# White Nationalists Stage Provocative Protest Near Kamloops Residential School Site Masked demonstrators spark outrage with banner referencing unmarked graves controversy - **Source:** [National Post - RSS Feed](https://nationalpost.com/) - **Published:** 2026-09-28 - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/07a80b6f-4dbf-480b-9ff7-4bfdfc384e8c ## Incident 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. ## Group 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. ## Political 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. ## Community 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. ## Historical 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. ## Timing 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. ## Security 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. ## Broader 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. ## Sources covering this story - https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/kamloops-residential-school-white-nationalists — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._