This topic was brought to the owners months ago and the choice to not respond and reach out to have a conversation was theirs to make. Yesterday, some members of our Indigenous community visited with the message to take the tipi down. I was not surprised at how many people understood and acknowledge how the presence of the tipi is oppressive, inappropriate, and should not be in the establishment. 

Upon arrival, all requests to talk were denied....again. An hour into lunch hours, Kevin decided it was fair to greet and allow us to speak about why this is an issue. There was a lot of excuses, request for empathy to understand the business side of things, gaslighting, and entitlement. Thankfully, some community members are still willing to have these conversations. 

Members of our community returned again for dinner hours to continue the request to take down the tipi and inform the community of how damaging cultural appropriation is. This evening there was a small victory and was agreed that alcohol will not be served out of the tipi. I am hopeful that includes the upcoming scheduled events. 

My empathy for the business aspect of things left when you didn't respond as a business owner. I reached out with hope for conversation and advocacy for my culture but that was ignored. My time is just as valuable and took until we are at your doorstep and your business is affected for you to "give us the time" to be heard. As a business owner, I highly recommend dealing with important culture concerns immediately rather than hoping they will just go away. 

No more excuses. Take the tipi down.