A B.C. woman reported facing racial slurs while praying for residential school victims. The RCMP never took her statement.
When Tara Aleck (Nyce) came out onto her front steps at her Pemberton home on May 31, her intention was to honour the 215 children found buried at the Kamloops residential school, and her parents, both survivors of that same school.
She brought sage to add to her smudge bowl, a candle, and a small stuffed toy in the children’s memory. But in the middle of her prayer, she was suddenly accosted by two men in a truck, who were laughing and using racist slurs.
“I kind of was really emotional, just praying for my dad and my mom and all the kids, and these guys drove by and they were laughing, calling me derogatory names,” she said. “I just couldn’t believe it. I was shocked.”
Aleck (Nyce) ended up calling the RCMP after friends and family encouraged her to report what had happened. She said a constable told her he would come and take her statement.
“He never came,” she said. “I waited two, three days, and he never came.”
She said after advocates reached out to the RCMP on her behalf, she was contacted and told the police had spoken to the suspects, and the case had been concluded.
“I was devastated, “ she said. “My voice wasn’t being heard. I basically didn’t matter at that point.”
Aleck (Nyce) ended up sharing her story online, with support from a family friend. She said when media called the RCMP asking for a response, she heard from them yet again, this time from the officer in charge of the Sea to Sky detachment, Insp. Robert Dykstra.
“He basically had told me how appalled he was about how my file was handled,” she said, and added the RCMP were now going to review how her report was dealt with, as well as reexamine her initial complaint. “Basically I was told there was going to be some changes made.”
In a news release, Dykstra said the file had been concluded without obtaining a statement from Aleck (Nyce), though the suspects were visited by an officer.
“We are grateful that she conveyed her concerns to us,” he said. “We shared our concerns with her about the way the file was handled and we assured her that a complete review of the file will occur and will be shared with the complainant to discuss next steps.”
Aleck (Nyce) is hoping that there will be some accountability, and that her story will help lead to change.
“Being treated the way I was is something I never want anyone else to feel. It’s degrading,” she said. “I do want to have a voice. I do want to speak up, and I want others to speak up, too if they see or witness something that’s not appropriate…we’re the change that needs to happen, our voices.”
She is also planning on redoing her vigil at some point.
“I’ve heard stories from my own dad about all the abuse he suffered, and it didn’t define him. He ended up being a political leader, an activist. He fought for his people, he gave us a good life,” she said. “I was raised to value and love all races. I think that collectively us as Canadians should be working together to make Canada a better place.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.