White Nationalists Stage Provocative Protest Near Kamloops Residential School Site
Masked demonstrators spark outrage with banner referencing unmarked graves controversy
1Incident overview
RCMP is investigating a masked demonstration by suspected white nationalists near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The group, believed to be associated with Second Sons Canada, displayed a banner reading 'Got bones?' referencing the controversial 2021 unmarked graves discovery. The protest occurred on Tk'emlups te Secwepemc reserve land, sparking immediate condemnation from local leaders and officials.
2Group background
Second Sons Canada, founded in 2024, describes itself as a nationalist men's club focused on fitness and activism. Members wear masks to conceal identities, citing protection from adversaries. The group's website emphasizes nationalist values but doesn't openly declare white supremacist ideology. Their appearance near the residential school site appears deliberately provocative given the location's historical significance.
3Political reactions
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo strongly condemned the protest, calling participants 'cowards' for hiding their faces. Prime Minister Mark Carney labeled the demonstration 'abhorrent' and reaffirmed commitment to reconciliation. The City of Kamloops issued a statement standing with Tk'emlups te Secwepemc against hate, particularly ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30.
4Community impact
Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Chief Rosanne Casimir expressed deep concern about the group's presence, noting potential trauma for residential school survivors. The band is increasing security measures and working with RCMP, who have opened an investigation. Community members were advised to avoid interaction with the group while remaining vigilant about safety concerns in the area.
5Historical context
The protest location holds particular significance following the 2021 announcement of potential unmarked graves at the Kamloops school site. While initial reports suggested hundreds of graves, subsequent investigations have found no confirmed burial sites, with findings now described as anomalies. The original announcement nevertheless sparked global attention to Canada's residential school system legacy.
6Timing significance
The demonstration occurred days before Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which commemorates residential school victims. Chief Casimir noted the timing could heighten distress for survivors. The group's banner directly referenced the graves controversy, suggesting deliberate timing to maximize provocation during a period of national reflection on racial injustice.
7Security response
Local authorities are treating the incident seriously, with RCMP actively investigating. The band council is assessing additional security measures, particularly for vulnerable community members. This includes increased protection for elders and survivors who may feel targeted. The police file indicates potential charges related to hate-motivated incidents or public order offenses.
8Broader implications
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding Canada's reconciliation efforts and the weaponization of historical trauma by extremist groups. It demonstrates how white nationalist organizations are testing boundaries in public spaces, particularly near Indigenous communities. The response will set precedents for handling similar provocations that exploit sensitive historical sites for ideological purposes.