Organizers of a central rodeo in Alberta and its parade committee are calling for calm after a racist-themed parade climb was seen in the march this weekend.
The float of the parade in the town of Sundre on Saturday morning consisted of a tractor pulling a fake bearded man wearing a turban and suit. On the side of the trailer was the message “The Liberal.”
Both Sundre Pro Rodeo and the parade committee said they did not approve of the entry. The Commission continued to suspect that it had breached the rules.
“The entrance was not approved and after further investigation he joined the parade without going through any registration,” the commission said in a statement posted on Sundre Pro Rodeo’s Facebook page.
Despite how the float got there, it has already provoked sharp criticism from members of the community.
“SHOW OF RACISM”
The Dash Mesh Cultural Center, the center of the Sikh community in Calgary, said it was “extremely disappointed and saddened” by the “manifestation of racism.”
“We need to have serious talks and actions to stop these forms of racism. “We welcome (Sundre pro rodeo organizers) and their parade committee to visit DCC and learn about the Sikhs,” he wrote on Twitter.
“We hope that the dialogue will help put an end to these senseless acts of ignorance towards minorities.”
Calgary Skyview MP George Chahal also called the float “shameful”, while Calgary Forest Lawn’s Jasraj Singh Halan shared similar sentiments.
The Sikh community in Canada, of which I am a proud member, has a wide variety of political views.
More importantly, the Sikhs were a sustained force for good in Alberta and throughout the country.
Shame on those responsible for this despicable act of racism. https://t.co/WMYa46IIN0
– George Chahal (@ChahalGeorge) June 26, 2022
This is absolutely disgusting. Such actions have no place in Canada. This must be condemned most strongly by all. https://t.co/y9OZNcXbYI
– Jasraj Singh Hallan) (@jasrajshallan) June 25, 2022
Meanwhile, the organizers of the rodeo and the parade commission apologized further for the situation and promised to ensure that nothing like this happens again.
“We send our deepest apologies and something like this will NEVER happen again,” the rodeo said.
The town of Sandre is located about 92 kilometers northwest of Calgary.
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