UPDATE Mayor says ‘hate will not be tolerated’ in response to racist act

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The Social Planning Council and Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce are also condemning the act which came on Orange Shirt Day, a day meant to bring pause and commemoration to the residential school experience.

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“We as a community need to talk about racism and what it means to be anti-racist and an ally,” stated Cumming. “We must be willing to confront discrimination, hate and racism in all its forms. I encourage you to speak with your children and loved ones about these things so we can learn from our past, as well as from each other’s personal lived experiences. Through this, may we gain a greater appreciation for our diversity and how it helps us become better together.”

Cumming concluded his comments by saying “Today, let us take a step forward and let us lead through example, through compassion, and through an understanding that we are all equal.”

Krystin Kempton, president of the Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement on social media:

“The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is saddened to learn of racist material being circulated at local schools, particularly on Orange Shirt Day when we acknowledge the impact residential schools have had on our indigenous friends and neighbours. In fact, Chamber staff wore orange to remember that all children matter.

We also want to point out that schools and school grounds must be considered a safe environment for all students, families and staff.

We know Greater Vernon to be a caring, open and compassionate community, and we are confident these actions do not represent the majority of residents. That said, we must all reflect on what has occurred and be clear that such actions are not acceptable. Racism will not be tolerated in workplaces, schools, sports fields or anywhere.

Our community, our economy and our lives are enriched by the diversity that exists. We are stronger together.”

The Greater Vernon Chamber has spoken out against racismhttps://t.co/5wwawdIqkd@CityofVernon @SD22Vernon @OkanaganBand @ColdstreamDist @VernonNOkRCMP @SPCVernon @orangeshirt #VernonBC #ColdstreamBC @jmdrogers

— richard rolke (@RRolke) October 1, 2020

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Sept. 30 story

A social advocacy group in Vernon is condemning what it’s calling an act of racism.

The Social Planning Council issued a news release Wednesday evening (Sept. 30), providing details on the discovery earlier that morning of “hundreds of notes linked to a white supremacist website found near some Vernon schools.”

Annette Sharkey of the SPC gave thanks to the parents and school district staff who found the notes and quickly disposed of them.

“Our community needed your outrage and your quick action to stop racism in its tracks,” stated Sharkey. “Racism and hate have no place in our community.”

Sharkey said the incident is particularly disturbing and upsetting, as September 30th is Orange Shirt Day, which commemorates the residential school experience, witnesses and honours the healing journey of Indigenous survivors and their families, and symbolizes commitment to the ongoing process of Truth and Reconciliation.

“We stand in solidarity with Indigenous people and Indigenous communities and are deeply sorry that this has happened in Vernon.”

Sharkey said when an incident like this occurs, people often ask, “What can I do?”

“To parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, please talk with your children about racism and what it means to be anti-racist. We understand that this may be a newer conversation for some families and have posted some resources on our Facebook page. The Okanagan Regional Library also has anti-racism resources on their website, that include information on how to talk with children about racism. This is a starting place and an important step to ending racism and hate.”

The Social Planning Council recently received $7,500 from Resilience BC to host anti-racism projects in Vernon.

“We are partnering with the Okanagan Regional Library, Restorative Justice Society – North Okanagan, and two local Indigenous educators to host an online webinar on how to be an ally. The webinar will be followed by two smaller on-line Peace Circles for people who want to delve more deeply into allyship. These free events are being planned for October 27, November 3, and November 10 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.,” Sharkey added.

More workshops and events are planned for the winter months.

“Every person deserves to feel safe, welcomed, and included in our community.”

For more information, contact: Annette Sharkey at 250- 540-8572 spcno@socialplanning.ca