Mayor Sendzik Responds to Hateful Social Media Comments Directed Towards Hunters in Short Hills Provincial Park

Mayor Walter Sendzik says he has seen this type of hateful, racist speech on too many occasions as an elected official.

He's responding several comments on the Niagara Action of Animals Facebook page, which were directed towards hunters in Short Hills Provincial Park.

According to the St. Catharines Standard, some of the comments labelled hunters as drunks and barbarians, while others called for violence against them.

Most of the comments have been deleted.

Mayor Sendzik issued the following statement;

"While it is no surprise to me to read the comments that are shared in today's St. Catharines Standard, it is still very disturbing. As an elected official, I have seen this type of hateful, racist speech on too many occasions. We like to say that there is no room in our city for this kind of language, but in reality, what this story shows is that there are people who believe in racist, hateful stereotypes against Indigenous people - and people of all backgrounds in our community.

As Mayor, I have offered my full support to local First Nations and for the Deer Harvest at Shorthills Provincial Park because hunting is a traditional activity that is recognized in Treaty Rights of First Nations people. This is a relationship between First Nations and the Crown that must be respected.

In St. Catharines, we have also recognized that cities have responsibilities in Truth and Reconciliation. That is why the city has formalized a partnership with the Niagara Regional Native Centre, supported the Celebration of Nations and the traditional Pow Wow for the last three years at Montebello Park. We know that bringing the community together will create better understanding - and that is a significant way to tackle this kind of racism.

That is why I will be attending the Indigenous Rights Conference at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre next week. I encourage anyone who is interested to learn more to attend. Whether you are concerned about why this is happening, concerned about racism in our community or simply want to learn more about Indigenous Rights, come out. Visit the conference page on Facebook for full details.

Mayor Walter Sendzik"