Two councillors from the City of Flin Flon attended the opening ceremonies of the Woodlands Cree Gathering in Pelican Narrows on Aug. 7.
Councillors Colleen McKee and Karen MacKinnon travelled to Pelican Narrows to take part in the event.
Coun. MacKinnon said leaders of the community reached out after recent social media posts brought racial tension to light.
“I’ve never felt more welcomed in a community,” said MacKinnon.
“They wanted to show you that vandalism isn’t a race thing, it’s everybody. It was heartwarming, these people that have reached out – they were so kind.”
Coun. McKee spoke at the event on behalf of the City of Flin Flon. She noted that invitation is the first step to breaking down barriers that exist between people.
“My wish today is that our two-sided invitation be based in love and acceptance for the rest of time,” McKee told the crowd.
During the Aug. 7 Flin Flon city council meeting, McKee mentioned the impact words can have.
“I really think, because of the things that have been said on social media, I don’t think we ever realize how words can impact an entire community,” said McKee.
“The comments made not only went throughout the social media community, but it went viral. It went clear across the world and it was really a black eye for Flin Flon.”
McKee and MacKinnon presented Chief Peter Beatty of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation with a gift of sage and a dreamcatcher at the event.
Chief Beatty could not be reached for comment on the event.
On Aug. 3, a joint media advisory was released from the mayoral and chief offices of the City of Flin Flon, Town of Creighton, Northern Village of Denare Beach and Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, announcing a unified statement between the four leaders regarding racial comments recently made on social media platforms.
“The communities of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, the City of Flin Flon, the Town of Creighton and the Northern Village of Denare Beach have been working together for a very long time to create solid relationships between the communities,” the release reads.
“They are working toward a lifelong partnership to move forward and work together to ensure the future of the economy and that the north is strong and free from racism. We do not tolerate racism or inciting of violence towards any group of people in any form. We will not allow the comments of a small minority damage the reputation of our area and the consistent years of work between the four communities.”
The release notes that all residents are responsible for contesting racism or discrimination when in the presence of it, and that a focus needs to be put on repairing fragmented relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous people.
