VANCOUVER — TD Bank has settled a human rights complaint with Sharif Mohammed Bhamji, a Muslim-Indigenous man who alleged racial profiling while attempting to open a bank account at a branch in Surrey, British Columbia. Bhamji, a member of the Heiltsuk Nation, expressed hope that his experience will encourage others facing 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," he stated in an interview.

The settlement was marked by a traditional Heiltsuk washing ceremony held on Sunday in Bella Bella, which was attended by Bhamji and TD Bank executives. Heiltsuk Nation Chief Marilyn Slett described the ceremony as a significant step toward corporate accountability. The details of the settlement, including the monetary amount, have not been disclosed. However, the Heiltsuk First Nation indicated that the agreement includes general damages, support for its Urban Heiltsuk Support Team in Vancouver, and funding for the washing ceremony.

The complaint originated in May 2021 when Bhamji visited a TD branch to verify his identity after completing an online banking application. Upon presenting his Indian status card, he reported that a teller questioned its authenticity, seemingly confused by his Muslim last name. Bhamji, whose father is Muslim from India and mother is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation, recalled feeling frustrated and assumed he would have to seek banking services elsewhere.

Unexpectedly, police later visited his home to inquire about the situation. "They realized nothing was fraudulent and no charges were laid, but that situation led us to where we are today," Bhamji explained. He felt compelled to take action, stating, "I felt like I needed to do something, just because it just felt so wrong. The situation felt so wrong."

In response to the incident, TD Bank spokesman Mick Ramos acknowledged the need for improvement. "We recognize that unconscious bias can lead to discrimination and wholeheartedly apologize to Mr. Bhamji for his experience," Ramos said in a statement. He added that the bank has taken steps to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Chief Slett emphasized the importance of the washing ceremony, noting that it sets a precedent for corporate accountability in Canada. "That really aids in the healing of traumatic instances like what happened to Sharif," she remarked.

Slett also highlighted that Bhamji's case is not an isolated incident. She referenced another complaint involving Maxwell Johnson, who, along with the Heiltsuk Tribal Council, settled with BMO after he and his granddaughter were handcuffed in 2019 while trying to open a bank account. Johnson and the Nation also reached a settlement with the Vancouver Police Department, although Slett noted that the arresting officers did not participate in a scheduled washing ceremony, which hindered the healing process.

Both Bhamji and Slett believe these cases can prompt banks and corporations to reevaluate their policies and practices to prevent future occurrences of racial profiling. Bhamji expressed hope for a broader cultural shift, stating that he has since moved his banking business to another institution but holds no ill will toward TD Bank. "I don’t have any negative feelings toward TD Bank. I’m glad they worked with us and were able to find a solution with us," he concluded.