Racism iced in Nova Scotia

Page 8

Racism has no place on the ice, says a Nova Scotia amateur hockey association, and offenders will be penalized.

Players who engage in hurling racial slurs at other players will be suspended, according to new provisions established the Nova Scotia Hockey Association. The decision stems from an incident in which a 14-year-old bantam hockey player was taunted players and fans at an Oxford game last February.

Justin Johnson, a Micmac from Millbrook Reserve, was called "wagonburner" and "dirty Indian" fans of the opposing team during the game. The crowd became so violent, local RCMP were called in and had to escort Johnson off the ice.

Justin's parents were appalled the incident and filed a complaint with the provincial Human Rights Commission, as well as the RCMP. Their efforts to confront what they see as an on-going problem resulted in the establishment of a human rights investigation committee comprised of Aboriginal, provincial and federal representatives.

The committee issued a report in April recommending suspensions or fines for teams or players promoting "unacceptable behavior."

The report also recommended prosecuting individuals who make racist remarks, and institutions allowing people to do so, as well as recommending referees and coaches attend workshop to prevent racism from sullying sports arenas.

"It should be up to the rink management to ask fans to be removed," said Bernadette Johnson, Justin's mother.

While the Johnson family is pleased the hockey association is responding to at least one of the recommendations, they are determined not to drop the human rights complaint until they are satisfied.

"What we're saying is the complaints will stay until all those rules are implemented," said Bernadette. "We want this so that no child will have to go through what our child did.

Justin was a little boy until the incident. After that, he had to mature pretty fast. He will never be the same."

Justin's attitude has become direct. Any slurs from players will be reported. Anyone off the ice or in the arena will have to deal with him.

Part of his resolve comes from the wave of support he received from professional athletes following the Oxford game. Hockey giant Gordie Howe heard about Justin while visiting Halifax, and invited the 14-year-old to that city to participate in a roast. Everet Sunnypath, former Nordiques player and the first Micmac to play in the NHL, accompanied the teenager to Halifax, offering him more encouragement. Justin also received numerous phone calls of encouragement to continue playing and to stand up to racism.

The family would like to see the committee's recommendations implemented not only the Nova Scotia Hockey Association, but also nationwide, the Canadian Hockey Association.

And they are extremely disappointed the RCMP announced they will not press charges based on the Oxford event. While the conduct of certain fans pushed the limit

of acceptable behavior at a sports event, no known law was breached, said an RCMP representative.

"We were taught a valuable lesson. Nothing has really changed. We have to continue to each our children pride in themselves. And we learned not to give up," said Bernadette.