In the afternoon of Saturday May 18, I was at Vedder Elementary at a little boy’s seventh birthday, with 15 children playing hockey in the playground. About an hour after we arrived and older woman walked by with her two Jack Russells and one Minpin, off leash. The Minpin started barking and chasing one of the boys. The boy was backed right up to a fence with two of the dogs barking, while the Minpin was trying to bite his legs. The older woman just stood there and watched.
My friend was able to run to the boy and quickly pick him up. My friend yelled at the woman to put the dog on a leash. (She was holding one.) The dogs were still aggressively barking.
My friend was then told to shut up, by the older woman. I came over and advised that the dog should be leashed. The older lady advised me that she “pays her taxes.” Okay!?! Your dog should still be on a leash.
The lady then told me she just rescued the Minpin. I stated, “All the more reason to put the dog on a leash.” The older lady then looked at me and told me to, “go back to the reserve.”
Respectfully, I walked away not saying a word.
To the older lady in the brown full size pickup: I am sorry you have misconceptions regarding aboriginals. I want you to know that I actually pay taxes also. I am truly sorry if you are that closed minded that you chose to yell that disappointing statement in front of 15 children and eight adults that are my friends and family. (Some also aboriginal.) I just wanted you to know that yes I am aboriginal. I am Haisla, and proud. I want you to know that I actually have never lived on my reserve, because I am a survivor of the ’60s scoop. However, like many reserves within our wonderful cross-cultural country, my reserve is beautiful. Also, my clan is part of an amazing community in Kitamaat. And, like many people I know in our diverse community here in Chilliwack, we respect our neighbours; we honour our families; we keep our dogs leashed; and notably, we keep our children safe.
PS, You will be receiving a call from Animal Control.
Angelina (Angie) Bowen