Contribution from the Groupe d’action contre le racisme : “A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, BUT STILL A LOT TO DO”

Kahnawake, December 16, 2020 – In response to the report of the Groupe d’action contre le racisme (GACR), Quebec Native Women (FAQ) commends the work done, while also noting that the exercise remains incomplete to fully combat racism against racialized peoples, especially Indigenous people.

“You could say it’s a step in the right direction, but it’s still a long way off. Much remains to be done if all forms of racism are to be eliminated. I am thinking in particular of Indigenous women, who experience racism disproportionately, and who deserve further effort, “said QNW President Viviane Michel.

It should be remembered that the GACR had the mandate to identify a series of actions to combat racism, including identifying areas that require priority action. The Groupe d’action’s report, “Racism in Quebec: Zero Tolerance,” contains various actions to combat racism and discrimination against Indigenous communities.

Systemic racism

QNW particularly denounces the lack of recognition of systemic racism in this report, which nevertheless presents solutions that are systemic in nature.
“How do you fight something you won’t even name? Racism is not limited to individuals; it is also found in institutions and social relations. Proposing an action plan against racism without recognizing the systemic factor is clearly not enough,” says Michel.

– 30 –
Source:
info@faq-qnw.org
(450) 632-0088 x221