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A group of masked individuals believed to be white nationalists entered Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation territory in British Columbia on Sunday morning, drawing swift condemnation from political leaders, law enforcement and Indigenous community representatives across the country.
Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Kukpi7 Chief Rosanne Casimir told Global News that the individuals wore black clothing and hats, with white material covering their faces. She said the photos she reviewed suggested the group belonged to an organization called the Second Sons of Canada. However, Global News has not independently confirmed the identities of those involved or their affiliation with any group.
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Banner and Masks Draw Sharp Criticism
In addition to their presence on the land, the group erected a sign. Kamloops RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley said the banner displayed the words “got bones.” He described the act as deeply troubling.
“The posting of a banner bearing the words ‘got bones’, combined with the use of masks to conceal their identities while making such public statements is a cowardly attempt to avoid accountability for actions and messages that are clearly intended to intimidate, provoke fear and division,” Pelley said in a statement. He confirmed that the RCMP is treating the matter seriously and has launched an ongoing investigation.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also responded, calling the group’s actions “cowardly” and “abhorrent” in a statement posted to X. “It has no place in this country,” he wrote. Carney added that the incident occurred just days before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. He said the timing served as a reminder of Canada’s responsibility to confront the legacy of the residential school system.
Significance of the Location
The Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, formerly known as the Kamloops Indian Band, holds deep historical significance. In 2021, the community announced findings indicating the presence of more than 200 potential unmarked burials on the grounds of a former residential school located there. That discovery prompted national mourning and renewed calls for reconciliation.
The group’s banner, referencing “bones,” appeared to directly target that painful history. Community members recorded video of the individuals on their reserve land during the Sunday morning incident.
Political Leaders Call for Accountability
BC NDP Leader David Eby called the demonstration a “disgusting display” and said it was fundamentally at odds with British Columbia’s values. He pointed to the use of masks as evidence of the group’s awareness that their actions were indefensible.
“If you think you’ve got people on-side, you don’t hide your face,” Eby said. “They know that the repercussions would be swift and merciless, because British Columbians don’t stand for this.” He urged every politician in the province to publicly denounce the group’s actions.
BC Conservative interim leader Lorne Doerkson echoed that call. He described the incident as “absolutely appalling” and said he hoped law enforcement would use every available tool to prevent similar events from occurring again.
Meanwhile, Liberal MP Wade Grant, a member of the Musqueam Nation, said the incident highlighted the urgent need for greater public education about Indigenous peoples and their cultures. “It’s about communicating with our next generations, but also those that are here today,” he told Global News. Grant also warned that residential school denialism continues to reopen wounds that Indigenous communities have struggled to heal for generations. “I don’t want them to grow up in a country where Indigenous and non-Indigenous are separated,” he said, referring to his two young children.
How to Report Information
Authorities are asking anyone with information, photos or video footage related to the incident to contact the Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP Detachment at 250-314-1800 or the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000, citing file number 2026-32566. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Support is also available for anyone affected by the incident or by residential school trauma. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line operates 24 hours a day at 1-800-721-0066. In addition, the Hope for Wellness Help Line offers culturally competent counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples and can be reached toll-free at 1-855-242-3310.
