The Okanagan Indian Band is standing with Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc following a masked demonstration in Kamloops over the weekend.
At about 7:25 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, officers from the Tk’emlúps RCMP detachment received a report of a large group dressed in black clothing and wearing white masks near Chief Eli Larue Way.
Police said officers responded and engaged with the group, which later left the area and continued through other parts of Kamloops. Members of the group later displayed a banner from the Pacific Way overpass reading, “Got bones?”
Kamloops and Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP Supt. Jeff Pelley condemned the demonstration.
“The posting of a banner bearing the words ‘got bones,’ combined with the use of masks to conceal their identities while making such public statements is a cowardly attempt to avoid accountability for actions and messages that are clearly intended to intimidate, provoke fear and division,” Pelley said.
“The targeting of Indigenous people and Survivors through hate, intimidation and denialism demands a strong response,” the OKIB said in a statement.
The OKIB said what happened cannot be brushed aside, emphasizing that condemnation ofter an incident is not enough.
OKIB said it will also take action within its own community.
“Hate and intimidation directed toward our Members will not be tolerated on Okanagan Indian Band lands,” the OKIB added. “Chief and Council have directed Administration to review the tools available … including our Unwanted Persons Bylaw.”
With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaching, the OKIB said its dire that the attention shall remain where it belongs, “with Survivors, their families and the children who never returned home.”
The OKIB added that the truth does not require validation from any who may deny their history.
