'It's not a costume': First Nations student mocked for wearing regalia to B.C. school
The superintendent of the school district that includes Kitimat, B.C., has apologized to a student at Mount Elizabeth Middle Secondary after the boy’s teacher ridiculed him for wearing his traditional Haisla Nation regalia and cedar hat to class.
Alex Grant said his stepson Gregory chose to wear the regalia for photo day on Monday.
“The teacher when he got to the classroom had mocked him, and asked him, 'What’s up with the costume today?' in front of the entire class,” said Grant.
School district 82 superintendent Janet Meyer said she has apologized to Gregory, his parents and the Haisla Nation.
“A student at one of our schools in Coast Mountain School District had an experience on Monday that was very much not consistent with the beliefs of the school district,” said Meyer. “It’s an experience we don’t think any student in B.C. or Canada or anywhere in the world should experience.”
The district won’t name the teacher or reveal if he could face any disciplinary action.
“There is an internal human resources process that we are following, and that’s all I am at liberty to say,” said Meyer.
The superintendent sat down with Gregory, his parents and the school's principal on Tuesday.
“There is an investigation going on now that’s all they’ll say to us about that. The matter is in their hands and it’s being taken care of,” said Grant, who added an apology is not enough.
Meyer said the district knows it has work to do to regain the trust of First Nations students in Kitimat.
“We will work very closely with the Haisla Nation around this particular incident to put some structures in places that will help us be better," said Meyer. “All of the adults in that school are ready to listen.”
There is one message Grant wants them to hear loud and clear about the Haisla Nation’s traditional dress.
“It’s not a costume,” he said. “We take our regalia and our traditions very seriously.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.