RCMP have launched a hate crime investigation after symbols and derogatory language were spray-painted on the Tribal 8 Treaty Association building in Fort St. John.
A number of swastikas, that have since been covered up, were discovered on the side of the building facing 100th Avenue over the weekend.
The symbol, historically tied to anti-Semitism, has also come to be recognized as a ‘universal’ representation of hate, according to the Anti-Defamation League.
The markings were paired with a message under an “Every Child Matters” sign, which lists the number of children who never returned home after the discovery of potential unmarked graves at Canadian residential schools, that read “F*** UR KIDS.”
RCMP say the investigation remains ongoing, and they are currently seeking video surveillance.
In a statement, Mayor Lilia Hansen ‘strongly’ condemned the racist graffiti, saying the act contradicts the city’s core values of fostering respect, inclusion, and unity.
“These actions seek to divide us, incite fear, and negate the progress we have made in building relationships with Indigenous communities,” said Hansen. “We must all work together to ensure that Fort St. John is a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.”
“To those responsible, your actions do not represent who we are as a community, and we trust that you will be held accountable,” said Hansen.
Speaking with CJDC-TV, Treaty 8 Tribal Association Executive Director Marlene Roy described feeling angered and disheartened when she first learned of vandalism.
“It’s the first time our building has ever been vandalized like that, and we’ve been here since the eighties,” said Roy. “It just further reinstates a fact that racism is still alive and well in northern B.C.”
Having been born and raised in Fort St. John, Roy says when it comes to racism experienced by Indigenous people in the city, not much has changed.
“I can still be followed around the store,” explained Roy. “I can still be looked at-- there’s still a lot of stereotyping.”
Roy says six volunteers were in the building the day of the incident, preparing proposals for the Spirit of the Peace Powwow that takes place every June in the District of Taylor.
“It very well could have happened while we were in the building working,” said Roy, who still doesn’t know if police have been able to retrieve video surveillance.
Roy whose parents are residential school survivours, spoke about being raised to learn how ‘to walk in both worlds’ while still having respect for all people.
“I think people need to quit being silent and people need to stand up for themselves for what they know is right,” said Roy.
The Association has since been approached by organizations offering to pay for the cost of a mural to cover the vandalized wall, with discussions underway with Chiefs of the Nations it represents.
To the perpetrator, Roy says that their actions didn’t put any fear into Association, which she described as a safe space for many in the community.
“It takes a coward to do stuff like that,” finished Roy.
Mounties are asking anyone with information to contact the Fort St. John RCMP.