A Calgary city councillor says he has no recollection of events now posted online where his voice can allegedly be heard imitating an Indigenous accent and making vulgar comments.
Ward 13 councillor Dan Mclean confirmed to CTV News he’s aware of a video that appears to show former Alberta justice minister Jonathan Denis and Calgary political operative Craig Chandler using misogynistic and racist language in reference to Indigenous women.
Two short videos posted anonymously to social media have received negative attention with many people denouncing the comments that can be heard.Denis is seen in the video speaking in an accent, swearing, making sexual comments and mocking women as Chandler laughs along.Indigenous advocate Michelle Robinson weighed in on the video, noting it highlights the violence Indigenous women face regularly, calling it both ‘disgusting’ and ‘deplorable.
Robinson added that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission highlights that the media and public servants are to have Indigenous education and anti-racism training. “I'm not suggesting treaty seven would do that, but that is a good example of things that could be done in order to make things right.”Ward 3 councillor Kourtney Penner weighed in on the video in a post to Twitter and later held an opportunity to field questions with reporters as she highlighted her displeasure.
Penner called on McLean to apologize and used this video as an example of why learning about Indigenous cultures is more important now than ever.