B.C.’s Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation is condemning racist vandalism in Port Alberni following the defacing of the Orange Bridge with Nazi symbols painted over the message “Every Child Matters.”

In a statement, Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert said the Province stands with Tseshaht First Nation, residential school survivors and community leaders in denouncing the repeated acts of vandalism, noting similar incidents have occurred in the past.

The minister said hate crimes, racist remarks and hate speech have no place in Port Alberni, British Columbia or Canada, adding that such acts are harmful, upsetting and undermine efforts toward reconciliation.

He emphasized the Province’s commitment to ensuring communities are safe and inclusive for everyone.

Herbert also raised concern about what he described as a rise in residential school denialism in B.C., saying it attempts to erase or distort the truth and lived experiences of survivors and their families.

He noted that the impacts of residential schools have been well documented and studied, and that denial undermines healing and reconciliation.

Herbert said this marks the third time the Orange Bridge has been defaced, adding that repeated acts of hate do not erase the truth or stop reconciliation efforts, but instead underscore the need for continued learning and collective action against racism.

To view Herbert's full statement, visit Government of British Columbia.