White Nationalists Taunt Survivors Near Kamloops Residential School, Sparking Widespread Outrage

In a truly unsettling display of hate and residential school denialism, a group of masked individuals, widely identified as white nationalists, staged a disturbing demonstration near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. This brazen act, occurring on a Sunday just days before Canada's annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, has sparked immediate and widespread condemnation from Indigenous leaders and communities across the nation.

Reports indicate that between 20 to 30 masked men, believed to be affiliated with the white nationalist group "Second Sons Canada," gathered first near the hallowed grounds of the former residential school and later moved to a Pacific Way overpass. There, in a move described as deeply offensive and a direct taunt, they unfurled a banner chillingly emblazoned with the words "Got Bones?" Some members also carried black flags, with logos that appeared to match those of Second Sons Canada. Can you imagine the sheer audacity and cruelty of such a message, particularly at such a sensitive location and time?

This isn't just some random protest, you see. It unfolds against the incredibly painful backdrop of the May 2021 announcement by Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, revealing the heartbreaking discovery of what were believed to be 215 unmarked graves at the very site. Since then, researchers at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation have tragically identified 63 children who died while attending that institution. So, for a group to parade with a banner questioning the existence of these lost children—it's nothing short of a direct assault on the truth and the memory of those who suffered.

The response from Indigenous leaders, understandably, was swift, unequivocal, and frankly, heartbreaking. Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir, Chief of Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, unequivocally condemned the actions, calling them "hate-filled" and "disgusting." She highlighted the profound trauma such an event inflicts, especially on residential school survivors and their families. Similarly, y̓ilmixʷm Clarence Louie, Tribal Chair of the Syilx Okanagan Nation, spoke out passionately against the racism and intimidation, emphasizing the need for unity against such divisive acts.

Beyond the immediate outrage, there are calls for concrete action. Terry Teegee, Regional Chief of the B.C. Assembly of First Nations, along with other community voices like the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society (KAFS), has urged the federal government to consider criminalizing residential school denialism as a hate crime. It’s a crucial step, many believe, to protect the truth and prevent such abhorrent displays from recurring. The RCMP, too, responded to reports of the group, who reportedly dispersed upon police arrival, but the damage, of course, had already been done.

Ultimately, this deeply painful incident serves as a stark and unfortunate reminder that the journey toward truth and reconciliation is far from over. It underscores the enduring presence of hate and racism within society and reinforces the vital importance of continuing to listen to, honour, and protect the truths shared by residential school survivors and Indigenous communities across Canada.