Treaty 8 offices vandalized with racist Nazi symbols

The article below discusses potentially distressing content describing racism and could be upsetting to some readers.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Treaty 8 offices were vandalized with offensive and racist symbols over the Family Day weekend. 

The Fort St. John RCMP is investigating after a vandalism incident on Treaty 8 association offices in the downtown core.

A Facebook post on February 16th revealed the disturbing incident, in which swastikas and profanities were sprayed on the walls of the building located at 10233 100th Avenue.

“I cannot believe our building was vandalized with such hate,” wrote Treaty 8 association executive director Marlene Roy.

“If any of our neighbours have cameras, I would appreciate it if they notified me.”

Connie Greyeyes of the Indian Residential School Survivors Society reshared Roy’s post in which she described the incident as “gross.”

“This is what happens when we become complacent with racism,” wrote Greyeyes. “Allowing people in our lives to get away with small bits of racism because they are family or friends. Time to stand up and call these losers out.”

Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen said, in a statement, that the incident was “unacceptable.”

“There is no place for hate in our city. These actions seek to divide us, incite fear and negate the progress we have made in building relationships with Indigenous communities,” wrote Hansen.

Fort St. John RCMP released a statement, in which they say the vandalism is being investigated as a hate crime.

Anyone with information or surveillance footage is asked to contact Fort St. John RCMP at (250) 787-8140.