Racism Not Exclusive to RCMP

While Mark Sutcliffe's Jan. 2nd Ottawa Citizen article may have been motivated by RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson's recent comments about addressing racism within the RCMP, it is somewhat unrealistic from my perspective to think that a meeting between RCMP members and First Nation leaders is going to create significant long-term change. The RCMP does not have a monopoly on racism, it exists in many areas of societies.  Even though the participation of the various stakeholders in problem solving exchanges can often prove beneficial, changing engrained attitudes is more of a challenge. Mid-life group hugs are in the moment and seldom long-lasting. Although not discounting Sutcliffe's suggestion, learning forbearance  in our early years at home and through the education system is likely to have better long-term results.