Supporters, family members rally outside Winnipeg hotel following eviction of Indigenous family

Around a dozen supporters gathered, including Pimicikamak Cree Nation leadership and members of the Robinson family, following a viral video posted to social media showing a teen from Pimicikamak Cree Nation being forced out of the Canad Inn location while he was recovering from knee surgery.

CityNews confirmed that one of the employees was let go, but a rally was held on Friday where supporters came and showed up to locked doors. They then made their way inside the hospital with First Nation leadership and the family, talking to officials, hoping to make a change.

“I didn’t come here to cause trouble; I came here to create awareness and stop this racism and the way they are treating our people in hospitality,” said Raymond Robinson, the grandfather of Nicholas.

While the hotel fired one of the employees in the video, they believe others involved should also face consequences.

“Who has that guy trained? Was he a manager? I am betting his demeanor and attitude are trickling all over that hotel,” said Claudette Medina, a supporter.

Gerald McDonald, a Cross Lake resident, said, “We were here for a whole month, and everything was great, that was last year, but I think it really has gone downhill.”

After the hotel locked its doors, supporters got into the hospital and made their way into the hotel, where they were holding a meeting to raise concerns about how Indigenous patients travelling for medical care are treated.

“There needs to be changes made in terms of how they treat our people, l but also the protocols of being able to get this expedited a bit quicker so there’s no miscommunication,” said Chief David Monias, Pimicikamak Cree Nation.

As for Nicholas, the teenager is recovering from knee surgery. His grandfather says his pain has worsened since the incident, and the family has taken him back to hospital for further assessment while they remain in Winnipeg.

“When they did this to him, they reaggravated and re-injured his leg; his leg right now is puffed up,” his grandfather explained.

Following the meeting, Monias said in a statement that the family received an apology from the CEO of Canad Inns. Management agreed and committed to working with the union to begin new training for all Canad Inn employees.

“Mr. Saad informed us that Canad Inns management launched an internal investigation immediately after they learned of the incident. As a result of that investigation, one employee was terminated. Mr. Saad extended an apology to Raymond and the Robinson Family. We also acknowledge the written apology issued by the CEO of Canad Inns. The hotel has stated clearly that it never wants to see this happen again,” said Monias in a statement.

“We advised Canad Inns management of other cases that have come to light and demanded new sensitivity and cultural awareness training is urgently needed for staff, particularly given the vulnerability of First Nations patients who often travel long distances from home for medical care. Management agreed and committed to working with the Union to begin new training for all Canad Inn employees.”

Monias added, “As Chief of Pimicikamak, I have also advised Canad Inns HSC that any members staying at their facility under medical care must be given a full one‑day grace period while their medical travel claims are being processed. The Band will cover the cost for members who are waiting for approval from the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, for one day.”

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