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First Nations graveyard in Qualicum Bay vandalized with racist graffiti

Oceanside RCMP are investigating after vandals spray-painted racist graffiti in a First Nations graveyard. Qualicum First Nation councillor Tanna Weir said her brother-in-law discovered the damage on Friday.
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Oceanside RCMP are investigating after vandals spray-painted racist graffiti in a First Nations graveyard.

Oceanside RCMP are investigating after vandals spray-painted racist graffiti in a First Nations graveyard.

Qualicum First Nation councillor Tanna Weir said her brother-in-law discovered the damage on Friday.

One of the granite memorial stones was defaced with a racial slur. The vandals also took one of the granite slabs, which features a personalized brass plaque, and damaged a seat on a concrete bench, and the sprinkler system.

“It’s pretty senseless,” said Qualicum First Nation Chief Michael Recalma. “We’re all kind of shocked.”

The graveyard is on Cochraine Road in a remote area of Qualicum Bay.

The graffiti has since been cleaned from the memorial, which holds the ashes of community members who have been cremated.

Weir said the bright spot in this dark episode is the outpouring of support from communities outside the First Nation.

“We’ve had many offers of help to come and clean up the mess, some financial support in helping to replace the nameplate that’s missing,” she said. “We’ve had great response which helps alleviate some of the heavy burden in people’s hearts.”

Recalma is asking the person who stole the nameplate to return it. He also asks anyone with information on the vandalism to contact Oceanside RCMP.