Outcry over racially insensitive remarks brings response
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RAVALLI — As of Monday afternoon the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes had not received an apology from Ravalli County Commissioners in regards to racially offensive statements allegedly made by County Planning Board Chairman Jan Wisniewski of Darby.
According to media reports, Wisniewski allegedly made reference to jails full of “drunken Indians” in a meeting where tribal leaders were trying to emphasize the importance of a piece of property known as Medicine Tree that the tribes are trying to acquire.
The commissioners announced on Nov. 27 that they had drafted a letter of apology that will be hand delivered to the tribes, despite receiving a letter from Wisniewski saying that he believed only he should be held responsible for the comments.
Wisniewski’s attorney Robert Myers said that his client made it very clear that he was speaking as a private citizen during the meeting.
“How can somebody apologize for what somebody else did?” Myers said. “He specifically stated that he was not speaking on behalf of the planning board.”
Myers said the quotes referencing “drunken Indians” first printed in the Ravalli Republic were “incredibly botched.”
“We have false claims,” Myers said. “I’m positive he never said those words.”
Whatever context Wisniewski’s words were spoken in, they caused enough of a stir that a commissioner and tribal member immediately responded that they were offended. People in attendance at the meeting did not return calls for comment.
There is not an audio recording of the meeting available to verify the statements.
“When there’s no recording it gets really out of control,” Myers said.
The incident spawned a petition created by Pamela Small of Corvallis on MoveOn.org that demanded an apology from all residents of Ravalli County. The document had 488 signers on Monday morning, and some of them wanted Wisniewski to be removed from his position.
“I am appalled my Mr. Wisniewski’s statement and the back pedaling of the commissioners, he should be sanctioned immediately,” wrote Terri Ward of Victor.
Others simply wanted an apology.
“The comments by Mr. Wisniewski should have drawn an immediate response and reprimand from the commissioners,” Dave Campbell of Hamilton wrote. “Their inaction implies agreement and certainly they are responsible. He should be fired or allowed to resign but no action is not acceptable.”
Many wrote that they wanted to make sure their community was not portrayed as racist.
“This is the most recent of many insensitive behaviors by the current Ravalli County Commissioners,” wrote Barbara Ellis of Stevensville. “I am embarrassed by their ignorance. They do not represent many respectful, good people who support and honor the Salish and Kootenai people and their traditions.”
If removed, commissioner Wisniewski might pursue legal action if he is not reappointed to his position on the planning commission because of the incident, Myers said.
Representatives of CSKT did not return calls for comment.
