Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Aboriginal group objects to website ad promoting racism

WINNIPEG — An aboriginal group is contemplating legal action after a post promoting racism appeared on a website this week.

The posting, entitled Free: Native Extraction Service was found on the online marketplace website UsedWinnipeg.com by a woman in the Garden Hill First Nation, who was looking for a used television to purchase for one of her children. She contacted Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak advocacy group, which represents First Nation communities in Northern Manitoba, and expressed her outrage.

Grand Chief David Harper was equally appalled.
"It’s very concerning for our organization that such things like this exist," he said today. "We have to deal with the site. This is a hate crime."

The post describes a service that would provide a "harmless relocation" of aboriginal youth who might be "outside your home." The advertisement then goes on to detail the methodology of "extraction" — which includes a net, a pick-up truck, and a relocation "on Salter (Street) or the rez."

The website is managed by Victoria-based company called Black Press. They operate a network of websites (47 in total) under the UsedEverywhere.com brand. The ad, which was up for less than 24 hours, has been removed from the site.

Harper said the MKO is looking into legal action against Black Press.
 

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