The sign is for the band’s property about eight kilometres south of Campbell River, which they purchased so they can put up homes for the band’s members. Tlowitsis Nation calls the initiative “Nenagwas” – a place to come home to.
Dallas Smith is a member of the Tlowitsis Nation and says the incident is frustrating.
“The whole process has been long and drawn out. We’ve probably been in some form of discussion and negotiation for the better part of four years. Acquiring the land, and getting it reserve status… starting to do our community planning and we get it all done and we have a little celebration in the summer and there’s a lot of positive energy and for this to happen was a little bit frustrating,” he said.
Smith said the incident may be frustrating, but it won’t deter them in any way. In fact, it’s shown them that the community around them is supportive, as they’ve received tips on what happened and Smith said one of the homeowners in the area called the police for the band.
“But while we’re frustrated and a little disturbed by what happened, we don’t want to give it any more attention than it deserves. The term “hate crime” has been bounced around a little bit, but that just blows things in a direction that’s not really helpful at the end of the day,” he added.
He said they will make the sign a bit more secure, as well as add a camera to record the area, and the band will keep positive and move forward from it.
There is no word yet on who vandalized the sign.
