Disney publisher apologizes

Because of an article in this week's edition that regarded basis in a poem called "Ten Little Indians," Windspeaker contacted the publishers of the book entitled, "Walt Disney's Treasury of Mother Good Nursery Rhymes," from where the poem originated, to find if it was still be published.

After phoning Walt Disney Publishing in California, it was learned that they were not sure if the book was still in existence or on the market for sale.

The publishing firm then gave Windspeaker the name of their sales representative in Canada, James Rayburn in Rexdale, Ontario.

Rayburn is the vice-president and general manager in charge of Canadian distribution for Walt Disney Publishing.

Rayburn after listening to Windspeaker's request about the book, checked to see if it was still being distributed in Canada and found that it was. The poem consists of sentences that border if not cross over the line of being discriminatory.

The poem was brought to Windspeaker's attention by a concerned parent, Yvonne Wuttunee. Her six-year-old daughter brought it to her attention.

"I was horrified. Here was this rhyme innocently portrayed with cute little Indian children, giving racist and redneck views of Indian people," said Wuttunee.

Some of the poems lines that bothered Wuttunee were:

"Six little Injuns, kicking all alive.

One broke his neck and then there were five.

"Two little Injuns, foolin with a gun

One shot the other, and then there was one.

One little Injun, living all alone

He got married, and then there were none."

Rayburn said he would need time to contact head office in California and mentioned that the book most likely be deleted.

Rayburn's parting words were that the Mother Good Nursery Rhymes book, numbered 3935, "is still in our catalogue," and also mentioned that this was the first complaint they had ever received in regards to the book.

Later Rayburn called back and his comment was that he was "glad that Windspeaker brought the poem to my attention."

Rayburn stated that the copyright on this particular book has been in existence for 22 years and "I don't understand how it went unnoticed. We extend our apology."

After reading the poem Rayburn admitted that it was really "done in bad taste," and he assured Windspeaker that the book will be discontinued.

"We will be withdrawing this book from distribution and I again would like to thank you for drawing it to our attention."

Rayburn said because of the Windspeaker call they would be taking immediate action.

"Again we would like to extend our deepest apology," Rayburn commented.