Vandals strike offices of 2 First Nations politicians in Winnipeg

Officials are saying little after a number of attacks on two First Nations cabinet ministers in Winnipeg that have resulted in broken windows and fire damage. According to police, the latest is a fire at the office of MLA Bernadette Smith’s constituency office. The Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service said they’ve responded to fires at Smith’s office four times since August. Smith’s office is one of two separate NDP MLA offices to be recently “vandalized’, according to a provincial spokesperson. Police are also investigating after MLA Nahanni Fontaine’s constituency office had its windows smashed over the weekend. In a scrum with reporters at an unrelated event on Tuesday, Fontaine said she can’t share much about the transgressions but said she has faith in the Winnipeg police to make sure the offices are safe. “The fact that Minister [Bernadette] Smith’s office has been vandalized, as well as my own, I think should concern everybody,” she said. On Aug. 30, Fontaine posted a video of the hate mail and threats she’s received. Social media commenters had their usernames removed in the video. “F-ck you should get back handed. Like the good old days” reads one comment, while another says “[Fontaine] need[s] to be used for archery practice.” A few focused-on commenters’ desire for her to be removed from office, with a handwritten note stating Fontaine “[…] needs to be scalped + hog tied and Fired from Job! Now.” Fontaine posted her own message. “For women in politics, especially BIPOC, women and gender-diverse leaders, the violence is relentless,” she wrote. “Online threats. Harassment. Misogyny and racism come like a tidal wave. “And we’re told the same tired lines: ignore it, toughen up, don’t feed the trolls, develop thicker skin, stay quiet… essentially we’re told to just put up with the abuse.” Boards cover the broken glass at Fontaine’s constituency office. Photo: Sav Jonsa/APTN. APTN News reached out to Premier Wab Kinew for comment on the fact that both offices belong to First Nations women and if any non-Indigenous or male cabinet minister have experienced recent vandalism to their offices. The province did not respond and would not answer if the premier plans on addressing the vandalism issue. But Obby Khan, the new leader of the Conservative Party in Manitoba, posted a message on social media. “Manitobans have a right to demand better from elected officials, but this is not the way,” said Khan. “Smashing windows, harassment, or anything of that nature is never a solution.” Police have not said if any or all of the incidents are connected. A provincial spokesperson said both Smith’s and Fontaine’s constituency offices will remain open and appointments for services can be scheduled through phone and email. With files from the Canadian Press Continue Reading