Vandals have struck again in North Battleford, this time defacing a billboard promoting aboriginal rights with the letters "KKK."
The incident happened sometime during the middle of the month. The billboard was created in an artists workshop held on June 24 and Aug. 7 at Chapel Gallery. Promoted was a theme of reconciliation between aboriginals and non-aboriginals.
The artists produced a billboard, which featured an artistic rendering of a First Nation person along with the words "when your people first came over the water we allowed you self-determination. All we ask is for that in return."
Earlier this month, city officials learned the billboard was spray-painted.
The private billboard has since been taken down and replaced.
The city issued a statement denouncing the vandalism. It read in part:
"The City of North Battleford strongly condemns the destruction of private property, in this case artwork produced by artists exploring the theme of reconciliation between Canada's aboriginal and non-aboriginal people, by vandals. This was a cheap and cowardly act and the message which was spraypainted, which might be interpreted by a court to be hate literature, goes completely against the values of inclusion and tolerance which we in North Battleford believe and actively promote."
The full statement from the City has been posted on the News-Optimist's Facebook page.
Mayor Ian Hamilton had raised the issue of the billboard vandalism at the Planning Committee meeting Oct. 20.
Speaking to reporters Monday he described the incident as a "despicable act of destruction of private property" and "very petty in nature."
The mayor made it known he didn't want to see the incident receive any more publicity than it has, saying it has already been removed and that the vandals were "after attention."
"We don't want to give any extra recognition to individuals who conducted such a senseless crime. "
