A masked group believed to be Second Sons drew condemnation after gathering in Kamloops with a “Got Bones?” sign.

Days before Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30, a group described as white nationalists gathered on Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc land in Kamloops, B.C. The group is believed to be Second Sons, which describes itself on Instagram as a “Canadian Men’s Nationalist Club.” Members wore white masks, and some held a sign reading “Got Bones?” The sign refers to the group’s belief that there were no residential school graves in Kamloops, a claim that was widely reported in 2021. Journalist Brandi Morin posted video of the gathering on X, saying it came from a source who requested anonymity. The group gathered near the former Kamloops Indian residential school at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc Nation.

BC NDP Leader David Eby called the gathering disgusting, dangerous and cowardly, saying the group was trying to intimidate people while hiding its members’ faces. He said he stood with Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc and everyone targeted in Kamloops, and said white supremacist organizing was on the rise. Eby later told reporters the behaviour was “disgraceful” and “disgusting.” Lorne Doerkson, interim leader of the B.C. Conservatives, said the gathering was hateful and intended to intimidate. He said it had no place in British Columbia, his party condemned it completely, and he expected the RCMP to investigate fully.

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Chief Rosanne Casimir said in a statement that the presence in the community of people associated with white supremacist and white nationalist activity was deeply concerning and was being taken seriously by Chief and Council. She said the community recognized the fear, anger and concern it could cause for members, Survivors, families and staff, and was taking action. With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation approaching, she said the group’s presence could heighten concern, particularly for Survivors, Intergenerational Survivors and their families. Casimir also urged community members to stay vigilant, be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity to the RCMP, citing police file 26-32568.

Prime Minister Mark Carney called the act at Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc the previous day abhorrent and said it had no place in Canada. He said his thoughts were with everyone shaken or hurt by the display of hate. The Kamloops and Tk’emlúps Rural RCMP also condemned the demonstration. In a release, police said posting a banner bearing the words “Got Bones?” while wearing masks to hide their identities was a cowardly attempt to avoid accountability. They said the actions and messages were clearly intended to intimidate and provoke fear and division.

The report also said a White Lives Matter post received considerable support and celebration in its comments. Some people called for Second Sons to be declared a terrorist organization in Canada, while other residents also reacted to the news.