Growing calls for sensitivity training following controversial incident in hotel lobby
Posted January 22, 2024 5:09 pm.
Last Updated January 23, 2024 9:22 am.
There are growing calls for hotels to provide culturally sensitive training to staff following public outcry about how an Indigenous woman was treated when she visited a hotel in downtown Winnipeg.
The Dec. 25 incident showing what appears to be an Indigenous woman with her hands tied behind her back while being blocked from leaving the hotel.
The hotel in an earlier statement to CityNews said the woman was allegedly intoxicated while brandishing a knife and that they were told by Winnipeg Police to try to keep patrons safe.
The hotel’s manager declined an on-camera interview with CityNews Monday citing an ongoing police investigation.
“Our hope is that the Marlborough leadership, the owners of the hotel will meet with us. We would like to get at least a dialogue going. Hopefully, they understand the importance, not necessarily taking the blame but taking proactive measures so at least they’re hearing what we are saying and that there are some changes there,” said Grand Chief Jerry Daniels, Southern Chiefs’ Organization.
Following a rally at the hotel Sunday, Indigenous leaders are calling for broader changes in the way businesses like hotels treat Indigenous peoples.
“I don’t think it would happen anywhere else, where somebody would get tied up and running around a hotel. That’s not acceptable and it shouldn’t be,” said Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.
“It’s really disheartening that we witnessed something in 2024 that shouldn’t have happened.”
Grand Chief Merrick is calling for more Indigenous-owned businesses and services, but also for more Indigenous employees in workplaces, especially in the security sector to prevent similar incidents.
“We would like to train our own people to be able to provide those services to entities that provide service to our own people. In terms of hotels, in terms of airports,” said Grand Chief Merrick.
Grand Chief Daniels added, “We need to take a look at some of the other responses that happen in these situations. Just the greater response protocol between police, First Nations and security training.”
Winnipeg Police told CityNews they have charged the woman who was allegedly brandishing a knife and say they have also opened an investigation regarding the video as well.
According to a statement released by the MKO, the woman was at the hotel for a medical appointment.
There are now calls for Indigenous organizations to be consulted with regarding accommodations for Indigenous peoples when they are travelling to seek medical care.
“What we have done from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, we did inform the First Nations Indigenous health branch in terms of their selections of hotels that house our medical people that come from northern communities and that we be part of those discussions. We should be at the table to select which hotels should be given that opportunity to provide,” said Grand Chief Merrick.
