Reconciliation Lethbridge asks media to become allies

Feb 11, 2022 | 1:01 PM

Lethbridge, AB – A local advisory board says more needs to be done to advance reconciliation in Lethbridge and they want the media to be part of that.

During a meeting on Thursday, the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee (RLAC) invited various media organizations to be part of a discussion about the role they play in including Indigenous perspectives.

They asked media to take steps to help broaden cultural awareness, and to use the committee to come into contact with Indigenous reporters for their side of the story.

A letter written on February 10 encourages RLAC champions within the City of Lethbridge (Sikóóhktotok – pron: SIK oh kot ohtok) to promote mutual understanding and support for urban Indigenous residents.

“RLAC feels there is growing concern in the community regarding the vulnerable sector and view these events as an opportunity for changing our mindset to focus on working together to make Sikóóhktotok a city that wholeheartedly embraces diversity.”

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“We are all residents and we share in the successes and failures of Sikóóhktotok.”

The RLAC says the Indigenous community has been harmed through editorialized posts, and unmoderated comments, which have allowed anonymous hate speech.

The Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee is willing to provide those interested resources to learn about the Indigenous perspective.

Pattison Media provides all of its media outlets, including LethbridgeNewsNOW.com (LNN), with resources relating to Indigenous and visible minorities. The company and it’s various media outlets have mandated fair and equitable coverage for these groups, as well as issues that concern women and those living with disabilities. LNN has strict commenting rules which it staunchly maintains and moderates.

by Jerran Fisher