WARNING: This story includes a term many people find offensive. Discretion is advised.
The Kainai Board of Education and other Blood Tribe members are seeking answers and a direct apology after a Kainai Board employee said she became the subject of a racial slur in a text message this week.
Ramona Big Head levelled the allegations during a press conference near Cardston, Alta. on Thursday afternoon.
“It is time to vindicate our indigenous brothers and sisters who do not have a voice at this time,” she said.
Big Head, who’s the principal at Tatsikiisapo’p Middle School, told Global News that on June 19, an employee with Alberta Health Services sent a text message containing a racial slur to a fellow member of the Kainai Board of Education by mistake, and it relates to training that was being provided to Kainai Board staff by AHS.
The text, obtained by Global News, reads: “Lesley got yelled at today, and we held hands and burned rubber on the highway. Overall, uneventful.”
The recipient replies: “What?!?! By who?”
The message sent back reads: “A rabid squaw”
“Ramona bighead”
“She didn’t like the example she used about a reading program.”
The recipient replies: “Do you know who you sent this to?”
“It’s about the bigger picture, the systemic racism that goes on in government, policing, education, health and so on,” Big Head said.
In a statement to Global News, Dr. Verna Yiu, President and CEO with AHS wrote:
“Any use of racist language is completely unacceptable and we have contacted the Kainai Nation to offer our most sincere apology to the nation and to the Kainai employee in question.
This does not reflect the beliefs of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and our employees. All AHS employees are expected to adhere to our Code of Conduct, which includes treating all people with respect, compassion, dignity and fairness.
Kainai members are valued partners and part of the community we serve. We endeavour to demonstrate our respect and compassion at all times.
Building cultural competency and sensitivity in our staff is an important priority for Alberta Health Services and we will continue to stress that training for all AHS employees. We will also continue to work with the Community and those affected toward a solution. AHS is committed to advancing the process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and communities.”
Alberta Health Minister Sarah Hoffman has also been in contact with the community, sharing anger and disappointment.
“I am committed to continuing to work with the chief and with the nation and with Alberta Health Services to bring about better understanding, education and better outcomes in terms of health and in terms of respect for one another,” she said.
Global News has attempted to contact the employee under investigation but have not received a response as of yet.
AHS told Global News it will made a decision on the employee’s future next week.
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