Recent racist message a 'tipping point' for Indigenous Sask. MLA
Indigenous NDP MLA Betty Nippi-Albright hopes bringing attention to the racist comments she receives creates change in Saskatchewan.
Elected in 2020 in Saskatoon Centre, Nippi-Albright recently shared a racist message she received. She calls this a “tipping point” for her.
“I’ve deleted so many messages that were racist because I didn’t want to engage in those discussions,” Nippi-Albright told CTV News.
She said she receives roughly six racist messages each month.
Nippi-Albright decided to say something about them when she realized the backlash correlated with a recent stance that is critical of the approach the province takes when it comes to the sale of Crown land.
“I’ve been pretty vocal about the about Crown lands without meaningful consultation and the more vocal I become on that duty to consult, that’s where I’ve noticed I’m getting pushback and the racist comments coming up. That’s where I thought, I need to say something,” she said.
The fact that she’s a First Nations woman also plays a part in the backlash according to Nippi-Albright.
Rhonda Rosenberg, executive director of the Saskatchewan Multicultural Council agrees, saying some on social media think they have a right to make hurtful posts because not only is she Indigenous, but also because she's a woman which makes her “more open to attack.”
A good defence to this type of racist attack according to Rosenberg is for those who see the comments or posts, to stand up to it and call it out which can create a sense of solidarity.
Nippi-Albright is seeing that the negativity of the tweet she shared is turning into something very positive though.
“So when I see those posts of that encouragement from strangers, provincially as well as nationally, it gives me hope that I’m not the only one,” she said.
This isn't the first time Nippi-Albright has called out racism publicly since she was elected, in May she took to social media after racist insults were directed at her grandchildren.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.