VANCOUVER — A human rights complaint has been resolved between TD Bank and Sharif Mohammed Bhamji, a Muslim-Indigenous man, who alleged he was racially profiled while attempting to open a bank account in a Surrey, British Columbia branch. Bhamji, who is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation, expressed hope that his case will inspire others who have faced similar injustices to come forward.
“It’s not the solution but it’s definitely part of it, and I’m glad to be part of a solution,” Bhamji stated during an interview.
On Sunday, Bhamji and executives from TD Bank participated in a traditional Heiltsuk washing ceremony in Bella Bella, a ritual aimed at healing that the elected chief of Heiltsuk Nation described as essential for corporate accountability. The terms of the settlement, including the monetary value, have not been disclosed; however, the Heiltsuk First Nation indicated that the resolution encompasses general damages, support for their Urban Heiltsuk Support Team in Vancouver, and expenses related to the washing ceremony.
The issues reached a boiling point when Bhamji visited a TD branch near his home in May 2021 to verify his identity after completing an online banking application. Upon presenting his Indian status card, the teller expressed confusion over his Muslim last name and claimed the card was fraudulent, prompting Bhamji to leave the bank in frustration.
“I ended up leaving frustrated,” Bhamji recounted. He initially thought that his experience was a closed chapter, as racial profiling was not new to him. “I thought our business was ended and I would have to find somewhere else to go,” he added. However, the situation escalated when police arrived at his residence, investigating the matter and questioning him about his name and status. Ultimately, they determined that there was no fraudulent activity and no charges were filed.
“That situation led us to where we are today,” Bhamji noted regarding the human rights complaint. He felt compelled to act, as the incident struck him as profoundly unjust.
In a written statement, TD Bank spokesperson Mick Ramos acknowledged the bank’s shortcomings and emphasized their commitment to improving their processes to prevent similar incidents in the future. “We recognize that unconscious bias can lead to discrimination and wholeheartedly apologize to Mr. Bhamji for his experience,” Ramos conveyed, expanding the apology to include Bhamji’s family and the Heiltsuk Nation community.
Chief Marilyn Slett of the Heiltsuk Nation remarked on the significance of the bank's participation in the healing ceremony, describing it as a pivotal move towards corporate accountability within Canada. “That really aids in the healing of traumatic instances like what happened to Sharif,” she stated.
Slett also pointed out that Bhamji's situation is not an isolated event, referencing another human rights complaint by the Heiltsuk Nation against BMO. In that case, Maxwell Johnson, with the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, reached a settlement after he and his 12-year-old granddaughter were handcuffed in 2019 while attempting to open a bank account. Although they settled with both BMO and the Vancouver Police Department, Slett mentioned that the arresting officers withdrew from a scheduled healing ceremony, limiting closure for the community.
“Both scenarios go a long way in bringing awareness to racial injustices,” Slett emphasized, suggesting that such cases encourage banks and corporations to reevaluate their policies to prevent future discriminatory practices. Bhamji echoed this, expressing hope for a broader cultural shift, and noted that he has since taken his business to another bank where he plans to remain.
“I don’t have any negative feelings toward TD Bank,” Bhamji concluded. “I’m glad they worked with us and were able to find a solution.”
