Aboriginal candidate opens up about racism she faced during Alberta election

As an Aboriginal woman from Maskwacis, Alta., Katherine Swampy says she's familiar with racial profiling.

But, when the 29-year-old decided to run as the NDP candidate in the Alberta election, this hate intensified into something she hadn't experienced before.

"In the beginning I was surprised," she tells As it Happens co-host Carol Off. "I was quickly reminded of the arrogance and the ignorance that still exists in today's society."

Soon after she announced her candidacy in the riding of Drayton Valley-Devon, Swampy began receiving racist insults through Facebook, email and text. One person referred to her as the "NDP Indian girl." Another individual told her to "quit trying to turn Alberta into a reserve."

But, for Swampy, the comment that "topped the cake" was posted on Facebook. It read: "I support the NDP and I support Katherine Swampy. It's just too bad that she has a higher chance of going missing than winning in this constituency."

At first, Swampy tried to ignore these comments. "While I was campaigning, I didn't let it get to me. I was very busy," she said. "My campaign was about my supporters."

This changed, however, the day before the election. "I started feeling exhausted and I guess I was feeling vulnerable and I admit I shed a few tears."

Through all of this, Swampy persevered. She says this experience has encouraged her to pursue politics further. She is planning on running in the upcoming federal election.

"I'm keeping in mind that people like this are fading away. As we educate our youth to be more accepting and empathetic of others, racism and hate shouldn't be around for much longer."