‘It’s not a costume’: BC teacher’s alleged mockery of students’ indigenous clothing sparks protests – BC | The Canadian News

A teacher in Kitimat, BC, is under fire after allegedly taunting an indigenous student for wearing traditional attire to school.

Alex Grant says her stepson was mocked by a teacher at Mount Elizabeth Secondary on Monday for wearing traditional Haisla attire for school picture day.

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“He repeatedly asked, ‘What’s wrong with the costume?’” Grant said. “First, it is not a costume. We take our insignia and our tradition very seriously. “

The students organized a school strike to demand accountability from the school district. The meeting included a survivor from a residential school who applauded students for supporting his classmate.

“We met with the school board this morning and we took the complaint pretty seriously, and now it’s up to them to deal with what’s going on,” Grant said Tuesday.

School District 82 does not name the teacher who allegedly made the comments. It also doesn’t say if the teacher is still in school or what kind of investigation he may be facing.

In a statement, Superintendent of Schools Janet Meyer said the district “values ​​diversity and expects students to have the ability to express pride in their rich culture in words and actions.”

“I can assure you that appropriate steps are being taken to ensure that the Haisla culture is alive and visible,” he said.

In a statement, Haisla Nation said it is aware of the incident and has been in close contact with the school district.

“[Haisla Nation] notes that this incident occurred just weeks after the inauguration of the National Truth and Reconciliation Day, and serves as a reminder of the necessary work ahead to achieve reconciliation with indigenous peoples in Canada, ”the statement said.

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