A recent act of racism is an embarrassment for every qathet region resident, even though the act itself was carried out by a few, or perhaps one individual at a location on Texada Island.
Tla’amin Nation leadership has expressed deep concern about the disturbing incident at lɛχʷamɛn (Pocahontas Bay), which is more than warranted.
Signs installed at the entrance reminding visitors to clean up after visiting, respect the land by not cutting down trees, and report infractions to Tla’amin government staff, were targeted by the vandal(s), who directed racist remarks at the nation and its citizens with a black marker.
“This act of racism is a reflection of the systemic discrimination that Tla’amin citizens continue to experience on a daily basis,” stated hegus John Hackett, in a media release. “It is very unfortunate that people continue to disrespect our nation and lɛχʷamɛn. I don’t think the residents of Texada and the broader qathet region appreciate this kind of negative attention.”
North Island MP Rachel Blaney, Powell River-Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons and former qathet Regional District chair Patrick Brabazon each issued strong denouncements of the act of racism on Texada, as should everyone.
Baby steps forward have been taken toward reconciliation by City of Powell River, qathet Regional District and Tla’amin Nation governments. It’s unfortunate that the act of one, or a few, can cast a dark shadow on what many people are trying to accomplish, but it also lifts a veil. Who else and how many other racists inhabit what many of us refer to as a paradise?
Whoever you are, please be quiet, or at least resort to only sharing your cowardly comments with your fellow racists. No one else wants to see or hear them.
Anyone who witnesses acts of hate, racism or vandalism of Tla’amin property should call Tla’amin lands development at 604.414.5557, or local RCMP at 604.485.6255.
