Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc Kukwpi7 has called for the resignation of MLA Dallas Brodie, citing what she describes as repeated violations of the B.C. Legislature’s Respectful Workplace Guidelines and the Reconciliation Action Plan’s Call for Accountability.

The Chief announced she introduced a resolution at the BC Assembly of First Nations urging Brodie to step down, saying the MLA has promoted anti-Indigenous rhetoric and residential school denialism both publicly and within the Legislature.

According to the Chief, Brodie’s actions “reflect a continued pattern of colonial violence and disregard for the truth and lived experiences of Survivors.”

Controversial Social Media Post

The latest controversy stems from a social media post in which Brodie wrote: “The number of confirmed child burials at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School site is zero. Zero.”

Indigenous leaders swiftly condemned the statement.
Union of BC Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stewart Phillip called the comment “racist denialist rhetoric,” emphasizing the existence of physical, archival, and testimonial evidence documenting deaths and abuses within the residential school system.

Even BC Conservative Leader John Rustad pushed back on Brodie’s remarks, stating: “Just about every residential school in the country has a cemetery… that’s just the facts.”

Claims About Land Title Case Called “False Narratives”

The Chief also addressed misinformation that Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc is attempting to “take over Kamloops and residents’ homes.” She said the claims distort the Stk̓emlúpsemc te Secwépemc Nation’s Aboriginal title case, filed in 2015, which seeks legal recognition of Secwépemc rights — not eviction of homeowners.

“The SSN Title Claim reaffirms our responsibilities,” she wrote in a letter to members. “It is not about taking land away from others but about asserting our rightful role as caretakers and decision makers within our own territory.”

Resolution Grounded in TRC Calls to Action

The call for Brodie’s resignation, the Chief said, is rooted in several Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, including:

• #43: Implement the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

• #57: Educate public servants on Indigenous history and the legacy of residential schools.

• #75: Work with Indigenous communities to identify and commemorate burial sites of children who died in residential schools.

“This is a call for accountability,” she said, arguing that allowing “racist and denialist views” to go unchallenged undermines public trust and threatens the safety of Indigenous peoples.

“Hatred Is Not Welcome Here”

The Chief expressed gratitude to the City of Kamloops, local businesses, and residents who continue to support reconciliation efforts and reject racist narratives.

“Calling for Brodie’s resignation is about upholding the standards of integrity and respect that must define public service,” she said. “True reconciliation requires meaningful action, and that includes standing up against racism wherever it appears.”

Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, she added, will continue to lead with “truth, dignity, and accountability.”