Indigenous mascots perpetuate cultural racism, The representations of Indigenous mascots reflect elements of scientific racism that, combined with the supremacist beliefs stemming from the discovery doctrine, contribute to the tragedies that are symptoms of Indigenous racism. Whether an Indigenous person is from my Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation or other communities, there have been significant consequences following contact.
In my efforts to eliminate mascots through the human rights process, I faced resistance from both non-Indigenous and Indigenous individuals. This reveals a double standard in how Indigenous discrimination is treated, as many can see from the presence of racism in sports. Cultural blindness hinders Canadians from confronting the criminal aspects of their history and impedes progress for the country. We can no longer allow our human rights processes to abdicate their responsibility to uphold the Charter of Rights. The desire for progress among Canadians is strong, and we must work towards making Canada the country we aspire to be.
Key themes include:
Historical and Cultural Context
- Colonial Racism: Indigenous mascots stem from colonial practices aimed at dehumanizing and controlling Indigenous peoples.
- Doctrine of Discovery: Legal and cultural justifications rooted in white supremacy have long denied Indigenous sovereignty and rights.
- Systemic Racism: Historical policies like residential schools and land dispossession underpin ongoing cultural erasure.
Personal Activism and Legal Struggles
- Advocacy Journey: The author shares a seven-year legal battle against Indigenous mascots through Canada’s human rights tribunals. The course highlights bureaucratic resistance and procedural setbacks.
- Legal Challenges: Efforts to ban mascots through complaints faced dismissal, breaches of settlement agreements, and institutional indifference.
Social Impact and Media Critique
- Media Complicity: Sports teams, broadcasters, and corporate sponsors have sustained racist stereotypes for profit and tradition.
- Public Perception: Misguided surveys and media portrayals have downplayed Indigenous concerns, enabling mascot persistence.
Call to Action and Systemic Reform
- Cultural Responsibility: Ending mascots is framed as a step toward dismantling racism and supporting Indigenous dignity.
- Legal and Social Reforms: Recommendations include overhauling human rights tribunals, enforcing equality laws, and holding institutions accountable.
Conclusion
Systemic Injustice underscores the need for societal change through acknowledgment of historical wrongs, meaningful legal reforms, and cultural education. Ending Indigenous mascots is presented as critical to fostering a more inclusive and just society.
Systemic Injustice
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