Kingston Police confirm investigation into vandalism at Four Directions
Indigenous and Pride flags were intentionally damaged, appear to have been “hate-motivated”
Indigenous and Pride flags were intentionally damaged, appear to have been “hate-motivated”
- July 3, 2020
The flags were hanging on the front porch of the Centre.
After flags outside the Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre were found vandalized on June 30, Kingston Police have confirmed they’re actively investigating the incident.
In a July 2 media release, the Kingston Police revealed the Indigenous and Pride flags located on the front porch of the centre were intentionally damaged sometime between June 29 and 30.
The Kingston Police also said the “acts of the mischief” appear to have been “hate-motivated.”
READ MORE: Flags vandalized at Four Directions Indigenous Student Centre
The Haudenosaunee Two Row Wampum, representing a living treaty established for people to live together in peace, respect the ways of others, and discuss solutions to issues that arise, was one of the flags hanging outside of the centre. The other vandalized flags included an LGBTQ+ Pride flag with a white equal sign, a Trans+ Pride flag, a Haudenosaunee Confederacy flag, and a Métis Nation flag.
According to Kanonhysonne (Janice Hill), associate vice-principal (Indigenous initiatives and reconciliation), the flags were “cut up and destroyed.” The flags had been removed from Four Directions as of Tuesday evening.
The University told The Journal it had contacted the Kingston Police to investigate the incident on June 30.
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Students and community members impacted by this incident and seeking support can connect with the following resources:
- First Nations and Inuit Hope for wellness crisis line
- Empower Me
- Good2Talk
- Social Issues Commission of the AMS: social.issues@ams.queensu.ca
- One-on-one counselling available for Black and Racialized students with psychologist E.L. Adams and/or counsellor Dr Arunima Khanna. To set up an appointment, e-mail counselling.services@queensu.ca
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