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Local police say they are aware of the racist graffiti at the Gurdwara Guru Amardas Darbar Sikh Society in Kelowna.
The message reportedly read "white packi" and was spray painted in black along the side of the building.
According to Cpl. Jesse O'Donaghey, the vandalism occurred sometime Sunday night, however, police don’t have any detailed reports available at this time.
The World Sikh Organization of Canada (WSO) has responded to the incident, confirming that the racist graffiti was discovered as congregation began early Monday morning.
“It is disappointing that these sorts of incidents continue to take place. We believe it is ignorance and fear that drives racism and the Sikh community will continue to reach out to educate and build bridges despite incidents like this,” said WSO’s Vice-President for British Columbia, Amanpreet Singh Hundal, also a Kelowna resident.
“Local gurdwaras in Kelowna regularly host high school students for tours and information sessions on the Sikh faith and those will continue. Whoever vandalized the gurdwara would have been better served to actually learn more about Sikh community by going inside the gurdwara to ask questions and enjoying the free meal available to all visitors. Kelowna is our home and racist incidents like this won’t phase us.”
Kelowna RCMP is asking anyone with information to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and cite police file #2018-71497.
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