Indigenous military members endure ‘systemic’ racism, report claims | Warrior Publications

14.12.16

Indigenous military members endure ‘systemic’ racism, report claims | Warrior Publications: By Ashley Burke, CBC News, December 13, 2016

Indigenous members of the Canadian military face “systemic racism,” according to a draft report obtained by CBC News that calls for an external review.

“We strongly believe there is a systemic issue within the Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) that is rampant throughout all ranks and elements of Land, Air Force and Navy and this issue is serious enough that an external review is imminent,” reads the document prepared by the Defence Aboriginal Advisory Group and handed to the former commander of the Canadian Army, Lt.-Gen. Marquis Hainse, in the spring.

Of the 230 Indigenous military members canvassed by the advisory group, only 16 responded, reporting 40 incidents.

Despite the low response rate, the group said the problem is widespread and many incidents go unreported over fear of reprisal.