BCHRTF fetes human rights

SANDPOINT — The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force is back in a big way.

After a year without much activity, the task force’s annual meeting on Tuesday attracted an attendance of more than 50 people. That was likely due in part to the evening speaker, longtime human rights advocate Tony Stewart, who had encouraging words for the group in the wake of white supremacist Shaun Winkler’s bid for sheriff.

“It’s an honor to speak to a group I have great admiration for,” Stewart said. “You have a mission that is absolutely essential to this beautiful county.”

Stewart related his experiences with the Kootenai County Human Rights Task Force and its many battles with white supremacist groups around the Coeur d’Alene area. While the struggles were often difficult and prolonged, an effective relationship with media outlets, prosecutors and law enforcement made the difference in standing up for human rights legally and effectively. More than anything else, he said victories only arrived after individuals took charge and galvanized the community to the cause.

“We need leaders to stand up and say, ‘We’re not afraid, and we will counter your message of hate with one of dignity and respect,’” Stewart said.

Regarding Winkler, Stewart found it troubling that he was able to purchase land near Priest River to set up a compound and even more disheartening that more than 180 individuals voted for his sheriff’s candidacy. However, he also said that just reinforced the indispensable value of the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force and the need for the community to rally behind it.

“My advice would be to not take your eye off the prize,” he said, later adding, “They may be here, but it’s not their community — it’s yours.”

Stewart advised community members that three measures in particular will help represent the county as one firmly against bigotry. First, people should use the local human rights task force as a resource whenever examples of discrimination arise. Second, victims of hate crimes should report them immediately after they occur. Finally, whenever the task force or other organizations host human rights events, residents need to attend in strong numbers.  

The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force board used this annual meeting to regroup for just such an effort. Given the great meeting attendance, several people expressed an interest in more active participation in human rights protection.

To do that, the group has forms available that anyone who feels they’ve been a victim of human rights violations can fill out. Those reports will give task force members a basis to advocate on their behalf.

Email the task force at bchrtaskforce@gmail.com to get involved or request a human rights violation form.