RCMP officer's social media posts prompt calls for suspension from First Nation chief
CTV
A British Columbia First Nation is calling for the suspension and removal of an RCMP officer from Bella Bella over social media posts he made before joining the Mounties.
A British Columbia First Nation is calling for the suspension and removal of an RCMP officer from Bella Bella over social media posts he made before joining the Mounties.
Heiltsuk Tribal Council Chief Marilyn Slett says in a letter to the Bella Bella detachment of the RCMP that the officer posted "racist text and images."
Supt.-Cmdr. Brian Edmonds of North District RCMP says in a statement the force is aware of the concerns and a "non-conduct-related administrative process" involving the officer is underway.
Slett's letter includes images of social media posts showing a white man wearing an Afro-style wig with a caption saying "BLACK AND PROUD."
Another social media post shows a man dressed in a colonial-style uniform in front of a Union Jack, with a comment: "Now, what's to be done about these pesky natives stirring up trouble in the colonies."
Slett says Heiltsuk leaders met with RCMP officials earlier this week, but the officer remains on duty in Bella Bella.
She said RCMP officials told them a transfer process was underway for the officer but it could take 45 to 90 days to complete.
