The NWT’s Human Rights Commission says recent data suggests nearly 90 per cent of Indigenous people and 78 per cent of newcomers living in the territory have experienced discrimination. The findings of the report suggested that a lack of awareness was just one among several reasons why human rights violations were not reported.
The country-wide rate is also significant, with about 46 per cent of Indigenous people and 48 per cent of newcomers reporting experiences of being discriminated against in daily interactions, from workplaces to restaurants and even in using public transportation.
Last week, a summary of the data was released in a report by researchers at the commission. The report’s authors pointed out that while overall about 36 per cent of the country’s general population reported similar experiences, the rates were significantly higher for Indigenous people and newcomers.
In 2025, the authors conducted surveys, interviews, and focus groups with about 100 Indigenous people, newcomers and local organizations in Yellowknife, Dettah and Ndilǫ.
The collective responses of participants suggest that nearly 90 per cent of Indigenous people living in the territory have experienced discrimination, nearly double the national average.
Data from the report showed that 67 per cent of Indigenous participants most often experienced discrimination in stores and restaurants. About 55 per cent experienced discrimination during interactions with police. Nearly 50 per cent experienced discrimination when using public transportation, including taxis and at their workplaces
About 80 per cent of newcomers living in the territory reported that they have experienced discrimination, at a rate that is nearly double the national average. The country wide average in itself is also significant, with about 48 per cent of newcomers reporting the same experience on average. About 52 per cent of those who participated said they experienced discrimination most frequently at work or while applying for jobs. About 33 per cent said that they face discriminatory barriers in their interactions in stores and businesses.
The report’s authors say that the collective responses of participants will help to build a greater understanding of experiences of discrimination. The data has given the commission some level of insight to gauge Indigenous and newcomers’ awareness of human rights and the existence of the commission.
“Despite widespread experiences of discrimination, most participants had not reported incidents to the HRC,” said researchers.
The findings of the report suggested that a lack of awareness or understanding of human rights and the role of the HRC was just one among several reasons human rights violations were not reported.
“Many participants were unclear about what their rights were, how to file a complaint, or whether their experiences qualified. Some newcomers incorrectly believed the HRC only supported citizens or permanent residents.”
Respondents also cited another major reason for not reporting violations, which was related to fear of retaliation.
“Participants worried about losing their jobs, damaging their immigration status, or facing backlash from friends, families, or coworkers if they filed a complaint.”
Some respondents said they felt that the process of reporting would be complicated, but may not be effective.
“Many respondents, especially Indigenous participants, felt that filing a complaint would take too much time, involve too much effort, or would not lead to any meaningful change.”
Some who took part also pointed to the emotional and psychological burden of reporting as another major barrier to reporting violations.
“Participants described the emotional exhaustion involved in filing complaints and the feeling that the process was not designed for them. Some were concerned that filing a complaint would
punish an individual rather than the company they felt was at fault.”
The report’s authors said the data will be used to help the commission work with Indigenous people and newcomers to respond to the barriers and tremendous difficulties discrimination fosters across many public settings.
