LETTER – City can’t legally deny rental request for upcoming OneBC event
(Image: Mel Rothenburger)
The City of Kamloops respectfully acknowledges that we are on the traditional and unceded territory of Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, and we recognize the importance of our relationship as we work together toward truth, respect, and meaningful reconciliation.
We are aware of an upcoming event at a municipally owned facility in Kamloops booked by OneBC with MLA Dallas Brodie.
We recognize that this event has and will generate concern within our community, particularly given the broader context of ongoing public discourse related to reconciliation, Indigenous rights, and residential school denialism.
The City of Kamloops is unequivocal in its position. We do not support or condone residential school denialism, anti Indigenous racism, or any form of hate speech. These perspectives are harmful, undermine reconciliation, and stand in direct opposition to the values of respect, inclusion, and truth that we are committed to upholding as a municipality.
At the same time, the City is obligated to operate within the legal framework that governs public facilities. The City cannot deny this rental request on the basis of the past rhetoric or views associated with the organizers. Doing so would expose the City to a Charter challenge that we would not succeed in defending.
Given these legal constraints, and the significant risk that such a challenge could further amplify harmful narratives and cause additional harm to those impacted, the City is not in a position to refuse the booking.
It is important to understand that the use of a City facility does not imply endorsement. The views expressed at this event are those of the organizers and speakers alone. They do not reflect the values or positions of the City of Kamloops.
The City is taking all appropriate steps to help ensure that the event, and any related demonstrations, proceed safely, and that the well being of all participants and community members is prioritized.
We also wish to acknowledge the impact that situations such as this have on Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc, residential school survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities more broadly. Residential school denialism is not an abstract issue; it perpetuates real and ongoing harm. The City recognizes this and remains committed to standing against denialism and supporting truth based dialogue.
Reconciliation is not a single action or event. It is an ongoing responsibility that requires honesty about our shared history, a willingness to listen, and a sustained commitment to building respectful relationships. The City of Kamloops affirms its continued commitment to this work, including ongoing partnerships with Tḱemlúps te Secwépemc and supporting initiatives that advance understanding, equity, reconciliation, and inclusion.
The City of Kamloops remains firm in its commitment to truth, respect, and reconciliation. We encourage all residents to seek accurate information, engage respectfully, and continue working together toward a community grounded in truth, empathy, understanding, and shared responsibility.
THE CITY OF KAMLOOPS and KAMLOOPS CITY COUNCIL
Editor’s Note: The OneBC ‘Backbone of B.C. Tour’ event is scheduled for the Kia Lounge from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 7. The stated topics are “OneBC platform, the state of UNDRIP and defending private & Crown property, affordability, local decision-making, the future of B.C,’s backbone communities, and Q&A.”
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Truth and reconciliation are a two way street. While the treatment of native people at the hands of the “conquistadors” was abhorrent and regrettable no bodies have been found and truly there never was any “genocide”. Subsequent governments have paid and continue to pay untold sums and many First Nations are reaping quite large sums from modern times economic growth and development. Dallas Brodie is only asking for transparency and accountability which many First Nations leaders and their supporters are refusing to accept. I find her truly courageous. For sure I don’t buy the narrative from the City of Kamloops in regard to the “truth”. The City of Kamloops is anything but “truth and transparency”.
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They are right, the City has no choice.
It would be a charter violation,
and defending it would result in an expensive failure, and provide OneBC with free ‘on side with Canadian law’ exposure. Its a lose / lose.
It is unfortunate that the vast majority of Kamloops citizens that do not agree with or endorse the views of these … people … have zero choice but to stand back and actually provide this fringe with a podium to feel big about themselves.
Here’s the thing, they could have chosen TRU as a location, where they would have been ‘cancelled’ by protest and the event eventually by administration, in an attempt to keep ‘everyone involved safe’ … but would have incurred a whole media splash of negative exposure, which is not the optics a serious political party start up needs.
… so they hit up the City directly, which will not be as much an issue.
What can we do? Those like minded could write up some signs and circle the sidewalk outside, and gain some alternate media exposure to the event.
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One BC is on the “Backbone of BC” tour?
More like the “Spineless Sycophants” sojourn.
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