UAPS investigating after campus tipi vandalized last weekend

University of Alberta Protective Services is investigating after the tipi in front of the University of Alberta’s Pembina Hall — home to the Faculty of Native Studies — was covered in toilet paper over the weekend.

Images of the vandalized tipi emerged on Twitter and Facebook Sunday morning, with captions and comments decrying the act as hostile and founded in racism. Edmonton Police Service has also been made aware of the incident.

Prior to being vandalized, the tipi was host to a display commemorating Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women. The display was taken down on Friday, as scheduled, with the desecration taking place some time between Saturday and Sunday morning, when it was noticed by an alumna of the Faculty of Native Studies, Kirsten Lindquist
Lindquist called the act “hurtful” and is concerned that the space is not fully recognized by students as a sacred place.

“It’s the most visible symbol of indigenous presence on campus,” Lindquist said. “When we think about lifelong learning, especially for indigenous students who have come from outside communities, this is a very important space, not just a physical presence but also the space that extends outside the institution.”

Dean of the Faculty of Native Studies, Brendan Hokowhitu, has expressed concerns over how some indigenous students may interpret this event.

“One of the really worrying things for me is our students and indigenous students on campus in general that will feel kind of targeted and unsafe, and hurt by the vandalism,” Hokowhitu said. “It’s very, very close to our hearts.”

It has been suggested by the Faculty of Native Studies that the act may have been premeditated in some respect, owing to the use of vinyl flagging tape in addition to toilet paper.

Measures to educate students on the meaning of the tipi and the significance of its presence are being considered by the Faculty of Native Studies. Dean Hokowhitu suggested that if the perpetrators were to come forward, he would seek education as opposed to purely punitive measures to alleviate some of the damage done.

“Things like this occur out of ignorance and stupidity,” Hokowhitu said. “If they were brave enough to come forward, then education is the key.”