Air Canada apologizes for removing headdress

Taken from AFN national chief, stowed in hold

Air Canada has apologized for a “regrettable” incident involving the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak.

Woodhouse Nepinak was flying from Montreal to Fredericton, N.B., Thursday, when her headdress, which was in a case, was removed from the cabin and placed in a plastic bag by airline staff.

Woodhouse Nepinak shared the incident in a Facebook post. “I won't be letting anyone take away my headdress or case again,” she wrote. “Air Canada needs a protocol for First Peoples so that we are not harassed for our sacred items. Our headdresses don't belong in garbage bags by airlines.”

Photos in the post show the case being carried by airline staff on the tarmac, while wrapped in a plastic bag.

The post quickly gained traction on social media.

Alvin Fiddler, grand chief of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, called the incident “shameful.”

“I believe you owe our National Chief an apology,” Fiddler posted to X, formerly Twitter, and tagged Air Canada. “And please ensure all members of your team are aware and follow all protocols on handling of sacred items. Miigwetch.”

In media reports, the airline said it had followed up with the national chief to apologize and better understand the situation, while adding it's also reviewing its policies and following up on the matter internally.

“Air Canada understands the importance of accommodating customers with items and symbols of sacred cultural significance, and in the past the chiefs have been able to travel while transporting their headdresses in the cabin,” the statement said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the incident “unacceptable” and a “mistake.”

Trudeau said the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 94 calls to action are not just about the federal government, but for industry and Canadians to be responsible partners who have a sense of understanding about the cultural importance of items like this.

Perry Bellegarde, a former AFN national chief, told the Globe and Mail that it's “essential for (Air Canada) to greatly strengthen their anti-racism training for all personnel from the flight attendants to the CEO.”

He added that he has travelled “very often” with a headdress in its case and “never experienced any difficulties transporting it as carry-on luggage.”

“I'd be pleased to advise Air Canada on a good path forward,” he added.

The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Gary Anandasangaree, said the airline must “make things right” with the national chief.

ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak had her headdress, which was stored in a case at the time, removed from the cabin and placed in a plastic bag during her recent Air Canada flight.