For Immediate Release
Toronto, December 16, 2002… B’nai Brith Canada has written to the Saskatchewan Attorney General urging his consent to public prosecution against David Ahenakew for incitement of hatred against an identifiable group and the promotion of genocide. It also calls for all honours bestowed on Ahenakew, both by his community and by the Canadian Government, to be revoked.
Following a private conversation today with Chief Matthew Coon Come, Rochelle Wilner, National President of B’nai Brith Canada, commented:
“From my frank discussions with the Chief, in which he conveyed his strong denunciation of Ahenakew, I feel confident that the leadership of the First Nations community will not try to shield Ahenakew from the consequences of his hate-filled comments. Nothing but the most unequivocal denunciation will send the message home to him that purveyors of hate are to be shunned both within their own community and also in the wider Canadian context.
It is ironic that just last week, at the Taking Action Against Hate Youth Conference B’nai Brith Canada arranged for Toronto area high schools, our opening presentation was focused on teaching students to recognize and counter prejudice against Native Canadians. Coming at a time when such initiatives could do so much to strengthen relationships between communities, Ahenakew’s remarks are a shot of poison.”
In the opinion of David Matas, B’nai Brith Canada’s senior legal counsel, Ahenakew’s conduct amounted to “the most extreme of cases… public prosecution is required to send a clear message that such racial discourse leading to a climate of hatred will not be tolerated in Canada.”
B’nai Brith Canada will continue to work with Chief Coon Come to repair relations between the Jewish and First Nations communities and to arrange joint educational initiatives aimed at countering racism and intolerance.
-30-
For further information call Rochelle Wilner at 416 254-1010 or David Matas at 204 944-1831
B’nai Brith has been active in Canada since 1875 as the community’s foremost advocacy and volunteer organization.
Institute for International Affairs
| Commission
for Jewish Culture
| Sports Corporation
| League
for Human Rights
| Publications
Press Releases
| Government Relations Office
| Centre for Community Action
| B’nai
Brith Foundation
The Jewish Tribune
| Links
| Canadian Jewish Law Students Association
| B’nai Brith Canada