Bobby Cameron on racial profiling: ‘It happens every day’
Sears downplayed an alleged incident of racial profiling at its Prince Albert location, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Chief Bobby Cameron says.
“Obviously, if it was of serious concern they would have taken it more seriously. They would have pulled the individual, they would have contacted the family, a more serious investigation would have happened. To downplay it like they did, it doesn’t sit well with us.”
B. Helen Ermine, an Indigenous woman, says she was racially profiled and insulted by a Sears employee last Wednesday while walking with items to a till.
Sears Canada spokesman Vincent Power said he couldn’t provide details of what happened due to privacy concerns, but said Sears would describe the incident differently, and that staff treated Ermine and her husband fairly.
Cameron said the staff member involved should have investigated further to be sure of what actually happened.
Thousands of First Nations people live in Prince Albert and many spend their money in local stores, he says.
“Some individuals still have the attitude that all Indians are thieves, all Indians are drunks and all Indians are on welfare and don’t work. That’s a false attitude and we’re hoping that we’re going to do our best to create more education and awareness on how First Nations contribute to the economy.”
Cameron says he was a victim of racial profiling Sunday at a restaurant, when a non-First Nations family behind him was seated first, he said.
“People may not realize or understand those little incidents but they do play an impact on some of us. It happens every day.”