By Brandon Graziano

FSIN calls for Human Rights complaint after alleged P.A. racial profiling

Sep 26, 2017 | 11:31 AM

The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is up in arms about racial profiling in Saskatchewan.

In reaction to a story first reported on paNOW,  the FSIN said an alleged incident at the Prince Albert Sears should never have happened.

A local woman, B. Helen Ermine, accused a Sears loss prevention officer of racially profiling her.

Chief Bobby Cameron condemmed the incident and said he wants action and justice.

“This employee, I don’t know who he is, but I want him fired,” he said. “This is a prime example for a human rights complaint on racial discrimination. I’m hoping that Helen Ermine does this and we will help.”

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Cameron said the distrust and division among communities needs to be addressed in Saskatchewan.

“This is absolutely horrendous in this day and age where non-First Nations people will take Indian money, pay their bills and earn a good living yet still treat our people like dirt,” Cameron said.

Ermine alleged after she was profiled, she was insulted and ejected from the Sears store. 

When asked what needs to be done to stop incidents of racial profiling Cameron said individual offenders need to face serious consequences such as a job loss. He added beyond the offender, companies must also take responsibility. 

“In order to decrease the emotional damage …there should be strict guidelines, strict policies on racial profiling and racial discrimination,” he said. “We’ve been calling for legislation. This could be classified as a hate crime.”

paNOW reached out to Sears for comment. In response, a spokesperson confirmed an incident occurred but said Sears would describe it differently. The company did not provide specifics citing to privacy reasons, but said their version of events is supported by CCTV footage which Sears is retaining while considering their next steps. The spokesperson said discrimination is not tolerated in any form within the company, and said the individual encountered by Ermine was also a visible minority who was “the recipient of threats and racial abuse in this matter.”

brandon.graziano@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @brandongraziano

Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 3:13 p.m. on Tues., Sept. 26 to include comments from Sears which were received after the story’s initial publication.