Phone lines light up with stories about racism in Sask., ideas for positive change

CBC Saskatchewan's radio program Blue Sky opened up its phone lines to talk about racism on Friday, and was flooded with calls from people who shared experiences both heartbreaking and heartening.

Over the course of an hour, a variety of perspectives were aired. Some spoke about cruel comments they've had to endure over the years and even physical attacks.

A few others said they didn't think racism was a serious problem in Saskatchewan or that they, as white people, have been subjected to reverse racism.

Many spoke about bridging the gaps between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and teaching the next generation to purge racism from their hearts.

Métis journalist John Lagimodiere, who joined Blue Sky host Stefani Langenegger in studio for the program, says he sees progress from the days of his childhood when he was called a "wagon-burner" at school.

But there's much work yet to be done, he said.

Insults at every game

When he was in his 20s, Lagimodiere said, he played hockey with some First Nations people and he remembers the racist comments that were yelled out at them.

"You would not believe the racism that was thrown at my fellow hockey players every single game," Lagimodiere said.

Jokes with stereotypical accents

He also recalled playing poker with a group of white men and because he has fair skin, they didn't realize he was Aboriginal.

One of them began telling a joke in a stereotypical accent about a "squaw", he said.

More than one non-Indigenous person stepped in to tell the joke-teller to stop, which was good to hear, he said.

Paul-Emile L'Hereux from north of Nipawin called in to say people shouldn't be too quick to claim racism, but noted intolerance extends to people making insulting remarks about French people.

Norman Martell from Waterhen First Nation said he remembered talking to a journalist who came to the reserve with a group of German tourists.

The journalist had been advised by her boyfriend to stay away from the First Nations people for safety reasons, but she went anyway and was amazed at how friendly they were, he said.

James McKay from northern Saskatchewan said there is racism at work within the Indigenous community, too, with conflicts between Cree and Dene people.

"It's unbelievable how they do not get along, whether it's a hockey game, a powwow or whatever," he said.

Listening to 'degrading comments'

Cheryl Rosenkerr from Preeceville is ​Métis, but is fair-skinned, which she says sometimes gives her a window into the attitudes some non-Indigenous people hold.

"It's kind of funny as an adult, listening to people who assume I'm white talking about Natives in such a degrading way," she said.

Dallas Wheeler from Maple Creek said he recognizes that racism is a problem.

"This racism, the hatred, the bigotry, it's been going on for 6,000 years," he said.

Double-standard at work, one caller says

However, he also said he believes there is a double-standard at work.

"What is a white person supposed to say when they are sitting there and they see an Aboriginal or Native person sitting there with a jacket or hat that says 'Native pride'?" he asked.

"If I was to turn around as a white person and have a 'white pride' jacket on, I believe the RCMP would be on me in half an hour."

Beaten up 'for being Native'

Daniel Knight of Saskatoon said he was out with his friends one night two years ago, and went outside for a smoke with some friends when he was assaulted.

"Eight guys. They beat me up for being Native."

Knight says he thinks about that incident, but responding in anger is not the answer to racism.

Treating all people with kindness is the best approach, he said.