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Band leadership does not condone ‘freedom convoy’
Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it Chief and Council, in conjunction with the Tobacco Plains Development Corporation, issued a media release Feb. 11 stating they do not condone the actions, tactics or spread of misinformation regarding health mandates by the ‘freedom convoy’ protesters.
“We specifically do not condone the misappropriation of First Nations culture and ceremony and the open acts of racism, both publicly and online, this convoy has exhibited in other First Nations’ traditional territories across the country.
“Our First Nations people are already at greater risk from COVID-19, and have been some of the hardest hit since the beginning of the pandemic. We work tirelessly to protect our community and ensure the safety of our most vulnerable. We believe that removing the mandates among the larger population will put our people at even greater risk and will increase the potential that our families will suffer from this deadly disease.
“As political leaders, Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it Chief and Council feel this convoy has been an absolute insult to our chiefs, elders, communities and families, healthcare workers and all those we lost in this pandemic. It is disheartening to see convoy protesters disgracing our ceremonies and traditions by using such sacred items as drums, pipes and medicines to demonstrate their own racism.
“We support current public health measures. We do not support actions and behaviours that infringe upon the right of others as demonstrated by the “freedom fighters” who threaten our health, disrespect our culture and promote hate.
“Roosville border sits on the unceded traditional territory of the Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it and is surrounded by Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it Band lands. Any protests that may occur at this border crossing are not sanctioned by Yaq̓it ʔa·knuqⱡi’it or the Tobacco Plains Development Corporation,” the joint release concluded.
Lead image: ‘Freedom convoy’ protesters are currently gathered on both sides of the Roosville Border Crossing. Pictured are protesters on the B.C./Canada side of the border earlier this afternoon. DriveBC photo
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