Winnipeg mother outraged by language used in children’s book

WINNIPEG — A Winnipeg mother is outraged after her seven-year-old son’s homework included reading a book that referred to Indigenous characters as “Indians.”

“This book was not OK, I actually stopped my son from reading it,” Cara McDougall said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "This book was not OK, I actually stopped my son from reading it," Cara McDougall said.

Her son attends George V school in Elmwood and brought two books home to read as homework on Friday. The one that she found offensive is called How Spider Saved Thanksgiving which portrayed a bug wearing a head dress and used the word “Indians” several times. McDougall said her husband is Metis and was upset to see it still circulating in the classroom.

“I would like none of these books to be given to anybody,” McDougall said. “Any book that has any sort of wording like this should be taken out of the school system altogether.”

The Winnipeg School Division sent Global News an email saying:

“Winnipeg School Division school staff work very hard to ensure reading materials in the classroom and sent home are culturally sensitive and aware. If it does occur that a book has pejorative terms, we appreciate parents and students helping by letting the school know right away so that we can ensure the book is removed.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Winnipeg School Division school staff work very hard to ensure reading materials in the classroom and sent home are culturally sensitive and aware. If it does occur that a book has pejorative terms, we appreciate parents and students helping by letting the school know right away so that we can ensure the book is removed."

The Winnipeg School Board also told Global News they have removed all copies of the book from the classroom.