Editor:
Regarding your recent coverage of the Conservative rally in Powell River, I feel compelled to speak out about a glaring oversight in the reporting of this event, in particular the forcible ejection of several members of the Tla’amin nation, on whose ancestral lands the event was taking place.
According to the social media (Facebook) post by Ta’Kaiya Blaney, who stated she and her friend were not expecting to be allowed in but were able to enter the room, carrying their drums.
After a short while they were surrounded by security and RCMP and told to leave as it was against “policy” for them to carry their drums. In the ensuing confrontation, which was filmed on video and posted, the young women are told it is a “private event” and threatened with possible arrest for “causing mischief” if they did not leave. By this time, they were drumming and singing in protest.
I was unaware that political rallies were private events –– it seems like an afterthought excuse for ejecting these young women.
Even if your reporter missed this incident, the Global Television was present and subsequently ran their story under the banner “Pierre Poilivre Drums Up Support,” again without any mention of the protest, which must have been audible. An unfortunate and possibly tone deaf choice of words.
Obviously there was considerably more going on then the “ax the tax” protest referred to in your article.
Just hoping to set the record straight.
Julia Frittaion
Sechelt
