The “scavenger hunt” was created as an internal activity for Durham Region municipal staff, in an effort to engage them to learn about Black history and culture. (The Regional Municipality of Durham, also commonly called the Region of Durham or Durham Region, is located about 80 miles east of Toronto.)

Desmond Cole, an activist, journalist and the bestselling author of The Skin We’re In: A Year of Resistance and Power, was the first to share an image of the “scavenger hunt.” A post of his on Twitter shows that the form includes a graphic of the continent of Africa with the words “Can you rise to the challenge?” Participants were apparently asked to complete the hunt between the dates of February 1 and 6, and email responses to Durham Region’s office by 5 p.m. on February 8.

Other activities on the “challenge” include reading a poem by a Black Canadian author; spending time learning about Africa; taking a photo of an item in the home that reminds the participant of Black history; and unscramble and identify six words in the phrase “EYGULLEECCAATTHOIONNERS.”

Author Robyn Maynard (Policing Black Lives) weighed in on the issue on Twitter soon after Cole shared the image, expressing empathy for Black employees who may have been offended.

Many people thought the main issue may be that the region itself is predominantly white. According to Durham’s latest ethnic breakdown statistics, released last May, the region is 70.1 percent white and 8 percent Black.

Other social media reactions ranged from disbelief to outrage. Some people reacted to the suggestion of dancing to a reggae song with funny GIFs and pics.

After word of the “scavenger hunt” started circulating online, the Durham Region’s office issued an official statement on Thursday.

“We are sorry. As part of Durham Region’s Black History Month initiatives, an internal challenge activity for Durham Region staff was a mistake,” reads the statement, which comes signed by John Henry and Elaine Baxter-Trahair, the Regional Chair and Chief Administrative Officer, respectively. “We will continue to learn and engage with the Black community and Black employees to broaden our knowledge and understanding as we strive to achieve a diverse and inclusive workforce. We have a long way to go.”

Newsweek reached out to the Region of Durham’s office, as well as Desmond Cole for further comment, but did not hear back as of press time.