Masked white nationalists reportedly bring 'odious message' to Kamloops

Mounties are investigating a masked white nationalist demonstration that took place Sunday near the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.

The Kamloops Castanet website is reporting that a "group of masked individuals appearing to be associated with Second Sons Canada" staged the event on the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc reserve, near the former residential school, and that RCMP are probing reports that members of the group held a banner reading "Got bones?" above the Trans-Canada Highway.

It was five years ago this past May when the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc First Nation announced that it had discovered hundreds of unmarked graves in Kamloops, B.C., using ground-penetrating radar. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout Canada and brought the residential school controversy to global attention. But in the years since the announcement, the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc has walked back its initial claims about graves at the former Kamloops residential school, and now refers to the findings as anomalies.

Second Sons Canada did not respond Monday to an interview request. On its website, the group, founded in 2024, describes itself as a "Canadian men's nationalist club," and "fraternal organization dedicated to health and fitness, camaraderie, activism and friendly support for those who share our values."

Its members wear masks, according to the group's site, to protect their identities and deny its "adversaries" information.

Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Frank Caputo condemned Sunday's masked demonstration on social media.

"Screw off. Go home. Never come back. Reflect on your poor decisions," Caputo wrote on X. "These cowards refuse to show their faces. Not surprising given their odious message. I will be in contact with Tk'emlúps leadership to offer my support."

In a news release issued Sunday, Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Chief Rosanne Casimir said "that individuals associated with Second Sons Canada, a group linked to white supremacist and white nationalist ideology, have been seen and documented within our community."

Neither Casimir nor the RCMP responded Monday to National Post interview requests.

The group's presence and activity "in our community is deeply concerning and is being taken seriously by Chief and Council," Casimir said in the release. "We recognize the fear, anger and concern this may create for our members, survivors, families and staff. We hear those concerns, and we are taking action."

The "safety and well-being of our members is our priority," said the chief. "Our people have the right to feel safe in their homes, in our community spaces and throughout our community."

The band is "actively monitoring the situation, assessing additional security measures, and working with the RCMP," she said in the release, noting a police file has been opened in the matter.

"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," the chief said.

"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."

She advised band members to "remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings," and not to "approach, confront, or engage with members of this group."

The chief also urged band members to "please continue to look out for one another and check in with our elders, survivors, families, and neighbours who may be feeling concerned," according to the news release.

"White supremacy, racism, and hate have no place in Tk̓emlúps."

Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to the incident in a statement posted on X on Monday.

"The cowardly act that took place at Tk'emlúps te Secwépemc yesterday, is abhorrent. It has no place in this country. My thoughts are with everyone who are shaken and hurt by this disgusting display of hate.

"This week, we will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is a stark reminder of our shared responsibility to confront the devastating legacy of the residential school system and the consequences still felt today. Courageous Survivors shared the truth, so that all Canadians could take up the work of reconciliation."

The City of Kamloops also issued a statement about the matter.

"The City of Kamloops stands in unity with our neighbours at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc," it said in an Instagram post. "There is no place for hate in Secwepemcúl'ecw. As we approach the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we learn from those who have cared for this valley since time immemorial. We stand against those who deny our history and condemn all acts of racism, denialism and hate."

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