A Round Lake Bears fan has spoken out after experiencing an uncomfortable situation during a senior hockey game on Feb. 28.
When attending the game against the Wynyard Monarchs, Kayla Maxie said she and her family had trouble finding a spot to watch the game due to the “overcrowded arena.”
Maxie said when coming across a spot on the stairs to stand, a man from the crowd stated they could not stand there and said he proceeded to say racial comments.
“I felt humiliated, I felt very uncomfortable. At one point I felt like my safety was on the line,” Maxie vocalized.
“I did really feel intimated, I felt not safe because of some of the words being said. The ‘Well, we pay taxes,’ I don’t even know where that came from. I just said, ‘I pay taxes too, just because I live on a reserve or I’m First Nation doesn’t mean I don’t pay taxes.’”
Maxie added that she was happy she did not bring her children to the game, as the environment did not feel inclusive.
“There’s people who travel from all over Saskatchewan to watch the Round Lake Bears play and to support them. I think it’s important when you feel safe in those kind of settings,” she shared.
Ochapowace Nation’s Chief Shelley Bear told CTV News that the actions that were shown in the incident were “very inappropriate and to be deemed racist,” but hopes both communities can move forward from the situation by working together.
“We’re trying to move forward in a good way. I talk about healing together and to engage in a positive path forward,” Bear stated.
“Not only how we can heal from this, but how we can learn, share, and educate with regards to First Nations people our culture, our traditions, our teachings as well. To try and turn a negative into a positive.”
Bear added that she appreciates the Town of Wynyard’s statement on social media.
“When you stand up and make those kind of statements as non-First Nation community or town as a whole, a public statement such as that, it means a lot,” she expressed.
On social media, the town stated they regret the “incidents that affected our Indigenous visitors” and said they plan to take action to prevent a similar situation from happening again.
“This behaviour has no place in our community. The incidents that took place have had a significant impact on our entire community,” read the statement.
“We will be reviewing our policies, procedures and programming. This includes our policy for alcohol consumption at hockey games and other events.”
The Town of Wynyard added that they are committed to “fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment,” and plan to partner with First Nations organizations to provide ongoing learning opportunities.
