Aboriginal woman granted human rights hearing

The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal says an aboriginal woman who claims a nightclub bouncer denied her entry because she was wearing moccasins can proceed with her complaint against the establishment.

Colleen Mitchell White claims a doorman at the Roxy Cabaret refused to let her inside in March 2009, citing her moccasins and telling her there were no buffalo for her to hunt inside the bar.

Mitchell White also claims the doorman physically removed her from the premises, punching her in the jaw, and then called her a prostitute.

The Roxy Cabaret has denied there was any discrimination and said Mitchell White was intoxicated, confrontational and violent.

The tribunal initially dismissed the complaint, but earlier this year the B.C. Supreme Court ordered the rights body to reconsider that decision.

In a written decision posted to its website, the tribunal said the Roxy Cabaret has failed to demonstrate Mitchell White's complaint has no chance of succeeding, and therefore it can proceed.