Taking on systemic racism is possible and it’s time to start not simply responding to incidents but creating change in systems so that it ends forever and stops holding people back – and down.
This week, Gail and Joyce Nepinak of Manitoba, experienced first hand the racism that many other Indigenous people have faced. We must talk about it, learn from it, and create new processes so that it never happens again.
The two women had been invited by the House of Commons to address a special parliamentary committee created to study the high rate of murdered and missing Indigenous women. They were supposed to be in Ottawa on Monday, to share about the experience of losing their sister and daughter, Tanya Nepinak.
At the airport with Member of Parliament Niki Ashton, Joyce and Gail were not allowed to travel. It was reported in the media that as Gail and Joyce don’t have driver’s licences or any other government-issued ID, they were not able to board the plane. Ashton, in the media shared that, ‘in many ways; this situation is symbolic of the systemic discrimination aboriginal people face in so many areas of their daily lives’.
I cannot begin to imagine the emotional toll,simply preparing to address this committee must be for a parent or family member, and the experience of being denied to travel must have been overwhelming. I admire their courage and resilience and am grateful that like others who experienced such a tremendous loss, they were brave enough to accept the invitation of the Committee. Though other families did speak, the great sadness is that Tanya’s story, her voice through that of her sister and mother, would not be heard.
It’s easy to blame the Nepinak’s for not having appropriate identification and understanding, prior to the flight, what they required. It’s equally easy to blame Air Canada for not letting them on the plane. In the Twitterverse and the online comments section of media reporting on this story, it seems the opinions are one or the other. I agree with Ashton, that this situation was driven by the systemic discrimination that faces Indigenous people along with many others who are marginalized in our society. I disagree with the MP for Churchill in that I do not think that Air Canada failed the Nepinak’s in this story, or did the regulations around airport security. I was glad to read that Ashton was not able to vouch for them, as was reported that she had done in an attempt to get them on the plane. Though I’m sorry for the experience they all had, I am glad to know that Air Canada resisted pressure (and probably their own emotions), at the gate. I would imagine that it was a challenging situation for everyone involved.
I agree with Ashton that the House of Commons have responsibility for this situation. In fact, I think they are primarily responsible, along with the allies who had encouraged the much-needed participation of families in the Committee process. Air Canada representatives shared (as I have used in the past), there are systems in place for just such a situation; it can’t happen at the boarding gate. There are ways around such challenges and so the question really lies, where did that fail: how did no one, prior to the Air Canada gate attendant ask, do you have government issued photo-ID?
Not just this story, but also many before it, speak to where the real failure was. Those who invited the women and other families to speak at the Committee need to explore how it happened that they did so without providing the often-needed support.
When we engage youth or communities who have been marginalized (and quite often victimized) by systems and society we must recognize that there may be the need for these additional supports. When it is something as significant, personal and challenging as what was being asked of the Nepinak’s, to speak of the loss of their sister and daughter, there must be protocols in place to ensure that they are well supported, cared for and safe. When that doesn’t happen, the experiences of these brave women are often the end result: embarrassment, a deeper hurt, increased mistrust in systems, and lack of faith in government processes.
Systems and organizations need to look at what needs a person may have when engaging them; quite often, simply by asking. It is critical in order to avoid the negative effect poor engagement can have on an individual or group. Meaningful engagement, done respectfully and in a supportive fashion helps those you are engaging know that they matter, that they are important and they belong.
Here are some conversations that could have been helpful in this situation, or others, when marginalized groups are being engaged.
“Would it be helpful for us to book your travel?
Do you have government photo identification, such as a Status Card, driver’s license, or passport? No? OK…here’s what we can do…
Would you need support getting to the airport? OK, I can help arrange that. “
“Is it easier for us to pay for your accommodations? Do you have a credit card – they might ask for one at check in? No? OK…here’s what we can do…”
“Would it be helpful to have someone available to provide some support to you after your presentation? We can arrange to have a (insert what is needed: counsellor, Elder, local friend or ally) present to provide that if you like.”
Whether by chance or planned, it was good to have Ashton travelling with the Nepinak’s, especially as they indicated in the media that they had not flown before. Travelling with an ally can be very helpful for those we are looking to for their lived experience and the expertise that comes with that.
These strategies are already being undertaken by many organizations and systems. They have found success in creating process’ that ensure those participating, especially sharing challenging experiences, know that in doing so, they and their experience is important and them sharing, matters. When doubt emerges, as to why they are they, these suggestions reinforce that they belong at the table. They are not complex ideas, simply common sense rooted in respect. They happen when we open our minds to the experience of others. For many in organizations or systems, who’s lived experiences haven’t included the same obstacles as those who are marginalized due to age, race, culture, disability or poverty, it’s easy to not recognize the challenges that would exist. It’s why we need to be sure to talk about it, learn more and develop respectful travel and engagement policies.
All engagement takes work. It means being pro-active, creative and problem solving while respecting and honouring those we engage to ensure that the outcome is positive, meaningful and helpful to all. It is possible. If your organization does not have the capacity – hire one that does to support your efforts. We pride ourselves at Three Things in our ability to support systems and organizations in their engagement. There are many other experts who could also do it. Simply though, do it. It’s how we address systemic racism, ageism, classism and other obstacles facing so many people’s participation. It’s how we create change. And it’s easy.
Hopefully, the Committee will recognize that there are ways to remedy this situation for the Nepinak’s, and these brave women will have the opportunity in the future to share their experiences with the Committee. Their story and Tanya’s story, is too important not to.