“[Brodie’s] repeated expressions of denialism and acts of racism and discrimination are not isolated incidents; they reflect a continued pattern of colonial violence and disregard for the truth and lived experiences of Survivors,” wrote Casimir in the letter.
Brodie and fellow OneBC MLA Tara Armstrong were among a group of public speakers who attempted to hold court on the Thompson Rivers University campus last week before they were shouted down by counter-protesters.
In addition to residential school denialism, Casimir chastises Brodie for misrepresenting the Stk’emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation’s decade-old title case that covers a broad area, including all of Kamloops and Sun Peaks. Rather than trying to “take over Kamloops and residents’ homes” — a claim Casimir attributes to Brodie — Casimir says the claim is meant to gain recognition of Secwépemc rights.
“I have recently shared a letter to membership that ‘[t]he SSN Title Claim reaffirms our responsibilities. It is not about taking land away from others but about asserting our rightful role as caretakers and decision-makers within our own territory. The goal is to restore balance, advance recognition of Secwépemc jurisdiction, and strengthen collaboration with all those who share our lands and communities,’” wrote Casimir.
Casimir’s office did not respond to CFJC Today‘s requests for comment on the SSN title claim last week.
In her letter, Casimir says her resolution to the BCAFN is meant to demonstrate how anti-Indigenous rhetoric can cause real harms.
“This is a call for accountability to stem the very real harm of individuals who promote or excuse racist and denialist views to remain in positions of power,” she wrote. “They are determined to undermine public trust, reconciliation, and threaten the safety of Indigenous peoples.”
