The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is calling for an apology and the removal of a trustee from the Mountain View School Division over what they say were racist remarks made earlier this week.
During the regular school board meeting on Monday night, trustee Paul Coffey made a 30-minute presentation called "Racism/Anti Racism", and subtitled "Nice Until It Isn't".
The presentation has drawn sharp reaction, with MVSD officials distancing themselves from the comments.
School board chair Gabe Mercier says Mr. Coffey was speaking as an individual and that his opinions and comments were his own, adding that he was not speaking on behalf of the division or its board.
Mercier adds Mountain View School Division stands by their continued work with Indigenous partners, and their tireless work around reconciliation.
Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak says the city is deeply concerned by the remarks made by Coffey, which he says do not reflect the values of inclusiveness and culture that they strive to uphold within the community.
Northwest Metis Council Vice President Frances Chartrand said Coffey's comments are a direct assault on the tremendous work and efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
She adds that she trusts that Mountain View School Division do not support Coffey's views and that they will take appropriate measures to rectify the situation.
The provincial government says it will conduct a review over Coffey's comments.
CKDM News Now continues to work on this story and will provide more reaction as we receive it.
