The Deer Hunt at Shorthills Provincial Park is back in the news with two Niagara groups saying racism surrounding the hunt needs to end.
The Niagara Anti-Racism Coalition and the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre issuing a statement saying ' Opposition to the Haudenosaunee Deer Hunt in Shorthills Park cannot be separated from racism."
Karl Dockstader, the Niagara ARC co-chair says opposing the deer hunt by Indigenous hunters, whether intended to do so or not, is supporting the worst parts of Canada's racist legacy and perpetuates policies of assimilation.
He says antagonizing a group of people because you believe that your group’s views are superior is the very definition of racism.
Both groups says they condemn the anti-Indigenous opposition to the hunt.
The upcoming hunt will take place two weekends in November, and a Monday and Tuesday in December.
Protestors are planning peaceful demonstrations each day of the hunt from 5am to 7am and 4pm to 7pm at the Pelham Road entrance.
A group called the Animal Alliance of Canada is speaking out against the hunt saying there are animal cruelty and safety concerns surrounding the hunt.
CKTB News has asked the Alliance for comment on this story.