MKO to Host March Against Racism in Response to Ongoing Mistreatment of First Nations Citizens at Thompson Walmart

Jul 14, 2020

Treaty Five Territory, Thompson, MB – Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO) Inc. has heard a growing number of concerns regarding the treatment of First Nations customers shopping at Walmart in Thompson, and the treatment from Impact Security, hired by Walmart. MKO is now planning a peaceful march and to protest the racism experienced by Indigenous customers at Walmart.

The march against racism will start at 1:00 pm at the Giant Tiger parking lot at 436 Thompson Drive. The march will move along Thompson Drive North, ending at the Walmart parking lot, where there will be speakers of those impacted.

MKO welcomes all those who want to stand up to racism, including non-Indigenous allies, to join the march on Monday, July 20, 2020.

“There is ongoing mistreatment of First Nations citizens when they are shopping at the Thompson Walmart. This is unacceptable,” said Grand Chief Garrison Settee. “MKO has heard from a significant number of First Nations citizens who say they have been racially profiled. First Nations contribute significant amounts of money to this corporation’s profits. On July 20,2020, we will march and gather to remind Walmart that the surrounding First Nations are essential to the economy of Thompson. The Impact Security Company needs to be mindful that cultural proficiency is key to ending racism and should be part of their training to ensure racial profiling does not occur.”

MKO sent a letter to Walmart on July 3, 2020, to request a meeting to engage in a solutions-based dialogue about the corporation’s plans to improve the quality of service First Nations citizens can expect to receive. MKO will meet with managers from Walmart to further discuss the ongoing concerns and to bring forth solutions the Grand Chief and MKO have discussed.

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For more information:
Melanie Ferris, MKO Communications
Phone: 204-612-1284
Email: melanie.ferris@mkonorth.com

NT5