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Hello everyone,
Here is a prime example of why race relations in Saskatoon are so bad. I
really think that there should be some sort of public shaming of Foot
Locker
over this incident. If anyone is interested in organizing some kind of
demonstration at the mall (with the permission of the Robin and his family
of course) I think that we should get on this soon.
Let me know if you are interested and maybe we can connect with some other
groups around this issue and make this hurt Footlocker in the pocketbook.
Folks in other cities, please let us know if you plan anything as I am sure
that this is not an isolated incident. These folks just had the courage
and
the resources/connections to stand up for themselves.
You can contact the Footlocker in question (the Centre at Circle and 8th)
at
(306) 373-9568.
Solidarity,
Peter
==========================================
Bonnie Leask wrote: Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2005 21:09:23 -0600
From: Bonnie Leask
Subject: Footlocker
Please share this information with your networks,
Good day family and friends,
I wanted to share with everyone an experience that happened to my cousin
Robin Daniels. Robin is married to my cousin Mika, they have two young
children, Kane (6) and Emberlee (2). Mika and Robin reside in Saskatoon,
Mika is a fourth year student at ITEP (University of Saskatchewan) and
Robin
works for White Buffalo Youth Lodge in Saskatoon. Robin is a member of the
Mistawasis First Nation, Mika is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation.
On Thursday, September 1, 2005 Robin and his son Kane were shopping at the
The Centre Mall. Robin and Kane were looking for wristbands for Kane and
stopped at the SportChek. However they were unable to find what was
required
and decided to check the Footlocker for their goods. Robin and Kane
entered the Footlocker, as they would any other establishment, and
immediately upon arrival, the floor sales person approached Robin and told
him that his "business was not welcome". After this statement, Robin asked
if she was serious and she repeated her statement. Robin kept walking in
the store and she walked in front of him and told him he was not allowed in
the store. Robin asked again why and she said she couldn't say and her
manager told her that Robin was not allowed in the store. Robin asked to
speak to the manager and she indicated the manager left for the day and
Robin asked the manager be called and they would not do that.
Robin asked if she thought he was in there earlier in case of mistaken
identity. He explained to her that he was shopping with his son to buy
wristbands and couldn't understand why he was not allowed to shop in the
store. She responded that mall security would be called and Robin
indicated
that would be fine. Robin asked that a reason be given before he left and
the sales person indicated she "couldn't say, my manager told me that you
were not allowed in the store and it is against our policy to say."
Robin and Kane left and went to the mall information however, the mall
manager had left for the day. Robin and Kane went to the elevators to the
parking lot, upon leaving the elevator security met Robin and Kane however
they did not talk to him.
Robin and Kane returned to their home picked up Mika to get the names of
the
store personnel. Robin, Mika and Kane went to mall security for assistance.
Mall security indicated that they did not have to give out names, mall
security escorted Mika, Robin and Kane to Footlocker and they got the names
of the individuals.
The next morning, Robin went to meet the mall manager, explained the
situation. The manager indicated he would speak to Footlocker. The manager
met with Footlocker sales person who asked Robin to leave and she told the
mall manager it was Footlocker policy that they don't have to say why they
ask customers to leave. It is their discretion. The Footlocker sales
person
told the mall manager that Robin was previously "caught in the store", (not
sure how she would make this assumption as she did not know his name the
mall manager checked with security and Robin's name was fine with the mall
and he is allowed at the mall however he is still not allowed at
Footlocker.The mall manager was going to follow up with the Footlocker
manager to talk to Robin however the Footlocker manager has not followed up
with Robin.
Robin has contacted Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission to begin the
process of filing a complaint based on racial discrimination.
My concern is twofold, firstly Robin was discriminated against because of
his appearance and secondly, this happened in front of his six year old
son. This is upsetting as Kane is a smart young boy and these kind of
experiences are detrimental to his sense of identity.
I am asking that there be a boycott of all Footlocker stores and its
subsidiaries. It seems we can be discretionary about where we spend our
money, let's not spend it at stores that do not want First Nation business.
Bonnie Leask
Native News North
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