Chilliwack City Council condemns vandalism of downtown mural depicting a Stó:lō woman

CHILLIWACK – Chilliwack City Council released a statement Wednesday afternoon condemning the vandalism of a downtown mural depicting a Stó:lō woman.

The joint statement signed by all six councillors and Mayor Popove says they were disheartened to hear about the vandalism which fell on the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

“We were deeply saddened to hear about this act of vandalism. Vandalism is never acceptable, and the result has hurt many in our community,” the statement said. “Each year, on May 5, we remember and honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit people. Indigenous women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence compared to other groups of people in Canada. Inez is an Indigenous woman and a role model in the community, making this act of vandalism, and the day it occurred, particularly hurtful. We hope that whoever did this seeks out support for themselves in the right way.”

On the upside, there’s been a resounding show of support following the act of vandalism. A GoFundMe has been launched to support artist Kevin Ledo and his efforts to restore the mural to its original beauty.

“Muralist Kevin Ledo is willing to return to Chilliwack to restore this mural,” the GoFundMe said. “Funds raised will cover his flight from Montreal, accommodations, paint, supplies, insurance, his artist commission and incidentals. All funds will be received through the Chilliwack Community Arts Council, the parent organization of the Chilliwack Mural Festival.”

Over $10,000 has been donated in less than 24 hours to bring Ledo back to Chilliwack.

“On a positive note, it has been heartwarming to see the community rally to support the restoration of this mural,” the statement from Chilliwack City Council said. “We appreciate the fast action of the Chilliwack Community Arts Council to coordinate these efforts. It is our pleasure to support the Chilliwack Mural Festival each year, and we will be in touch with the organizers.”