Mural for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Vandalized With Racial Slurs

Isha Jules in Enderby, BC, at the mural painted to raise awareness of murdered and missing women. Photo: Warrior Publications

Mural for missing and murdered women in Enderby vandalized; RCMP investigating

A mural honouring missing and murdered indigenous women in a North Okanagan community was defaced with racial slurs.

According to infotel.ca, the mural, painted last year by artist Isha Jules at the skate park in Enderby B.C., was a statement that missing women would not be forgotten. It boldly stated “No more stolen sisters.”

Sometime on May 9, it was vandalized and painted over with the words “No more drunk stolen squaw sisters.”

The vandal added the words ‘drunk’ and ‘squaw’ to the ‘No more stolen sisters’ mural. Image Credit: River Johnson

It’s not the first time the mural has been targeted. A few days earlier, someone painted a black widow spider on it.

The mural was for all murdered and missing women but concern has been raised around the country about indigenous women in particular. Four women are currently missing from the area, and a fifth woman was found dead at a rural farm about 30 minutes out of Enderby.

Police are aware of the vandalism and an investigation is ongoing.

City of Enderby Mayor Greg McCune says he met with the RCMP and is hopeful they will find the person responsible.

As of Thursday morning, the vulgar remarks are already painted over, plans are underway to repaint the mural, and a rally is being organized for Saturday to denounce the hateful act.

Anyone wishing to attend the rally is asked to meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, at the skate park on Old Vernon Road.

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