Xavier Dearhouse complains of being treated racistly at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield branch of the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) because he does not speak French.
The 20-year-old Mohawk, a member of the Kahnawake community, believes he has experienced prejudice because he is Indigenous. “I waited at the branch reception to make an appointment for my driving test,” he says in an interview, still panting from shock.
When it was my turn after an hour of waiting, I was spoken to in French. I told them that I didn’t understand French and if it was possible to help me in English.
The young man appeared at the branch on November 10th. He explains that the SAAQ employee then refused to answer him in English. She pointed to a sign on the wall. Because I don’t understand French. I told him that I couldn’t understand what that sign said.
In Quebec it is possible, in certain cases, to be served in English in state-owned companies. The province’s Official and Common Language Act also provides exceptions for certain populations, particularly indigenous peoples.
Xavier Dearhouse, on the other hand, says he repeated several times that he was a First Nation, but nothing helped and he was denied any service in English. Every time I tried to explain myself I was told “no” and “no.” A few minutes later, the employee asked the security guard to throw me out of the branch.
I asked if another person could serve me as I knew there were other staff members who could speak English after I heard them say a few words. But as soon as they saw I was from Kahnawake, I noticed a closure on their part.
However, he says he paid $40 to book his driving test, a process that costs $31. Ultimately, he couldn’t get the receipt or his change back. They took the money and I was told to leave the branch. So I have to pay another driving test and return to another branch.
The SAAQ defends its employees
In an email exchange, the SAAQ confirmed that it was aware of the incident at the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield branch. However, the organization defends its employee and reiterates that Mr Dearhouse’s attitude required the intervention of a security officer. The customer refused to calm down and remain respectful to the waiter, wrote spokeswoman Geneviève Côté.
The Mohawk denies these allegations. On the contrary, he claims that he himself was a victim of an injustice linked to his identity. Yes, I was angry, but I was never violent or disrespectful. Indigenous people should be allowed to speak the languages they understand, he adds.
He also said he was saddened by the reaction of other customers who were present at the branch that day. “No one came to help me or support me,” he whispers. There was a man who told me that if I couldn’t express myself in French, I had better leave the place.
Xavier Dearhouse says he had the support of his community. This is the first time I’ve had an experience like this, but I know it probably won’t be the last. Unfortunately, the rejection of indigenous peoples still exists in our society.