Kamao Cappo addresses the media outside Canadian Tire store in Regina on August 3, 2017. Photo by Manfred Joehnck.
The Indigenous man who live-streamed being forced out of a Regina Canadian Tire store for suspected theft last week was back at the store Thursday afternoon saying he is ready to forgive and to meet company officials face to face to receive an apology.
Fifty-three-year-old Kamao Cappo was joined by Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations Vice Chief Kimberly Jonathan, who travelled all the way down from Prince Albert to be with him.
Another rally of support was expected, but word never got out. So it was only the two of them at the store. Jonathan live-streamed Cappo singing, drumming and talking about the impact racism still has on Canada’s Indigenous people.
Cappo was initially reluctant to meet with Canadian Tire officials saying he didn’t trust them. He is still being cautious, but would like to get it over with and move on.
“I want to draw this to a close, I want to get on with my life,” he said. “Not that I want to forget all about it. There are times when I just didn’t want to get up and keep going and do the interviews and talk to people.”
Cappo adds his pain is small compared to the greater pain the Indigenous community faces every day because of racism.
He is not sure when he will be meeting with Canadian Tire officials, but he says he wants a lawyer with him.
FSIN Vice Chief Kimberly Jonathan outside Regina Canadian Tire store at centre of Kamao Cappo video. Photo by Manfred Joehnck.
Jonathan says what happened to Cappo happens to Indigenous people every day in Saskatchewan — in schools, hospitals and stores.
She says getting people to talk about it is a good first step.
“Even the people that maybe had no clue that it still continues, that we face this, that our children face this, are starting to study up,” she said. “They are starting to take notice and talk about this and maybe even change their point of view.”
The video of Cappo being forced out of the store has now been viewed by more than a million people, according to Cappo.
It has also garnered national attention. When asked jokingly if a gift certificate and an apology would be adequate, he responded with a chuckle, saying: “Maybe a gift certificate and a chainsaw.” He then said: “At least I can laugh about it now.”