Hundreds gathered at UVic to support residential school survivors after a controversial visit sparked a powerful, community-led response.

Hundreds Gather as UVic Becomes a Hub for Support

Crowds filled the area outside UVic’s McPherson Library on Tuesday afternoon. People arrived fast, and then more came. Students showed up. Friends came too. Indigenous community members joined as well. The mood felt steady, calm, and strong. Yet the reason they gathered carried heavy weight.

A planned visit from One BC interim leader Dallas Brodie, along with political scientist Frances Widdowson, set everything in motion. Both have questioned evidence of unmarked graves at former residential school sites. Because of this, many people felt worried. Many felt hurt. Many felt ready to stand together.

UVic Responds as Concerns Grow

UVic sent a message the day before. The university said it understood the impact the speakers’ views might have. Acting president Robina Thomas expressed support for survivors. She also stressed the school’s commitment to Indigenous self-determination.

Soon after, UVic confirmed Brodie and Widdowson had not asked to host an event. Because of that, the university did not permit them to hold one on campus.

Security increased. Saanich police officers stood nearby to support UVic staff. They stayed on hand to keep things calm.

Crowds Build While One BC Backers Are Asked to Leave

As hundreds gathered in support of survivors, UVic staff told One BC supporters to leave because they were trespassing. Most did leave. One person was arrested under the Trespass Act and later released.

Even with tension in the background, the larger gathering stayed peaceful. People listened. People spoke. People comforted one another.

Survivors Share Stories as the Crowd Falls Silent

During the gathering, survivor and Orange Shirt Day co-founder Eddy Charlie stepped forward. His voice carried clear emotion. He shared his experience at Kuper Island Residential School. He told the crowd he was only four when the abuse began. And then he described how the trauma stayed with him for life.

He said Brodie’s comments denying unmarked graves broke his heart. Yet he looked at the hundreds around him and felt hope rise again. Their presence lifted him up. It gave strength to his words.

Soon after, UVic Indigenous studies professor Tracy Underwood spoke. She explained that her family, through many generations, lived through both residential school and day school systems. Her message highlighted how deeply these histories run.

Organizers Focus on Healing, Not Conflict

Artist and UVic Indigenous art practices chair Carey Newman organized the counter-gathering. He acted quickly after hearing about the planned visit. The event came together within days, yet the turnout exceeded all expectations.

Newman said the goal was not confrontation. Instead, it was unity. It was truth. It was love for survivors. He believed people needed a space to affirm what they know from lived experience.

He said acknowledging the past does not trap anyone in shame. Instead, it opens the path forward. It supports healing. It builds understanding. And it strengthens reconciliation.

A Community Stands Firm in Truth

By the end of the day, the message rang clear. People stood together. People spoke with courage. People chose truth over denial.

The gathering showed how a community can rise when history is questioned. It showed the power of shared voices. And it showed how hope grows when people move forward together.

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