City and Tseshaht First Nation Respond to Racially-fueled Incident

Tseshaht First Nation and the City of Port Alberni have issued a joint statement in response to an incident report in the early hours of June 2, 2020, on the Tseshaht First Nation Reserve:

“This morning, we learned of what appears to be a shocking racially-fueled incident that targeted local First Nations on the Tseshaht Reserve. The incident was reported to local R.C.M.P, who are actively investigating the case. 

As leaders in the Alberni Valley, we will do everything in our power to assist R.C.M.P. in finding these individuals so they may be held accountable for their actions. If you have any information on the incident or want to report other hate crimes that have occurred in the Alberni Valley, please contact Port Alberni R.C.M.P at 250-723-2424.

At this time, we want to thank those that have extended their support to our community. While this incident is upsetting, we are determined to emerge stronger and to use this as an opportunity to foster unity and teach our children what it takes to build a happy, healthy community that respects diversity and celebrates individuality.”

Cynthia Dick, Elected Chief Councillor for Tseshaht First Nation  

“The behavior displayed during this incident is in no way reflective of our community values. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Tseshaht and all First Nations people and will not tolerate racism in our community.

In recent days, much of the world news has focused on the systemic racial divide, and our close-knit community is certainly not immune to these problems, but we have to be better.  We are better. We have to show kindness and respect to all walks of life, and at the same time, unite with one voice when racism rears its ugly head.”

Sharie Minions, Mayor of Port Alberni

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For More Information

Sharie Minions

Mayor for the City of Port Alberni

250.735.9444

sharie_minions@portalberni.ca

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Cynthia Dick

Elected Chief Councillor, Tseshaht First Nation

250-918-8892

cynthiadick@tseshaht.com