Thread by @OmayraIssa

Dispatches from the Prairies.
A thread
1/ Today Prince Albert held its first #BlackLivesMatter rally. Hundreds were in attendance.
Last time I was in Prince Albert, I spent the day at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. I was reporting on life behind bars. #skpoli #canpoli

2/ The Saskatchewan Penitentiary is a federal prison, where 60% of the inmates are Indigenous. That’s twice the national average. A large number of the protesters at the #BlackLivesMatter rally in PA were Indigenous. #skpoli #canpoli

Today, the @fsinations issued a statement in support of #BlackLivesMatter, while asking for "sweeping changes in the criminal justice system". Keep in mind, the #GeorgeFloydProtests are about anti-Black racism and police violence. #canpoli #skpoli

4/ On the Prairies, Black and Indigenous people are exposed to police violence. I have received dozens of accounts from Black & Indigenous people on the Prairies about it this week, and there are reports showcasing this. #BlackLivesMatter #skpoli #canpoli

5/ Now, I’ve also spoken to Indigenous activists who say the protests are about #BlackLivesMatter and that it’s about amplifying Black voices and realities. It is always important to contextualize protests in the place where they are happening. These are the Canadian Prairies.

6/ Here, I am contextualizing the solidarity at these protests.

7/ Spoke to Kevin Joseph. He is a Cree man born and raised in Prince Albert. He said he had to be at the #BlackLivesMatter protest. "This is my hometown. I have experienced police abuse as has my family. Today isn't about our issues. We are here in support." #GeorgeFlyod #skpoli