Pickering Councillor Faces New Complaint Over Controversial Video

WARNING: This story contains details of experiences at residential schools.

Another official complaint has been lodged against Pickering, Ont., city councillor Lisa Robinson after she posted a video this month questioning the investigation into possible unmarked graves at a former residential school site in Kamloops, B. C.

Kevin Ashe, the mayor of Pickering, located just east of Toronto, confirmed that a complaint has been submitted to the city’s integrity commissioner. He also expressed regret for the harm caused to Indigenous community members, survivors of residential schools, and their families.

“Comments that dismiss, distort or cast doubt on the truths shared by Survivors and Indigenous communities are deeply hurtful,” he said.

“They undermine reconciliation, re-traumatize those carrying the legacy of residential schools, and have no place in respectful public discourse.”

The councillor is not connected to the investigation in B. C.

Robinson’s remarks are part of a troubling pattern that has resulted in her being sanctioned eight times previously for violations of code of conduct. Another councillor labeled her recent actions as “rage baiting,” while an Indigenous studies expert remarked that her statements reflect tactics from a “far right playbook.”

Robinson, who declined to speak for this article, stated in a You Tube video that she stands by her comments.

You Tube Video Questions First Nation’s Findings

On April 8, Robinson uploaded a You Tube video claiming to reveal “the lie” behind the May 2021 investigation initiated by the Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation.

She challenged the preliminary findings from the First Nation regarding over 200 anomalies detected through ground-penetrating radar that are believed to be potential unmarked graves.

She also questioned the intentions of media and politicians following its announcement and commented on a recent search update from February when the First Nation indicated it had narrowed down its areas of “primary focus.”

“Zero graves, zero bodies and zero confirmed human remains,” Robinson declared in her video. “Now we know the nightmare was exaggerated, manipulated and unproven.”

Robinson Defends Her Remarks and Calls for Inquiry

The sought an interview with Robinson.

In reply-after Mayor Ashe’s initial statement-the councillor sent back a statement along with a link to a rebuttal video asserting that Ashe had “deliberately” misrepresented her comments.

Robinson claimed she “never denied the documented history or very real harms” caused by Canada’s residential schools but proceeded to question preliminary evidence from Kamloops.

“Real reconciliation cannot be built on preliminary radar anomalies presented as proven mass graves nor on silencing elected officials who simply ask for evidence to match headlines,” she stated.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation estimates around 4,100 children died at residential schools nationwide based on death records but notes that actual numbers could be much higher.

An estimated 50 children have been confirmed dead at the former Kamloops site.

In her statement, Robinson mentioned that she welcomes any review by the integrity commissioner.

“Facts matter, and Canadians deserve them,” she said.

Lack of Bodies Doesn’t Disprove Deaths: City Councillor

Permanently Coun. Linda Cook told that she filed the formal complaint to protect residents as well as families and survivors who might feel “re-traumatized” by misinformation.

“This has just become another rage baiting post aimed at drawing attention on an issue she’s out of touch with,” she informed .

Cook criticized Robinson for failing to acknowledge or mention confirmed deaths at residential schools in either one of her videos.

She pointed out how there were instances where far more deaths were discovered than previously known during an Ontario coroner’s investigation two years ago.

The search at the former B. C. site began as an attempt to locate “undocumented” deaths based on years’ worth of accounts from survivors and family members.

There has been controversy surrounding whether digging should occur at former residential school sites since some survivors want them left undisturbed while others believe exhumation could help provide closure.

WATCH | Students urge universities to combat residential school denialism:

Residential school denialism on campus

In Kamloops ,38 First Nations are involved in this investigation representing119 communities throughoutthe province. Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc’s chief Alex Thomas Way notedthat full consensus may never happen accordingto their updated press release this year.

“That should be good enough for all Canadians,” Cook added.”You didn’t dig up any bones-that’s fine because there’s enough suggestionand documented history surroundingresidential schooling especiallyin Kamloops.”

Denying By Downplaying: Indigenous Studies Professor

Sean Carleton, a Universityof Manitoba assistant professorin Indigenousstudies statedthat Robinson’s arguments mirror those employedby otherpoliticiansandcertain independentmedia outlets seekingto sow distrustfor cheap political gains.

He explained howher statements are partof apredictable trendfromresidentialschool deniers across Canada who recycle easily debunked claimsaimedat minimizingthesystem’s harm.

<

“It’s attempts todo downplay, dismiss, minimizeharmsfromresidentialschooling.. throughselectiveevidence you know will roll backprogresson reconciliation,” he said.

“It resemblesthe Americanfar-right playbook, copied directly,” he concluded./npn>

A national24-hour Indian Residential School Crisis Lineis availableat1-866-925-4419foremotionalandcrisis referralservicesforsurvivorsandthoseaffected./npn>

Mentalhealth counselingand crisis supportare also accessible24 hoursa day, sevendaysa weekthrough Hopefor Wellnesshotlineat1-855-242-3310orbyonlinechat./npn>

Source link