First Nations elder Lawrence Douglas Corbiere recounted being refused boarding by a WestJet agent who disputed the validity of his photo identification card. While traveling from Montreal to Winnipeg on June 30, Corbiere presented his Indian status card as identification, valid until February 2029. Despite this, the WestJet agent claimed the card had expired, leading Corbiere to miss his flight, although he had successfully used the same card for his prior trip from Winnipeg to Montreal just days earlier.
An Indian status card is an official document issued by the Canadian government to registered First Nations individuals under the Indian Act, serving as legal proof of identity and Canadian nationality, acceptable for domestic flights. When the agent declined to reevaluate the card, Corbiere contacted his friend David Harper for assistance, who had aided him during check-in earlier. Harper, after conversing with the uncooperative agent, criticized her rudeness and lack of responsiveness.
Harper spent 2½ hours on the phone with WestJet’s customer service, where staff displayed ignorance about the Indian status card, even questioning if Corbiere was from India. Harper condemned WestJet’s lack of cultural sensitivity and noted the company’s failure to address the situation appropriately. Eventually, WestJet rebooked Corbiere for a flight the next day, offering accommodation, but failed to provide the requested wheelchair assistance for his urgent medical needs.
Harper emphasized the need for systemic change and demanded an apology for Corbiere, as well as improved cultural sensitivity and services from WestJet. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs expressed dismay over the incident, calling it heartbreaking and highlighting the importance of respecting First Nations elders.
AMC Grand Chief Kyra Wilson called for WestJet’s executive leadership to publicly acknowledge the incident, issue a direct apology to Corbiere, implement cultural safety training for all staff, and collaborate with First Nations leadership for reconciliation efforts. Wilson stressed the urgency to combat discrimination faced by Indigenous peoples, urging WestJet to uphold its claimed values of accountability.
Corbiere, still affected by the ordeal, expressed his distress and intention to switch airlines following the incident. WestJet offered an apology to Corbiere for the inconvenience and pledged to contact him directly to address the situation.