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IQALUIT - Seeka Veevee Parsons says when she first spoke out about the New Zealand candies called "Eskimo Lollies," earlier this month she didn't know it would result in such controversy, but now she's making headlines all over the world.

The 21-year-old from Nunavut has faced a lot of criticism for her stance against the popular New Zealand treat. She saw the candies in a store and began to speak out against a product she says is not just offensive, but racist.

Pascall's "Eskimos," sold in New Zealand, are marshmallow candies shaped like people in hooded parkas. Seeka Veevee Parsons saw the candies in a store during her trip to New Zealand and was deeply offended. - photo courtesy of Seeka Veevee Parsons

The 21-year-old from Nunavut has faced a lot of criticism for her stance against the popular New Zealand treat. She saw the candies in a store and began to speak out against a product she says is not just offensive, but racist.

"I am standing up for what I believe in, for those behind me who have fought for their rights, and for my ancestors and attata (father) who are no longer with us," Parsons said in an e-mail correspondence from New Zealand with Northern News Services. "I must be the voice for those who do not have it here."

"I got quite overwhelmed and emotional about all the positive/negative media attention and really started questioning my reasons for spreading this story," Parsons said. "I still stand strong to my beliefs and who I am, even though there were a lot of not-so-nice things being said to me."

Comments on media sites in New Zealand have been just as harsh.

"I am an expat Canadian and let me tell you, if she cannot handle the candies sold in NZ, she can go home, simple as. It should be noted that the "Inuit" perform such acts as clubbing seals to death, as part of their culture, which is worse?" read a comment on 3news.co.nz, a New Zealand media site.

In a statement from Cadbury/Pascall, a spokesperson said the company has only had two complaints about the candy Eskimos in 54 years.

"It has never been our intention to offend any member of the public, and whilst we are disappointed to learn that this traditional New Zealand product has caused any concern, this is only the second time in the product's 54 year history that we have received such a complaint. This shows that the overwhelming majority of consumers do not find Eskimos to be offensive," the statement said.

Parsons said she hopes raising the issue will spark debate about other uses of the term Eskimo.

"I also hope that it starts a discussion about the Edmonton Eskimos football team in Canada, the Eskimo pies (that was just brought to my attention) in Canada, and if we think these stereotypes of our people are right and just acts to a human being and for the Inuit," Parsons said.

As for Eskimo Pies, a statement from Tip Top & Popsicle said the company will not be changing the name of the ice cream treat any time soon.

"Eskimo pie is one of our most popular products here in New Zealand, and a name that's been used by other companies in the U.S. and around the world for almost a century," the statement said. "Given the current feedback received we are unlikely to change the name at this time.