Posted: Jul 09, 2021 7:08 PM PT | Last Updated: July 10
Traditional dancing and singing opened a gathering in Esquimalt Friday morning, where chiefs of First Nations on southern Vancouver Island decried recent acts of vandalism and racism in the capital region.(Michael McArther/CBC)
First Nations chiefs from southern Vancouver Island gathered in the Songhees Wellness Centre gymnasium in Esquimalt Friday morning to sign a joint letter denouncing recent acts of vandalism and racism toward their communities and to call for peace and mutual respect.
Songhees Chief Ron Sam said community members from multiple First Nations have experienced escalating racist attacks, both online and in person, after a statue of British navigator James Cook was torn down near the Empress Hotel on July 1 and thrown into the harbour.