Story Published:
Mar 12, 2010
Story Updated:
Mar 12, 2010
WINNIPEG, Manitoba – An ad on a buy-and-sell Web site that characterized Native boys as animals and offered to ethnically cleanse them from the city has sparked a blaze of outrage and prompted a First Nations leader to initiate an investigation by city police and Canada’s Human Rights Commission on a hate crime allegation.
The ad, headlined “Native Extraction Service,” appeared on www.UsedWinnipeg.com on March 3 and 4.
Underneath the headline was a photo of three Native teenagers and the text: “Have you ever had the experience of getting home to find those pesky little buggers hanging outside your home, in the back alley or on the corner???
“Well fear no more, with my service I will simply do a harmless relocation. With one phone call I will arrive and net the pest, load them in the containment unit (pickup truck) and then relocate them to their habitat.
“It doesn’t matter if they need to be dropped off on Salter (Street, in Winnipeg’s North End) or the rez, I will go that extra mile. The North End of Winnipeg is where many city dwellers of First Nations descent live.
“My service is free because I want to live in the same city you do, a clean one,” the ad said.
Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Grand Chief David Harper, who was notified of the ad March 4 by a First Nations mother who had been searching the Web site for a television set for her children, responded quickly with a press conference and decision to trigger a police investigation.
“This is a hate crime,” Harper said. “The ad should have never made it to the Web site in the first place. The people who own and operate www.UsedWinnipeg.com must be held accountable and guarantee better screening processes are in place so something like this won’t happen again. The aboriginal youth in the photo have been unnecessarily victimized and we will not tolerate it. This is a reality that we see far too often as First Nation people. We will be asking the police to treat this as a hate crime and to investigate further.”
MKO is a nonprofit political advocacy organization that has represented 30 First Nation communities in Manitoba’s North since 1983.
The UsedWinnipeg Web site is owned by Black Press, a company based in Victoria, British Columbia that operates 47 online classified sites from a site called www.UsedEverywhere.com, a free, online marketplace for used goods.
“We strive to consistently provide high quality ads from private and commercial sellers. In conjunction with our loyal users, our staff moderates the ads to ensure that scammers are identified and illuminated,” reads the Web site.
UsedEverywhere did not return calls seeking comment.
CBC News reported that UsedEverywhere’s general manager Tish Hill apologized for the ad and said it had been posted late March 3 and pulled the following day after users deemed it offensive.
Hill would not reveal the name of the person who posted the ad, but said the information would be turned over to police should they choose to investigate.
The investigation has been launched, MKO spokeswoman Shaneen Robinson said March 9.
“The police have opened a file. We will wait to hear back from them as to whether they deem this illegal, which might be hard to do considering what’s on the Internet these days, and what kind of charges might be brought. We are taking this to the Human Rights Commission whether criminal charges are laid or not. We want to hold the person who did this accountable and educate him from our point of view as aboriginal people and share with him how much this hurt our community and how disrespectful and uneducated it was.”
The three teenagers in the photo are members of the Swinomish Indian Tribe.
“We are saddened by the fact that some people still harbor extreme hatred toward Native people as this advertisement demonstrates. But we are also encouraged that many more people recognize this as a racist attack on a generation of Native American youth who for the most part are law-abiding citizens striving to overcome generations of poverty and oppression and live productive lives,” said Brian Cladoosby, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community chairman. “We hope that calmer heads prevail and that the individuals responsible for posting this ad are prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
The three Swinomish boys, who are filmmakers, participated in the award-winning film “March Point” for Longhouse Media, a filmmaking collaborative that brings media professionals and Native youth together. The photo was used on www.UsedWinnipeg.com without Longhouse’s permission.
Tracy Rector, Longhouse Media’s executive director, said she was “shocked” by the advertisement.
“We want the person charged and prosecuted, not specifically for the illegal use of our official ‘March Point’ image, but because what they did was a heinous act of violence. It is a blatant racist ad that attacks our youth. Also, we want to stand in solidarity with the Native leaders in Manitoba, Canada, such as Grand Chief David Harper, who are condemning this ad.”
Longhouse Media has consulted legal counsel, but the organization’s initial inclination is to work with MKO “so that we stand in number against this act of hate and racism,” Rector said.
Native students at the University of Manitoba also expressed outrage in a blog posting March 9.
Eric Funk, an aboriginal student in the science faculty department, said he thought at first that the ad was for a Native run business.
“As I came to read it over, I could see it was a blatant racist ad targeting youth and degrading them as unwanted. It never ceases to amaze me how much stupidity exists out there. To attack our youth like that – it’s hurtful and disgusting.”
Tara Gosek, president of the U of M Aboriginal Students’ Association, said the ad shows “more work is needed to tackle (racism) – to show that we’re not that stereotypical dirty, poor Indian digging in garbage and that we’re [not] all drunk and alcoholic.”
Ryan Bruyere, UMASA coordinator, said the ad’s language resonates with history.
“The last time they tried to extract the Natives was the whole residential schools episode in Canadian history, so when they mention that word ‘extraction,’ it’s not just an emotional attack; it’s also a political attack. It hits home that there is actually a segment of the population that wishes we weren’t in existence.”
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Tammy said on Wednesday, Apr 14 at 11:10 PM
This stuff should not be going on.I am white,and when I tell people that my mother side of the family is Cherokee and my father side is Irish,people say you are NOT Indian.I may not be full blooded,but by God I do stand up for what is right for ALL INDIANS AND IRISH people!!And I am proud to be Indian and Irish!!!
41286669Kanakao said on Thursday, Apr 8 at 2:21 PM
Unfortunately racism exists against most native people especially here on the North American continent. As a native Hawaiian we face it everyday of our lives. It's insulting when I walk into a store with 'white people as clerks or owners' and they question as to why I am there and want to know where I am from because I change my speech pattern and can speak their language. I scare them because I know who I am,I know where I'm from, I'm Hawaiian and this is my home! Oh how they hate it! Racism is alive and doing well in Hawaii! Remember hold your head up high a be proud to be a native people! Aloha
40887659Emma from the Sicangu Lakota said on Thursday, Apr 8 at 1:29 PM
racism has always been here..i believe my parents raised me on the rez to protect me from racism. i tried to do the same for my dauhgters but as my oldest daughter joind the US ARMY she experienced racism in the armed forces too.I just cant believe some1 would b so gulible to do such a thing! We here in south dakota had n continue to have the same going on . altho the white man will never admit to this being the land our ancestors and their ancestors lived on for 100s of years. its all about the money(gold) to me the money is NOTHING. i hope to tunkasila the person that putthe ad is prosecuted to the fullest-if it were one of us doing this we WOULD be prosecuted tot the fullest!!!! PEACE
40883959Emma from the Sicangu Lakota said on Thursday, Apr 8 at 1:25 PM
racism has always been here..i believe my parents raised me on the rez to protect me from racism. i tried to do the same for my dauhgters but as my oldest daughter joind the US ARMY she experienced racism in the armed forces too.I just cant believe some1 would b so gulible to do such a thing! We here in south dakota had n continue to have the same going . altho the white man will never admit to this being the land our ancestors and their ancestors lived on for 100s of years. its all about the monry(gol) to us the money is NOTHING. i hope to tunkasila the person that putthe ad is prosecuted to the fullest-if it were one of us doing this we WOULD be prosecuted tot hte fullest!!!! PEACE
40883569Jacob Mclean said on Monday, Mar 29 at 2:59 PM
Whoever wrote this hate crime material(Native Extraction Service) his picture should be posted in the front page of the news paper for everyone to see who he is or she is. For safety precautions to our native people, I think public awareness is an important factor here.
40246044Btok said on Thursday, Mar 25 at 1:01 PM
www.infowars.com/ottawa-joins-the-war-on-photography-sketching/ Cory Doctorow Boing boing March 24, 2010 Mekki sez, “The city of Ottawa has launched a security campaign funded by Transport Canada (federally) that asks people to report any ’suspicious behaviour’, which includes photographers and sketchers. They explicitly list ‘An individual taking photos or pictures [...], drawing maps or sketches’ as things to report. My friend Sarah Gelbard teaches in the Architecture department at Carleton University in Ottawa. She had her students do a project on transit in the city last year. They all went to transit stations and took reference pictures to help plan out their projects. Security stopped and questioned several of them. And this was before this new campaign. I’m afraid what might happen now if people started calling in the “suspicious behaviour” of students taking photos of a transit station.” Good to see the Anglo-American stupid creeping up to Canada. I suppose if
40007471Faye said on Tuesday, Mar 23 at 10:57 PM
Of course this is a hate AND racist crime..of the worst kind!They think no once can touch them..think again. They will be found and incarcerated. Start writing to the MLA's/MP's. Get the police to move. I think the Black Press was bought out a few months ago by another company though..
39890307Faye said on Tuesday, Mar 23 at 10:55 PM
In my opinion (white female, senior)the person that wrote the add in usedWinnipeg is a truly vicious fool; the kind that helped initiated most of the genocide in our world. I am very sad that this kind of thing is happening in this age. Maybe it is like training a puppy..combatting this kind of attitude is forever. Of course it is racist and a hate crime.wth are the police hedging for..find the criminal now.
39890207Michelle Little Bat said on Tuesday, Mar 23 at 6:34 PM
Satan get thee behind me! Keep Your heads up and keep the good fight! Together we will win! May The Great Spirit Bless us all...
39877469Forces of Freedom said on Sunday, Mar 21 at 3:51 AM
All Indians Nation should recreate a modern day Warrior Class as a self-defense force, to deal with these racist attacks!
39678406Anonymous said on Sunday, Mar 21 at 3:19 AM
G-uns O-il D-rugs, sounds about right in what kinda "God" they trust in, says so on their money "In God we trust" hmmmm...?
39678079albert salazar said on Friday, Mar 19 at 3:49 PM
russul means where are you,well I guess his times up we natives new a new leader against these new bigets!
39612094Jesus said on Friday, Mar 19 at 11:01 AM
Why do "White" Christains in particular hate so much and commit hate crimes against "brown" Christains and non-Christains alike? I guess they are gentically predisposed to violating the Ten Commandments, they made up, oh I mean God.
39592324boby said on Friday, Mar 19 at 9:28 AM
i know who they ARE
39586009Anonymous said on Thursday, Mar 18 at 3:20 PM
there are alot of racism here in the us now in canada im from utah and racism here is bad wat the white need to understand is that if not for us they would not have survied wer the ones who taught them how to work our land
39548249NativehomelandNDN said on Thursday, Mar 18 at 8:29 AM
It is the Bilderbergs think tanks, this groups roams the world, creating depopulation-genocide to fit the selfish need for the world's resources, such as our corner piece of the world! They call it "The Great Culling", thinning out the herds. They think we are useless feeders of their natural resources. Our youth are our most prized prosessions, they profile our youth, cuz they know, we well protect our children with our own lives!
39519491sunshine said on Wednesday, Mar 17 at 7:57 PM
Then the forigners of this continent of native american should be relocated to their native lands...We natives are inour own land and continent...The true illegal aliens should be relocated to their fathers' lands
39499729Appalled said on Wednesday, Mar 17 at 2:47 AM
Sounds like Dickie Wilson and his goons have moved north. Good luck getting media attention to this (obviously) racist issue. I watched March Point. I bought the DVD. Those 3 boys have more sense than those racist idiots, with an I.Q. of a doorknob. However, I think media attention to such issues was banned after Jancita Eagle Deer was killed, April '75. Thanks Janklow... You're a real cowboy.
39437819Newzie said on Wednesday, Mar 17 at 12:28 AM
If the Southern Poverty Law Center does its work in the usual way, there will be a lot of media pressure, and law enforcement will stay on the case. SPLC doesn't play -- haters can't hide from them for long.
39435021Your said on Wednesday, Mar 17 at 12:11 AM
Usually if SPLC just contacts police about a case, it helps get fast action. The Southern Poverty Law Center has several arms. Both of the ones being notified about Dean's contact are incredibly powerful with the media. The Intelligence Report does a lot of training for law enforcement agencies in regards to hate group activities, locations, and participants. Tolerance.org has a whole arsenal of free classroom materials and lessons. Teachers love them! A big part of both groups’ mission is to expose people who hurt others through bigotry and racism. I’m glad you contacted them, Dean.
39434564Native Grandpa said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 4:47 PM
I don't know how small Canadian towns are, but all across in the US, white kids can park on main street, drink beer, do drugs and party all in full view of the police while young natives are stopped, without reason, searched, handcuffed, harrassed and verbally assaulted with racial remarks while no comaplaints can be reported to the police, especially in Bethany and Edmond, Oklahoma. Time after time we have seen this behavior and one has to conclude that the only thing governments understand, local and federal, is violence. Communities and law enforcement wonder why natives turn to gangs when they create the gang systems themselves through neglect and mistreatment. After all, gangs are unfortunately better protectors than the police in the native world
39414144Larry said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 4:00 PM
While I definitely feel this "AD" falls under the category of racism, it is not "hate speech" a THOUGHT crime if there ever was one. While I agree it is a completely inappropriate ad, this will merely enrich prostituting lawyers from the afore-mentioned SPLC, who love cases like this, while ignoring truly helpless individuals stuck in incarceration for crimes they did not commit, or for trials that they were not allowed to prevent evidence in. The owner of said classifieds should have removed the ad PROMPTLY, and therefore lies the crux, the owner of the classifieds are at fault for not enforcing decency standards in the community, I do not believe we should ask the government to classify hate speech because being the government, all they will end up doing is canceling the right to free speech to all.
39411161Dean Leh said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 12:02 PM
I contacted the Southern Poverty Law Center this morning regarding this story and they have already responded to me by email. "Thanks, Dean, for taking time to send this to us. I'm forwarding it to our Intelligence Project and Teaching Tolerance directors. Penny Weaver Public Affairs Southern Poverty Law Center 400 Washington Ave. Montgomery, Alabama 36104 334/956-8200 penny.weaver@splcenter.org Mitakuye Oyasin, Dean Leh
39321129Dean Leh said on Tuesday, Mar 16 at 10:08 AM
This recent account of racism is simply an overt manifestation of the racist, dehumanizing treatment that Native American people have received over the past 500 years. I am a teacher who is privileged to work with young Native people in the Native American community in New Mexico. I will continue to do all that I can to empower young Native Americans to recognize their power, dignity and self-esteem through education, culture, language, ceremony, tradition and spirituality. We are on their land. I long for the time when such hatred of others is a thing of the past. Education is the key. Compassion is the key. I feel sorry for those who are consumed by such a hatred for others. To the young Natives of the Swinomish People, you are to be commended and honored for your film and for your leadership and creativity. Do not allow ignorant, racist people to divert you from your path or from your peace of mind. Dean Leh, New Mexico
39313214NAZI said on Monday, Mar 15 at 1:53 PM
who ever wrote that we were all candians is probably on drugs bc that is not true.
39266029nehi katawasisiw said on Monday, Mar 15 at 9:05 AM
"Tara Gosek, president of the U of M Aboriginal Students’ Association, said the ad shows “more work is needed to tackle (racism) – to show that we’re not that stereotypical dirty, poor Indian digging in garbage and that we’re [not] all drunk and alcoholic.” Way to back up and defend the most vulnerable of "your" community Ms. Gosek - so what's the message we take from this? That it's okay to attack colonized, down and out FN because they're "dirty" and "alcoholic"? That the only FN who matter are the educated ones like you? You're a stereotype too, make no mistake: the self-hating, western educated, over-compensating urban INDIAN trying desperately to distance yourself from your own people instead of defending them. You need to decolonize your mind and remember where you come from and who you are because it's the same place where these other "stereotypes" are from. Shame on you. NKatawasisiw NDGNS (nehiyaw)
39249229Your Sister's Friend said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 9:46 PM
NativeGunz, it leaves a hollow place in my heart, Friend. I'm mixed-blood US res. and get treated lots better in Canada. Been lucky maybe. Ignorant, yeah, -definitely expect better than this. I hope these young people get justice.
39234911Lay It Down said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 4:38 PM
I agree with Sansarc Lakota. This perp should be prosecuted from every angle. Hate Crime. Copyright infringement (on the photo). Forensic investigation on his phone and computer to see if he has actually performed this "service". If so, throw him in jail for kidnapping, hate crime, etc. This is not a "free speech" issue. This is criminal, and it must be stopped.
39225404SANSARC LAKOTA said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 2:44 PM
RACISTS WHITE PEOPLE LIVE HERE IN RAPID CITY S.D. THEY TEND TO FORGET THEY COME FROM ACROSS THE OCEAN TO ESCAPE THEIR WHITE CULTURE THAT'S IF THEY HAVE ANY
39221766Joy said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 2:01 PM
***shocked*** ....but then again not sure why. sad. I wish people would grow up.
39220271Jennie said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 1:37 PM
Maybe some white Canadians are ignorant to the fact that this kind of thing is happening??....I think it should be National and International news - and white Canadians should be totally ashamed! There should be a new word in their vocabulary....RESPECT!....for the People whose land they inhabit. From someone in the UK who cares. Blessings & Peace.
39219396NativeGunz said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 11:59 AM
Its ignorant to assume that vile racists do not exist in Cananda when they actually do. Heck, they even have an active neo-Nazi group there. So s**t like this is to be expected. We deal with this all the time and must remain vigilante and fight them back!
39215856Shoulda said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 6:22 AM
I agree SuMac. Horrid, horrid, horrid.
39207316Walks Alone said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 1:50 AM
I agree with SuMac. They call themselves Cristians and they are far from it.
39204496Dakota said on Sunday, Mar 14 at 12:04 AM
I was actually starting to believe that attitudes towards Native people by others were improving. I thought that due to what we contribute to our local economies from our gaming ventures, and through our seemingly endless efforts to work with local governments to come to terms on issues that profit both entities. That through providing jobs, not just for our people but employing non-Natives too, that they would see that we are determined to heal bad faith. Heck! I could probably even stroll on off the Rez' and go into the local Wal-Mart and not be followed around like some midnight mechanic looking to rip you off!! Well butter my bottom and call me a biscuit!! I'll be danged!! it was all just a dream!! You're right Ndgirl! this story needs to be front and center. I hope ICT will stay on this story and keep us all up to date on it.
39202326Ndngirl said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 6:07 PM
i hope that this is followed and we hear more about what happens. such a shame that in a world filled with so many different culters, where we have an opportunity to learn so many different and interesting things from different cultures. People still need to resort to something like this.
39193456SuMac said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 2:04 PM
horrid horrid horrid. My guess is that these are people who go to church on Sunday or would call themselves christian-- clearly they should stop wasting their Sunday mornings because it isn't helping.
39185444Anonymous said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 10:41 AM
For too long we as a people who's culture is unique powerful and beautiful have had to endure this sort of harmful behavior at the hands of the non-native. what will it take to decrease these inhumane, atrocious behaviors? Our ancestors instilled in us harmony with all GODS creations and and the non-native has brought to us this mentalityn that they seemingly cannot evolve away from along with substances that they call spirits. To target our youth and our women must be seen for the violent, insidious calculated maliscious act of pure hatred and we must to the last native defend our right to exist. No longer can we wait for them to change their ways, no longer should we wait for their next attack, no longer should we live in the terms.
39176959Shoulda said on Saturday, Mar 13 at 8:31 AM
To Dakota - You are right! But not just a Native Human Rights Commission. We need a Human Rights Commission period. Even backwards countries have a place to go if your human rights are being violated. In this case, Canada has a Human Rights Commission, and one that is very active on behalf of the rights of Indigenous peoples. This is what the government should busy itself with, not the micromanaging of Indian business as they do now.
39172884Frank LeGarde said on Friday, Mar 12 at 9:36 PM
What needs to happen is to remove all "invasive" non-native beings from this environment;to their point of origin.I'd contribute to that cause.
39157839Dakota said on Friday, Mar 12 at 6:57 PM
Maybe what we need is a "Native human Rights Commission". This is a shocking article and proof positive that you just can't fix "stupid"! Let's just see how this all plays out...ain't keeping my fingers crossed though! Geez!! the ignorance of it all!!
39151594Hey Skinnywalker said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:56 PM
Come again?
39141601rezzie said on Friday, Mar 12 at 3:36 PM
If these racist's don't like living here, they should move back to where ever they were hatched. Native people have been here for thousands of years. Learn your history!
39140141Jennafer Waggoner-Yellowhorse said on Friday, Mar 12 at 2:27 PM
I agree with the movement to prevent racist advertising. However, what the ad states is clearly emulating US, Canadian and Mexican Policy towards Native Peoples. Blood Quantum continues to be the most Hateful and Criminal Policy of North America. I do believe that this ad was a hate crime, and I do hope to see the police file charges quickly and that the charges do fall under the hate crimes legislation. If this doesn't qualify, and these people don't get full penalty, then the law itself is as empty as any other. As a mixed race white, having a tribally census'd son, in a native family, living on a reservation, I completely wish the Canadian Indigenous activists strength and clarity in dealing with this issue. It is shameful behavior. As far as the previous commentary posts, well, what do you expect from a skinwalker anyways? lol
39135276Rain said on Friday, Mar 12 at 1:41 PM
huh? translation please
39131714Skinwalker said on Friday, Mar 12 at 12:20 PM
Botton words or popular pictures profile exercise for feelings to be turned. Ownership of thoughts can be manifest into free offer just to raise a fear. The idea presented is subjects are not in military or baring any arms to promote law enforcement. The fire in the theater has been on since the invasion but no one has screamed "YET" Removal of any person by law enforcement has been well documented. What is real powerful is our youth have just an impact to advertise perverted idea buried in desperation. Thank you young people for making just your presence profound. Walk with all the beauty you command as orgianal human being. Our presents has always and for ever more be real. Stay true to every element of being not silly packageing that makes law so fear driven. Sounds to me when ever someone who is not tribal approaches our young males they have gay issues more than living true. It's a wonderful thing we know the world saw winter sports being more than meets the eye. Stand it
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