White-nationalist gathering on Tk’emlúps land condemned before TRC Day

Leaders across British Columbia condemned a gathering of masked men linked to the white-nationalist group Second Sons Canada on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc land near Kamloops on Sunday, three days before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Kúkpi7 Rosanne Casimir said the nation received reports of roughly 20 to 30 men in white face masks and black caps on the reserve. Community security asked them to leave; they departed after RCMP arrived.

Kamloops RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley said officers engaged the group near Chief Eli Larue Way about 7:25 a.m. PT. He said a banner reading “got bones,” combined with masks, was a cowardly attempt to intimidate and provoke fear. The RCMP opened an investigation and asked the public for tips, photos or video.

Casimir said Truth and Reconciliation Day events on Sept. 30 will proceed. “We will not be intimidated,” she said, adding the incident would not stop the community from honouring survivors and children who never returned home. Prime Minister Mark Carney, B.C. NDP Leader David Eby and other party leaders denounced the display as hateful and unacceptable.