Unacceptable Intimidation on Ancestral Lands
In a disturbing turn of events, the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc First Nation recently became the target of a calculated act of intimidation. A group of masked individuals, believed to be white nationalists, descended upon the reserve, leaving the community in shock and sparking widespread condemnation across British Columbia.
Video footage that surfaced online reveals a chilling scene: dozens of individuals dressed in black clothing, their faces completely obscured by white masks, conducting a demonstration on Indigenous land. For the residents of the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc, this was not just a protest—it was a direct assault on their peace and security.
A “Complete Surprise” and a Call for Justice
Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Chief of the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc, described the appearance of the group as a “complete surprise.” According to Casimir, community members and security personnel were quick to act, documenting the intruders and immediately notifying the police.
Key details of the incident include:
- Group Size: Approximately 20 to 30 masked individuals.
- Appearance: Black clothing, hats, and white face coverings.
- Suspected Affiliation: The group is believed to be associated with the Second Sons of Canada, although identities have not been independently confirmed.
- Response: Security forces, backed by the RCMP, successfully removed the individuals from the land.
The Sinister Timing: Truth and Reconciliation Day
What makes this event particularly heinous is its timing. The demonstration occurred just as Canada prepares for September 30, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day.
Established in 2013 in Williams Lake, B.C., this day serves to honour the survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never returned home. Chief Casimir emphasized that this act of hate was designed to detract from the profound meaning of the day, calling it a potential “hate crime” meant to instill fear in the community.
Political Leaders Condemn the Hate
The backlash from political leaders has been swift and severe. Premier David Eby took to social media to express his disgust, stating that the province stands firmly with the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc.
“White nationalists gathering on Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc land to intimidate people is disgusting, dangerous and cowardly – as they hide their faces,” Eby declared.
Similarly, interim BC Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson condemned the gathering, asserting that such hateful ideologies have absolutely no place in British Columbia.
Looking Forward: Resilience in the Face of Hate
While the presence of extremist ideology on ancestral lands is deeply concerning, the strength of the Tkʼemlúps te Secwépemc leadership and the vigilance of their community remain unwavering. As the province reflects on the tragedies of the past during Truth and Reconciliation Day, the community continues to demand safety, respect, and an end to systemic hate.
