Local supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement participate in an organized march in North Battleford Tuesday.  (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW staff)

By Angela Brown

Community support

Locals take to the streets Tuesday for Black Lives Matter peaceful protest

Jun 9, 2020 | 6:13 PM

Shouting “Justice for Floyd,” local supporters participated in another peaceful protest in North Battleford Tuesday.

Participants walked through the downtown core wearing face-masks as a COVID-19 precaution, as the city’s community safety officer provided escort service.

One of the organizers, Alex Anderson, said she hoped the event helped to raise awareness.

“I think this is something people need to stand up for,” she said. “Humans shouldn’t have to fight to be treated like a human.”

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Anderson said as an Indigenous woman she knows how much harm is caused when people are “treated as different.

“I think it is unfair that even now people still have to fight to be heard and to be treated the same,” she said.

Local lawyer Rob Feist who took part in the walk, said this protest is an important event for many people in the Battlefords.

“It is really good to see the community coming out and supporting [events] like this,” he said. “For a long time I think people have known we have had a problem with the way we approach racialized issues in the Battlefords. I think the George Floyd case has really galvanized people across North America. In North Battleford there are a lot of people who are really woke to that type of issue, and are prepared to stand up for racial justice, and take a look at some things that may need to change in our community.”

Participants of all ages walked to the North Battleford library where they staged a peaceful sit in, to show their sympathy for the cause, and to honour George Floyd who died at the hands of Minneapolis, U.S., police, May 25.

North Battleford resident Kent Lindgren who works for a local Indigenous health agency, also joined in the march.

“I think it is important we come forward as a city, show some leadership and that we need to make some changes,” he said. “This crosses a lot of different sectors. It is something I take to heart through my work, but also through my work as a city councillor. I’m proud to be here today to march with these people and stand beside them.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW