AMC supports FNLC in its condemnation of ongoing and persistent racism in BC including the arrest of a First Nations Elder and his 12 year old granddaughter at BMO

January 10, 2020

Treaty One Territory, Manitoba

AMC Communications

Treaty One Territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba – Grand Chief Arlen Dumas of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs extends his full support of British Columbia’s First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC) in their condemnation of the ongoing racism in BC, and expressed his concern regarding the extent that the Canadian justice system continues to oppress and intimidate First Nations peoples in BC.

This week, the media reported that First Nations Elder, Maxwell Johnson, and his 12 year old granddaughter followed standard bank procedures when opening a new bank account for her at a Bank of Montreal (BMO) branch, yet were arrested and handcuffed by Vancouver Police Department outside of the financial institution due to what has been speculated as racial profiling. BMO has subsequently issued an apology, but has not yet explained what has happened to the BMO employee(s) who notified police. Today, FNLC issued a statement that referenced the rally which was held in front of the Vancouver BMO, while #boycottBMO went viral on social media.

In support of FNLC’s statement, AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas stated, “It is sad that our youth continues to be traumatized by colonial violence from individuals within a financial institution. The basic right of each Canadian citizen – to open a bank account – is still being taken for granted.”

Full Press Release