Indigenous persons in the public service face discrimination

Mar 02, 2021 Letters

Dear Editor,

Being an Indigenous employee in the Public Sector is interesting to say the least. Politically, the two main ethnic groups have their cleavages. The political representatives of the Indigenous people always have to align with one of the major political players. In the end, the body politic consumes them and they are lessened to party drivel.
Firstly, Indigenous employees have to work twice as hard to prove themselves. This occurs because at the operational, middle, and upper management levels perceptions of “the Buck Man” lingers. I know of colleagues who have sterling records of contributions, gaining diverse experience, and are academically qualified for advanced portfolios and yet they are bypassed.
Discrimination can be blatant, but it can also be hard to recognize. One of the most common instances of employment discrimination involving Indigenous people is unfair pay. Research will demonstrate a significant racial earnings disparity in numerous sectors between the major races employees and Indigenous employees with similar skill sets. Indigenous people may also be turned down for jobs for which they are qualified or find themselves overlooked for promotions.
The fortunes of the Indigenous employees are revolving as the political fortunes of the ethnically elected Government. This is evidenced in the lack of diversity in the interviewing panels for promotions in the majority of the Public Sector Organizations, more so semi-autonomous agencies. This gives credence to the subtle, and blatant discrimination occurring to my Indigenous brothers, and sisters.
All government agencies should have an introspection, and do the right thing in fairly advancing the careers of career indigenous employees who are deserving, in spite of their race.
Yours truly,
Name Provided

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