Jocelyn Wabano-Iahtail shuts down disrespectful white journalists over a question asking if Justin Trudeau is responsible for Missing Indigenous Teens in Northern Ontario.

More information here:

Indigenous women call reporter ‘white lady,’ demand she leave press conference

And that headline on the linked article is a shameful example of exactly what Ms. Wabano-Ishtail was talking about! White fragility at its finest. Out of all the important things she said, reporters think her use of the term “white lady” is the most news worthy.

She is putting herself on the line to educate white people about issues our ignorance and privilege stops us from understanding. We should fucking thank her, not compound the disrespect and harm like that.

Person in background: Stop right now.

Jocelyn Wabano-Iahtail: Don’t speak to us that way. You’re a guest here, and you don’t even know how to speak to us. You don’t even recognize the tone in your voice in your delivery. No you’re done. You’re done. Next question.

Reporter: I’ll-I’ll re-ask what [ inaudible ] question, how do you think

Person off screen: You want to re-ask?

Reporter: Yes.

Jocelyn Wabano-Iahtail: You better be respectful.

 [ inaudible chattering in background ] 

Reporter: I’m being totally respectful. I’m asking how Justin Trudeau record, compared to Stephen Harper’s record, do you think he’s improved the situation. I think that is what Julie was asking. 

[ inaudible chattering off camera ]

Jocelyn Wabano-Iahtail: We have a holistic genocide happening here. 

Female Reporter: I can speak for myself

Jocelyn Wabano-Iahtail: And I can speak for myself. You know what white people? You’ve had your voice here for 524 years. 524 years you’ve been visible, white lady. You’ve been visible for 524 years. Look how fast your white man stands up for you. Where is everybody else who will come and stand up for us? I have a right to my voice, I’m still fighting for my voice, and my visibility. 

Reporter: We asked a question about what you–