A Statement from Phil Wachel, President of Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Locaal 4207, shared with Niagara At Large
Posted November 11th, 2019 on Niagara At Large
“In light of recent events that have occurred regarding racist, derogatory statements that have gone as far as call for violence against Indigenous Peoples on behalf of NAFA’s Facebook page, we, CUPE Local 4207, express our support of the traditional deer harvest that is part of inherent and treaty rights of Indigenous Peoples at Short Hills Provincial Park.
“Though NAfA (Niagara Action for Animals) has issued what they refer to as an ‘apology’, this once again reverses the onus in saying that it is one’s own fault for being offended.
“The general tenor of the posts to their Facebook page as well as the administrators’ response is not acceptable. Acts of colonial violence, racism and intolerance must not be ignored and treated with the utmost seriousness.
“Everyone has the right to protest and express an opinion. Protesting only in an area where Indigenous Peoples conduct a traditional harvest, calling on members of NAFA to commit acts of violence, is perpetuating colonial racism and violence against Indigenous Peoples.
“We support inherent and treaty rights, and denounce any and all acts of violence.”
- Phil Wachel, President
Canadian Union of Public Employees local 4207, Co-host of the Indigenous Rights Conference
1812 Sir Isaac Brock Brock Way, MC C 402, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1
Brock University
To read a piece Niagara At Large posted earlier this November 11th on the upcoming Indigenous Rights Conference on Saturday, November 16th click on https://niagaraatlarge.com/2019/11/11/you-are-invited-to-an-indigenous-rights-conference/
To read a statement of regret from Niagara Action for Animals and the Short Hills Wildlife Alliance, posted on Niagara At Large on November 8th, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2019/11/08/short-hills-deer-hunt-protesters-offer-regrets-for-words-perceived-to-be-offensive-on-facebook-page/
To read Niagara At Large journalist Doug Draper’s commentary on this disturbing affair, click on – https://niagaraatlarge.com/2019/11/07/racist-words-disgrace-short-hills-deer-hunt-protesters-and-their-cause/ .
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