The community came together to cover the racist graffiti that damaged the “Every Child Matters” message on Port Alberni’s Orange Bridge.

The bridge had been vandalized with swastikas and hateful words, marking the second incident in one week and the third since the message was first painted in 2022. On Jan. 21, dozens of people gathered at the bridge, where Chief Councillor Ken Watts spoke to the crowd, showing unity and strength in standing against hate and supporting Indigenous children and families.

Tseshaht Chief Councillor Ken Watts shared that the bridge holds deep meaning because the Alberni Indian Residential School was located just across the river, on land that is now part of the Tseshaht Reserve. He explained that many survivors found it painful to cross the bridge because it reminded them of being taken from their communities to the school. By repainting the bridge, Tseshaht worked with the ministry to change that feeling and turn the bridge into a place of healing, not just trauma. Watts said he wants everyone to feel safe and welcome crossing the bridge.

Chief Councillor Ken Watts said many people gave their lives fighting against hate during the Second World War, and it is upsetting to see racism still growing today. He hopes the community strongly condemns what happened. While Watts felt deeply saddened by the vandalism, he said he was encouraged by the strong support from the Ministry of Transportation, the RCMP, and community members who helped repaint the bridge.

Source: Austin Kelly, Westerly News