Lychee

I am not trying to provoke Winnipeggers nor am trying to open a can of worms, but I feel this is an important story to share, but I imagine few expats are made aware of it? Or for those still living in the UK dreaming of Canada with rose-coloured specs, this will open your eyes to the uglier sides of Canadian history and society.

Has anyone else been following this story? Here are a few articles to shed some light. The recent Maclean's article recently exploded in Canadian media. Bartley Kives (great guy, good writer) published an article in the Guardian late last year, tackling some of the same issues.

Worthy reads:

Welcome to Winnipeg, where Canada’s racism problem is at its worst

The 'great indigenous divide': Winnipeg stares into an ethnic chasm | Cities | The Guardian

scrubbedexpat091

I don't know if it's just more hidden and under the table back in California, but I found the in your face racist remarks here in BC when I first came here very shocking.

I still hear it, and it annoys me to no end, but can't say I am shocked anymore by it.

vanity

Good article for awareness.

Shard

Some very sad stories.

On a societal level, there seems to be a great paradox in striving for complete (racial/ethnic) equality yet continuing a indigenous peoples framework which encourages those of FN heritage to ethnically segregate themselves. The same can be said in Europe with respect to travellers and gypsies.

neilcumming

When I 1st arrived in Winnipeg in 2007 I was shocked at the level of social problems the native americans have.
Part of the problem in Winnipeg is they have the homeless shelters all downtown in and around Maine St.When they are emptied out on the streets they hang around bumming for money and cigarettes.The people who work downtown are fed up being asked everyday for handouts and cigs.My son worked downtown for a while and he hated it.Another problem is the native gangs who cause alot of trouble with stabbings and shooting.I suppose it all adds to the racism.

JamesM

+ 1.

ExKiwilass

colonization has been really bad for the native people. what else is new.

MapleLeafLady

I agree there's an issue and needs addressing but this just isn't a Winnipeg issue. Nancy MacDonalds article has as many holes in it as Swiss cheese. I am sad that she had decided to brand all Winnipegers and fails to note the issues that Vancouver has as well.

Winnipeg has also been dubbed Canada's friendliess city so don't let one article from someone who's looking to make name for herself cloud your judgement.

ExKiwilass

Yes, racism is everywhere but you guys win the polls for racist beliefs, apparently.

Grah

That was such a racist article -
The murders where First Nations,
The attempted murders where First Nations ,
the crude and offensive remarks where made by a First Nation male.
The rescuers that called the police, gave the girl their coats and comforted her while waiting for the Paramedics and Police were white.
As usual most of the problems are "Race on same Race" and complaints that other Race does get another problems sorted out normally because victim wont rat out their own... sound Familiar Chav on Chav and don't trust the Police...

The guy in the wheel chair in the hospital was dumped there and left by other First Nations drunks. No excuse for not bothering to find out if he was ok but it wasn't his first multiple hours of drunken stupor visit. Daughter was told at school that she was a racist because she is white and only white people can be racist.... So go figure where the problems lie. Education and total normal life attitudes - you ain't like me to therefore you're not with me and against me.

ExKiwilass

am i the only one who finds some of these posts unintentionally funny/ironic?

Shard

Not sure, but the general lack of interest in the topic speaks volumes.

ExKiwilass

yup.

MapleLeafLady

The only way to tackle this is not by the back and forth "us vs them" It starts with us challenging it and not accepting it. It starts with parents teaching their children respect for others as most racism is learned at home. I've felt racism and it's horrible but two wrongs don't make a right.

rivingtonpike

Do you think racism is something you learn? In my youngest daughter's class she has a couple of friends who are first nation, and her bff is Chinese by birth. So between them, they span 3 different colours. To listen to them all on a play date or at a birthday party there isn't a racist sentiment in any of them. Colour just doesn't come into it. Yet when the first nation girl's mother comes to collect her, she's very reluctant to engage with anyone else, or sometimes even get out of her car.

So why and when does it change? Surely it doesn't have to change? Will our daughter end up prejudiced against people that are at the moment her best friends? I do hope not.