The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs spoke out regarding Air Canada's statements made in an internal memo on security in Winnipeg's downtown.
The airline previously announced its flight attendants and pilots will no longer stay at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Winnipeg.
"Recent environmental issues have forced approximately 1,000 displaced people from rural Manitoba to numerous hotels in the downtown area. Instances of public intoxication, resulting in several downtown locations being susceptible to crimes of violence and opportunity, have been observed by local Police," read the memo.
The AMC believes the letter characterizes First Nations people.
The grand chief called on Air Canada to apologize early Monday. If not there's talk of a possible boycott.
"To attribute any community of people as posing an increased risk of violence or criminal activity is just plain and simple racist," said Grand Chief Derek Nepinak of AMC.
CTV News contacted Air Canada for comment, but officials declined to speak. Later Monday afternoon, the company issued a statement:
"Air Canada wishes to state categorically it had no intent to cause offence to any individual or group and apologizes if it inadvertently did so."
Mayor Sam Katz, meanwhile, had hoped Air Canada would change its decision against placing airline pilots and flight attendants in downtown hotels.
"We are no different than any downtown but what Air Canada has decided based on the points they sent out has been totally contradicted. Hopefully, they reconsider," said Katz.
The pilot's union told CTV News they want to stay downtown and were against the relocation.
Currently, they are being housed in a hotel near the airport.
CTV News forwarded the apology from Air Canada to AMC on Monday afternoon.
The AMC said the grand chief would review the apology. The organization has also been reviewing legal options.
- with a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley
