A video shared on social media shows a shocking racist incident aimed at the Tseshaht First Nation near Port Alberni early Tuesday morning.
The footage depicts a white truck driving through the First Nation reserve while its passengers yell racial slurs.
The incident prompted a joint response from the City of Port Alberni and Tseshaht First Nation expressing solidarity with members of their community and denouncing the act.
“This morning, we learned of what appears to be a shocking racially-fuelled incident that targeted local First Nations on the Tseshaht Reserve,” said Cynthia Dick, Elected Chief Councillor for Tseshaht First Nation.
“While the 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.”
The incident has been reported to RCMP who are now investigating.
Port Alberni Mayor, Sharie Minions, also stated that the city will not tolerate racism, and stands with their First Nations neighbours.
“In recent days, much of the world news has focused on systemic racial divide, and our close-knit community is certainly not immune to these problems, but we have to be better,” said Minions in her statement.
