A statement made by a city employee in Marathon, Ont., has led to calls for accountability from two nearby First Nations.
This comment occurred during a draft budget meeting on Jan. 26, which was streamed online and uploaded to the town’s official You Tube channel.
While discussing funding for water infrastructure improvements, a town councillor asked how often opportunities for such funding arise.
Rick Dumas, mayor of Marathon and president of the Northern Ontario Municipal Association, replied that “they come up all the time.”
We recognize that the wording could be misunderstood and we sincerely apologize.- Rick Dumas, mayor of Marathon
An off-camera senior staff member then said, “yeah, we’re just the wrong colour.”
Members of nearby Biigtigong Nishnaabeg (also known as Ojibways of the Pic River First Nation) interpreted this remark as being about skin color.
“[Biigtigong Nishnaabeg] staff and people of Biigtigong believe that the rude, bigoted remark was made because Biigtigong had been successful in obtaining funding for the complete replacement of our water system, which was outdated and inadequate and beyond capacity,” stated Chief Duncan Michano.
“Biigtigong Nishnaabeg did not receive that funding based on skin colour. It was awarded because of a concerted and skilled campaign and application process by both Biigtigong political leaders and administrative staff working together for the betterment of the community.”
A video clip featuring this comment circulated widely on social media. In response, Dumas issued a statement on Jan. 30.
“The remark was intended to refer to the political challenge municipalities can face when seeking external funding, specifically in relation to political ‘colours’ and was not meant to reference Indigenous identity or any cultural group,” Dumas explained.
“We recognize that the wording could be misunderstood and we sincerely apologize.”
The town’s senior administration also released a follow-up statement that day, noting that the video clip circulating online “does not reflect the full context of the discussion taking place at the time.”
“The remark was made amid frustration over ongoing challenges municipalities face in securing adequate funding and support from other levels of government,” it added.
However, Chief Michano believes these statements do not address how painful this comment was.
“Instead of holding the person(s) accountable for their actions/comments, there appears to be an attempt to support the individual(s) by providing an escape route,” Michano remarked.
“Biigtigong has no choice but to suspend any support or funding for projects proposed until there is a reset in our relationship.”
In its statement , Biigtigong Nishnaabeg suggested Marathon create an additional councillor position held by someone from their First Nation who resides in town. It also demands that officials “hold accountable both those who made those remarks , as well as their supervisor , for their actions and words.”
Biigtigong Nishnaabeg also mentioned national calls to action focused on truth and reconciliation “that [the mayor and council] can fall back on and implement : ”
‘Trust must be earned through action’
About 3 ,100 people live in Marathon , which is located about 300 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay. The population of Biiktigong Nishnaabeg is around 530 people.
Provincially , Marathon falls under Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Lise Vaugeois from the NDP. Dumas ran as a Progressive Conservative candidate in last year’s provincial election within that riding.
On Tuesday , neighbouring First Nation Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (formerly known as Pic Mobert First Nation) expressed solidarity with Biiktigong Nishnaabeg through a statement.
“Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg will follow Biitigong Nishnaabeg’s lead by suspending any support , funding or partnership involvement in proposed projects with Township of Marathon until they show that they have effectively addressed this situation so trust can be rebuilt,” stated Chief Clyde Jacobs.
With fewer than 350 residents living on reserve , Jacobs noted many individuals from Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg reside in Marathon where they access essential services.
“As neighbouring First Nations and regional partners , Netmizaaggamig recognizes these kinds of comments aren’t isolated incidents. They highlight deeper issues existing within institutions across Canada including municipal governance,” his statement reads.
“Trying to downplay or rationalize this comment doesn’t fix what it caused nor does it restore trust. Regardless of intent , it was inappropriate considering its context ; members felt hurt by it which needs addressing properly.”
Ultimately , Jacobs emphasized his community’s commitment: “We remain dedicated towards respectful regional partnerships but genuine collaboration can’t happen without trust. Trust must be earned through action.”
