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Well-known Aboriginal symbol at the University of Alberta disrespected

Article Origin

Author

Compiled by Robin Wilson, CFWE News

Volume

22

Issue

4

Year

2015

A senseless and immature act has disrespected a well-known Aboriginal symbol at the University of Alberta.
 
Brendan Hokowhitu (Hoko-Fit-Too) is the Dean of the Faculty of Native Studies and says police are investigating after someone vandalised the Tipi.
 
Clip – “On Sunday one of our alumni was around our faculty and she saw the tipi had been vandalised with toilet paper wrapped around the poles, help up by vinyl tape. Then she contacted the university and took the toilet paper off the poles immediately. Following that, the U of A contacted the Edmonton Police.”
 
This isn’t the first time people have disrespected the Indigenous structure, with people caught drinking and urinating in the Tipi.
 
Hokowhitu says the people responsible should come forward and he’s hoping surveillance can be installed to keep an eye on things.
 
He adds students are diverse and accepting for the most part, but there are a few on campus who are racist towards Aboriginal people.