The leadership at Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is chastising those who attempted to shout down Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the ceremony on Monday marking the 215 anniversary.

In a statement, Kukpi7  Rosanne Casimir says she is “extremely disappointed that attendees of the Memorial were shouting rude remarks and insulting the organizers and guests.”

She goes on to say that their cultural protocols dictate that they always hold guests in high regard, saying the behaviour of a few, disrespected the honour of the day and the Elders, survivors and children that were present.

“We do not condone the disruptive behaviour. We understand that the day was triggering for some, which is why cultural and mental health supports were available. We also want to thank all of those that followed our cultural protocols and showed their respect,” said Casimir.

Casimir says in the future, all participants will be required to respect their protocols, or they will be asked to leave.

Before being introduced by Casimir on Monday afternoon at the Pow Wow Arbour, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was screamed at by some in the crowd, telling him the federal government didn’t belong there.

Trudeau addressed the issue during his brief comments at the Arbour on Monday, saying those who were there had reason to be angry.