Two advocates supporting the South Asian community in the Northwest Territories express their lack of surprise at facing racist backlash following a recent music video, emphasizing the need for improvement in Yellowknife. The controversial music video, which emerged last week and has since been removed, depicted a group of men driving cars around Yellowknife, brandishing what seemed to be handguns and lip-syncing to a Punjabi rap song. The video elicited a wave of online reactions, including racist and threatening remarks aimed at South Asians in the city.
Individuals interviewed by CBC criticized the video as “entirely inappropriate” and “shameful for their community,” while condemning the racist backlash that ensued. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have initiated an investigation into the video for potential illegal firearms activity.
Silal Shafqat, president of the Association of South Asians in Yellowknife, remarked that such videos are part of Punjabi culture but deemed it unsuitable given the rise in gang violence and drug issues in N.W.T. communities. He emphasized the importance of guests on Indigenous land adhering to Yellowknives Dene laws, culture, and values, stating that displaying such content in a lighthearted manner is insensitive.
Shafqat highlighted that the individuals in the video have faced death threats, which he deemed inappropriate, calling for better community behavior. Sukham Dhindsa, a Yellowknife-based lawyer of Punjabi descent, viewed the video as light-hearted and fun, attributing the subsequent racism to people redirecting broader frustrations towards South Asians.
Dhindsa emphasized the significance of appreciating Indigenous culture and values while fostering mutual learning among all communities through shared aspects like food and music. The RCMP disclosed that the video producer has cooperated with the investigation, acknowledging the impact the videos have had on various racialized community groups.
MLA Kieron Testart of Yellowknife’s Range Lake riding emphasized the need to address public safety and racism issues concurrently in N.W.T. communities, following his meeting with individuals involved in the video. Testart expressed concern over the glorification of gang culture and urged against responding with hatred towards those involved, calling for mature and rational discussions within the community to confront and resolve such sensitive issues.