Updated September 28, 2026: Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc says masked individuals associated with Second Sons Canada, a group the Nation described as linked to white-supremacist and white-nationalist ideology, gathered on Tk’emlúps lands on Sunday, September 27. Kamloops and Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP are investigating.

Black-and-white illustration accompanying Powwow Times coverage of the September 27 gathering on Tk’emlúps lands.

The gathering took place only days before the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30. In a message to members, Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir said Chief and Council were taking the incident seriously, working with police, reviewing added security measures and preparing precautions so community members could gather safely.

What happened on Tk’emlúps lands

Police received a report at approximately 7:25 a.m. on September 27 about a large group near Chief Eli Larue Way. Local reporting described participants wearing black clothing, black hats and white face coverings. Images circulating publicly appeared to show Second Sons Canada logos on some clothing.

According to reporting based on an RCMP statement, officers attended and spoke with the group. The people then left the area, while related activity continued elsewhere in Kamloops. Images later showed masked individuals displaying a banner that mocked the search for children who never returned from residential schools.

RCMP Superintendent Jeff Pelley characterized the masks and message as an effort to intimidate and create fear and division. Police said the matter remains under investigation and that potential offences will be examined. No criminal charges had been announced as of this update.

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc responds

In its official statement, Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc acknowledged the fear and anger the gathering could cause for members, Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors, families and staff.

Kúkwpi7 Casimir said the Nation would continue to share the truth, honour the children and pursue accountability and reconciliation. Her message to the community was direct: “We will not be intimidated.”

The Nation advised members not to approach or confront people associated with the group, to remain aware of their surroundings and to call 911 if there is an immediate threat. It also asked people to rely on official updates and check on Elders, Survivors, families and neighbours who may be affected.

Why the timing is especially painful

Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc is home to the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The Nation continues the careful work connected to Le Estcwicwéy̓, the Missing, while Survivors and families carry the ongoing impacts of the residential school system.

The gathering happened three days before September 30, when communities across Canada honour residential school Survivors and remember the children who never returned home. Learn more in Powwow Times’ Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation guide.

How to report information

Anyone with information, photographs or video connected to the incident can contact Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP at 250-314-1800 or Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000. Call 911 in an emergency. Because published reports have listed different police file numbers, callers should ask the detachment for the current incident reference.

Support is available

This story concerns residential schools, racism and intimidation. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419. Indigenous people across Canada can also contact the Hope for Wellness Help Line at 1-855-242-3310 or use the online chat at hopeforwellness.ca.

Sources

This is a developing story. Powwow Times will update this page when Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc or police release material new information.

admin
admin