‘This disgusting act is a hate crime’: Penticton Indian Band and surrounding communities speak out against racist graffiti – Penticton News

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Picture: Contributed

File photo of a sign on Penticton Indian Band lands. Several signs on GDP land were vandalized with racist language this week.

Several signs on Penticton Indian Band lands have recently been defaced with racist words and symbols, prompting condemnation from local communities and police.

Penticton Indian Band Chief Greg Gabriel, Mayor Julius Bloomfield and Okanagan Similkameen Regional District Chairman Mark Pendergraft and RCMP Reject Racist Words and Symbols Spray Painted on GDP Lands and condemn those who painted them.

The Penticton Band Council held a special council meeting early Monday morning after learning of the graffiti.

“There is no doubt that this disgusting act is a hate crime and has sparked much renewed anger and pain throughout our community. Since this morning, more signs have been discovered vandalized with more hateful and racist graffiti,” GDP chief Greg Gabriel said in a press release on Tuesday.

“All local governments must send a strong message that this type of racist ugliness will not be tolerated and must be condemned. Our GDP signs may be replaced, but the ugliness of this type of racism will live on in our community for generations.

Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield said no part of these actions should be tolerated.

“These acts of ignorance must be rejected, and the perpetrators should know that their actions strengthen our resolve to walk alongside members of the PIB community and build a stronger relationship,” Bloomfield said.

“Waving a can of paint as a weapon is not an act of rebellion, it is a sign of ignorance and unfortunately it brings up memories of racism and bigotry for members of the GDP. We can’t erase those memories, but we can speak out against racism and continue to do our part to build a better future.

Signs along Green Mountain Road, noting that a person has entered GDP territory and outlining rules for activity, were defaced with common racist language and hate symbols.

“The Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District stands united with GDP and the City of Penticton in speaking out against racist acts and vandalism,” said RDOS President Mark Pendergraft.

“This behavior does not represent the feelings and beliefs of the people of this region.”

RCMP Superintendent Brian Hunter is investigating and is asking anyone who may have information about the vandals to contact police.

“It was an act of hate-motivated vandalism. We don’t know if it was one person or a few, either way it’s not representative of who we are as a community,” Hunter said.

“We have zero tolerance for racist, derogatory or hateful comments and are fully investigating this incident. As a community, we seek to move forward with compassion and understanding and speak out against racism at every opportunity. »

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