Oilers’ Bear responds to racist comments on social media

The Edmonton Oilers and people around the NHL are among those rallying behind Oilers defenceman Ethan Bear.

The 23-year-old product of the Ochapowace First Nation was subjected to racist comments on social media after Edmonton was swept out of the playoffs by the Winnipeg Jets.

The Jets tied Game 4 at 3-3 after a turnover by Bear, and Winnipeg eventually won the contest in triple overtime to eliminate Edmonton.

On Wednesday, Bear posted a video on the Oilers’ Twitter feed, addressing the comments that were directed toward him in the aftermath of Monday’s loss.

“I know this doesn’t represent all Oilers fans or hockey fans and I greatly appreciate your support and your love during this time,” he said. “I’m here to stand up to this behaviour, to these comments. I’m proud of where I come from. I’m proud to be from Ochapowace First Nation.

“I’m not just doing this for myself, I’m doing this for all people of colour. I’m doing this for the next generation, to help make change, to love one another, to support one another, to be kind to each other.

“There’s no place for racism in our communities, in sports or in our workplace. So I call on all of us to help make change and to end racism. We all deserve to be treated fairly and at the end of the day, I think we’ll get there.”

"I'm here to stand up to this behaviour… I'm proud of where I come from. I'm proud to be from Ochapowace First Nation. I'm not just doing this for myself. I'm doing this for all people of colour & for the next generation."

Ethan Bear's statement in response to racist comments. pic.twitter.com/3CK6DENnHC

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 26, 2021

The Oilers followed Bear’s video with a tweet of their own, saying they were disappointed “in these disgusting, cowardly and racist remarks.”

“While we have witnessed progress in the area of equality and inclusion, this reprehensible behaviour demonstrates we still have significant work to do,” the tweet continued.

“Ethan Bear is an incredibly skilled hockey player and a beloved teammate. His community-minded efforts both here in Edmonton and in Saskatchewan represent the qualities any organization could possibly ask of its members.

“These comments also fly in the face of the work the organization has done to embrace reconciliation and build a strong and positive relationship with our Indigenous community. We call upon everyone in Oil Country to stand up to racism, call out hatred and do their part in making our community one of acceptance, inclusion and respect.”

Oilers captain Connor McDavid echoed those sentiments in a statement posted to his Twitter account.

“The Racist comments directed at our teammate and brother Ethan Bear are not acceptable,” McDavid wrote. “The individuals who spew this type of hate should think twice about their behaviour.

“Ethan is such a positive role model for the Ochapowace First Nation and does so much amazing work in our local Edmonton community. On behalf of all my Oiler teammates, we stand strong behind Ethan and against racism of any kind.”

The NHL also offered its support to Bear in a tweet, saying he “represents the game and his Indigenous heritage with dignity and pride.”

During his post-season media availability Wednesday, Oilers general manager Ken Holland said he was disgusted by the comments and messages Bear received.

“I feel sick for him, I feel disappointed for him that he would he would get this kind of abuse,” Holland said. “I think we’ve made strides, but there’s a long way to go to create a world where we’re where everybody feels safe and they don’t get this kind of racism and abuse.”

— With files from The Canadian Press