NDP MP Leah Gazan is calling on all governments to take greater action against Residential School denialism after a white nationalist demonstration that took place on Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation on Sunday, September 27.
Between 20 and 30 white nationalists, identified as being affiliated with the Second Sons Canada, trespassed on Tk’emlups near Kamloops, BC and remained there until they were removed by the RCMP.
Gazan said that the hate-fueled demonstration promoted Residential School denialism and called for a full investigation.
“This demonstration is a part of the escalating and harrowing attacks from residential school denialists, seeking attention and monetization from the promotion of hate. I join the Assembly of First Nations’ calls for a full investigation, and for governments to take urgent action to respond to residential school denialism with the urgency and seriousness needed to protect the safety and dignity of survivors,” she said in a statement.
For 150 years, First Nations, Metis and Inuit children were abducted from their families and forced to attend Residential Schools. Many faced abuse, and many never returned home.
The hate demonstration happened just days before the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, a day meant to commemorate the horrors of the Residential School system.
“With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaching on September 30, we recognize that the presence of individuals associated with this group may heighten concern, particularly for Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, and their families,” said Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Kúkpi7 (Chief) Rosanne Casimir in a statement.
“The presence of individuals associated with white supremacist ideology on Tk̓emlúps lands will not deter Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, Indian Residential School Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, or their families from continuing to share the truth, honour the children, and advance the work of truth, accountability, and reconciliation.” the statement goes on to read.
Gazan has worked to ensure that those responsible for promoting hate and Residential School denialism are held accountable.
“Survivors have asked governments to protect their safety and their stories from residential school denialists, which is why I put forward Bill C-254 to add residential school denialism to the Criminal Code as an incitement of hate. This issue is non-partisan. That is why I have offered the Liberals my bill to take on as a government bill and criminalize residential school denialism once and for all. It is incumbent on the Liberal government to ensure the safety of survivors,” Gazan said.
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