver City Community Room at City Hall.
Those who wish to attend are asked to RSVP to Roslin McKechnie at 403-320-4271 or roslin.mckechnie@lethbridge.ca.