Racism against indigenous people in Canada runs deeply through our culture. This seems to be more prevalent in Saskatchewan, for sure.
It’s not hard to see this racial bias appear in any event where indigenous people are involved. Would the reaction have been different if Boushie was white? Absolutely. How different? It’s impossible to say, because it’s impossible to gauge how deeply racial bias against indigenous impacts decisions and reactions. Does it change reactions entirely? Or just add a little force to whatever direction they would’ve leaned anyway?
Hard to say. But yeah, if the question is: Were the majority of Stanley’s supporters racist?
The answer is: impossible to say.
If the question is: Was the reaction on both sides no doubt influenced by racial bias against indigenous people (to an unknown degree)?
The answer is: Undisputedly yes.
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