Editor:
The Black Lives Matter movement has demanded change and has highlighted the need for dialogue in regards to the bitter realities of racism in Canada.
Rather than point fingers to the U.S., Canadians are admitting to, as Jordan Small stated, “the parallels between black people and Indigenous peoples.”
No one has all the answers or solutions, but let’s start proposing and taking steps in order to find direction towards change.
The complexities involved in creating change seems overwhelming, but tackling small steps is a start.
I propose a name change for certain peaks in our valley.
Without a doubt, I am not the only person who is mortified by the language used. These official and unofficial names given to a few of the peaks that surround our towns are unacceptable.
Historical sources debate the origin of the word, but it has been used in racist and sexual ways with negative implications.
It is offensive that local peaks uses a derogatory term towards an Indigenous female.
It has been long enough and it is time for change.
We didn’t condone the former name for Ha Ling, and we don’t condone this one either.
It is not my intent to point fingers or cause judgement, but rather to take a step against racism and attempt to be a beacon of kindness, openness and respect.
Michelle Katchur Roberts,
Canmore
