Prince Rupert police are now seeking the public’s help to identify suspects in the vandalism and theft of First Nations highway informational signs.
“The Lax Kw’alaams Band had invested in billboards along Highway 16 at Tyee viewpoint, Tyee boat launch, Kwinitsa, Exchamsiks, Exstew and the Terrace entrance,” the RCMP said in a May 21 press release. “It was reported that multiple signs had been vandalized by, what appeared to be, a chainsaw.”
The signs, containing information about the pre-contact history of the allied tribes and their territories, including Sm’algyax words for significant places, plants and wildlife, were initially set up April 6 and almost immediately vandalized or stolen.
Later in the month the Lax Kw’alaams Band Project Manager of Truth and Reconciliation called Prince Rupert RCMP to report the crimes.
The cedar was cut on the Tyee and Kwinitsa East viewpoint signs, the Exstew sign was tipped over while the Exchamshiks sign was defaced and the Terrace entrance sign was stolen. Only the Tyee boat launch sign remained intact.
Repairs and replacements have since been made at a cost of well over $5,000, the band reported.
Anyone with information on these crimes are being asked to call the Prince Rupert RCMP at (250) 624-2136.
Anonymous tips are also accepted by Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 222-8477. Tips leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward.
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