N.W.T. RCMP are investigating the destruction of a sign that welcomed travellers along the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway on behalf of the N.W.T. Gwich’in.
The sign was broken into pieces and left damaged on the side of the road. The incident was reported to RCMP on Monday. Tracks, a towing strap and footprints were all found in the snow nearby.
The sign was installed in the summer of 2024 by the Nihtat Gwich’in Council. Similar signs are also posted along the Dempster Highway on Gwich’in settlement lands.
“You are entering the homeland of the Gwich’in of the Northwest Territories,” the signs reads.
In a statement, the Nihtat Gwich’in Council called the damage a “hate-motivated act and a direct attack” on the Gwich’in homeland.
The sign which used to stand outside of Inuvik, on the Inuvik-Tuk highway, before it was destroyed. (Submitted by Kelly McLeod )
Kelly McLeod, president of the Nihtat Gwich’in Council, said his first reaction was one of shock.
“These types of things are happening and we need to recognize that they are happening so we can work together and move forward,” he said.
“That kind of messaging, no matter its intent, we heard it.”
McLeod said he’s concerned. He hopes to find out who did the damage and talk to them.
“We want to know who did it, hopefully we can find out and have good discussions with them to find out why they did it and prevent it from happening in the future,” said McLeod.
“It’s sad, because this is where we are at, and if this is where we are at, then we as leaders need to do more work and focus our work in our communities to heal our communities.”
RCMP is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.