"I’ve read Richard Peterson’s letter twice and each time I feel more anger. I’m going to write this letter and then let it go.

Ultimately, I feel Peterson’s letter has set us back a few steps in race relations between Red Lake and Bemidji. He says that finger pointing will not correct the problems with race relations, yet that’s pretty much the essence of his letter.

Children behaving badly is multi-racial; it happens everywhere. If you see someone’s child or children shoplifting, which is what I consider sampling skin care products, report them. The same should be applied to children damaging items in the store, whatever that item might be.

I’m not going to accept, “Well, if I do, I’ll be considered a racist.” If I see the same thing, I’ll be reporting your children no matter what skin color they are. To do so selectively is racism."

Get the Story:
Jo Tallchief: Children behaving badly is a multi-racial thing (The Bemidji Pioneer 8/11)
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Letter: Shopping with Native people in Bemidji (7/29)