Chief Joe Alphonse (Image Credit: The Canadian Press / File Photo)

By Aaron Schulze

COVID-19

‘Our real fight is against COVID-19’: Tŝilhqot’in Nation calls for unity following racism reports

Feb 9, 2021 | 10:08 AM

TŝILHQOT’IN NATION — After “troubling reports of racism” toward its members, the Tŝilhqot’in Nation is calling for unity with its Cariboo-Chilcotin neighbours in light of increasing COVID-19 cases in the region.

The nation said Tŝilhqot’in members have reported racist incidents while attempting to receive services in Williams Lake. The reasoning members were provided is they’re from the Tŝilhqot’in Nation.

Chief Joe Alphonse, Tŝilhqot’in Nation tribal chairman, said it’s important to recognize the goodwill and positive gestures amidst the coronavirus pandemic, but it’s outrageous and unacceptable that their people are experiencing racism as well.

“The virus is all around us, found across the entire world and country, and yet our people are being blamed for its arrival in the area and its spread,” Alphonse said. “That is not logical, it’s just racist. The virus is challenging enough without having to contend with racism on top of it all.

“We want to share our experience and message because we hope that people will stop pointing blame at one another, stop creating false enemies, and remember that our real fight is against COVID-19.”

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Moons

Dec 10, 2024

Question of the Week

Should Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson apologize or resign after it was found he breached a section of council's code of conduct for allowing false or misleading information to be communicated?

Dec 09, 2024

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Donald has it wrong - again

Dec 08, 2024

In a release, Tŝilhqot’in Nation said it understands that additional restrictions and measures – including mask wearing, temperature checks and social distancing – have been adopted by other governments and businesses. However, that’s not a reason for denying service to those who live on reserve or in any geographical location.

Chief Willie Sellars from Williams Lake First Nation said that anyone who would place blame for COVID-19 transmission to First Nations people or communities is making incorrect assessments based on race.

“That constitutes racism and is entirely unacceptable,” Sellars said. “It’s critical that we continue to be kind and respectful to one another, and that we work together collaboratively to defeat this virus. Our strength as a community comes through unity.”

‘Systemic racism exists’: B.C. Government

Adrian Dix, B.C.’s Minister of Health, said COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate, but people and systems can.

“Systemic racism exists, and is damaging to the health and wellness of all people in our province,” Dix said. “COVID-19 screening and safety plans that exclude individuals based on race or geographic location are discriminatory and have no place in our collective efforts to work in partnership with Indigenous leaders and communities to decrease the spread of COVID-19. First Nations have been working in close coordination with Interior Health Authority and First Nation Health Authority to support our province’s COVID-19 response and we ask all members of the Cariboo-Chilcotin community to join us in this effort.”

Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, echoed that racism and discrimination has no place in B.C.

“We are all experiencing immense challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and this is especially the case for Indigenous communities, who also carry the burdens of colonization,” Henry said. “We must all take appropriate public health actions to prevent the spread of the virus, and similarly, be proactive in anti-racist actions to prevent any form of racism or systemic discrimination.”