Katherine Swampy, an Aboriginal woman from Maskwacis, Alberta, ran as the New Democratic Party candidate in the recent provincial election.
The election rendered a historic result, toppling a 44-year dynasty held by the Conservative party and sweeping NDP leader, Rachel Notley in as premier, with a majority that included 50 per cent women.
‘I was quickly reminded of the arrogance and the ignorance that still exists in today’s society’
Katherine Swampy did not win, but she campaigned hard in spite of increasingly racist taunts and insults by text, e-mail and Facebook. Swampy said someone referred to her as the “NDP Indian girl”, another said “quite trying to turn Alberta into a reserve”.
In the beginning I was surprised” she said in a recent CBC Radio interview. “I was quickly reminded of the arrogance and the ignorance that still exists in today’s society.”
“While I was campaigning, I didn’t let it get to me. I was very busy,” Swampy said. “My campaign was about my supporters.”
‘I’m keeping in mind that people like this are fading away’
The remark that ‘topped the cake” according to Swampy, came via Facebook: “I support the NDP and I support Katherine Swampy. It’s just too bad that she has as higher chance of going missing than winning in this constituency.”
The comment refers to more than 500 missing and murdered Aboriginal women in Canada, that many people feel are deserving of an inquiry.
The day before the election, the racism began to take its toll. “I started feeling exhausted and I guess I was feeling vulnerable and I admit I shed a few tears.”
Despite the loss and the challenge of campaigning, Swampy intends to persevere. She says she will run in the upcoming federal election. “I’m keeping in mind that people like this are fading away. As we educate our youth to be more accepting and empathetic of others, racism and hate shouldn’t be around for much longer.”
Unless there is a change of plan, Canadians are scheduled to vote federally on October 19, 2015.
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