Provincial political leaders have spoken out, condemning an apparent white nationalist demonstration at Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc native reserve near Kamloops, B.C.
The group reportedly arrived on Sunday morning. Photos posted on social media show them wearing white masks and matching uniforms bearing shoulder patches similar to those of the Second Sons, a white nationalist group that has held demonstrations in Canada before.
Related: No arrests as white nationalist group stages demonstration in Halifax area
Speaking with media before a flight, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby said the demonstration was “just disgraceful, disgusting behaviour.”
“It’s very clear that these people were trying to intimidate, were trying to make these people fearful. I take some comfort in the fact that they felt they had to wear masks and hide their identity, that they know that the retribution would be severe and instant if they showed who they are,” he said.
“This isn’t who we are as British Columbians, and we have seen a rise in hate. We have seen a rise in this kind of white nationalist behaviour in the province, and we’ve got to do more to fight it; that much is very clear.”
B.C. Green Party Leader Emily Lowan posted on social media echoing Eby’s sentiment.
“I am disgusted by the appearance of white nationalists on the Tk’emlúps te Secwepemc reserve. This is happening just days before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation,” she wrote.
“I stand with Indigenous communities and all marginalized communities in the fight for a future free from racist intimidation.”
B.C. Conservative Leader Lorne Doerkson said the gathering was “hateful and meant to intimidate,” in a post online Sunday morning.
“It has no place in British Columbia, and BC Conservatives condemn it completely. We stand with the people of Tk’emlúps, and we expect the RCMP to investigate fully,” he said.
CTV News has contacted Kamloops RCMP for more information on the matter.
