K’ómoks First Nation Issues Statement Denouncing Comedy Troupe

K’ómoks First Nation has issued a statement after a comedy troupe from Alberta, known for its offensive content referencing the murder victims of serial killer, Robert Pickton, rescheduled a cancelled show in Comox.

The statement begins by saying the Nation remains steadfast in its opposition to any form of racism, hate, and discrimination.

The Chief and Council say Danger Cats has rescheduled their scrubbed May event for September 26th, at an undisclosed location in Comox.

That’s four days before National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

The statement reads, in part: “The timing of this event is an insult to the purpose of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. By attempting to profit from making light of the horrific crimes committed by Robert Pickton, including the murders of Indigenous women and other women who were his victims, the Danger Cats troupe continues to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and trivialize the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.”

The Chief and Council are calling on the community, local governments, and businesses to take a firm stance against the event and to prevent the town from becoming a platform for spreading messages of hate and division.

They are urging all venues in the Comox Valley to reconsider and cancel any engagement with performers who trivialize gender-based violence and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

The Comox Valley Regional District issued a statement of support for K’ómoks First Nation. It said the district is opposed to any form of racism, misogyny, hate and discrimination happening within the region.

CVRD Board Chair Will Cole-Hamilton said entertainers that visit the community must understand that presenting content, which is anti-Indigenous, racist and makes light of gender-based violence constitutes hate speech and that will not be tolerated.

The CVRD said it stands by families, victims and survivors of violence. Confronting racism, sexism, stereotypes, and myth, the statement read, is an important part of taking collective responsibility for safety.

To see the full statement, visit K’ómoks First Nation.