The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs has called for a six-month boycott of Air Canada for an internal memo that linked crime to Native refugees.

The memo did not mention Native refugees outright. But it said that people who have relocated to Winnipeg as a result of "recent environmental issues" in the province are to blame for a rise in crime in the downtown area.

"Are we going to support a company that makes racist remarks against my family members, against my friends that are unwarranted, or will I fly with another carrier that's a little more socially responsible than that?" Grand Chief Derek Nepinak told CBC News.

In the memo, Air Canada explained why it won't house its crews in downtown hotels. About 100 people from First Nations across Manitoba have been staying in Winnipeg due to massive flooding on reserves.

Get the Story:
Manitoba chiefs boycotting Air Canada (CBC 10/17)
Chiefs use no-fly tactic (The Winnipeg Free Press 10/18)

An Opinion:
Editorial: Clear the air (The Winnipeg Free Press 10/18)