Shirt stolen from Indigenous memorial in Kitchener
Waterloo regional police are investigating a theft from a cultural display set up at The Healing of the Seven Generations in downtown Kitchener.
The display of red dresses and shirts is set up on the organization’s front lawn for missing and murdered Indigenous people. Each post has one person’s story attached, along with a clothing item.
On Thursday morning when staff member Serena Wesley arrived at work, she noticed one of the items was missing.
“One of the poles was empty that had one of our T-shirts on it, and it was for a young man,” Wesley explained.
“We had a T-shirt up there for him and we had put a hole in it and put a zip tie through it so no one could take it, so whoever took had to rip it right off the pole.”
Wesley explained that the display is a memorial.
“We have stories on every pole and for us – one of the poles is my mom – so it’s to honour them, to give them a voice and to educate people,” Wesley said.
Staff reported the theft to police.
In an emailed statement, WRPS said it’s believed the theft took place between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 7 a.m. Thursday.
“Due to the cultural significant of the stolen item, WRPS’s General Investigative Unit and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit are involved in the investigation,” WRPS said.
Wesley said it’s not the first time one of their displays has been altered.
“Last year we did have another incident that we did not report. We had a lady that came on the property during the day. It was on the weekend. She picked one dress off, looked at it, I guess decided she didn’t like it, put it back and grabbed one of the other dresses and took it,” Wesley said.
“The shirts and dresses don’t have any value to them – there’s no cost – it’s just what they stand for, what they represent. So it’s just hurtful.”
Wesley said whoever took the item likely knew what they were doing.
“You’re standing right in front of someone’s story and you decided to rip that shirt off that pole that was supposed to give that person a voice,” Wesley said.
“We’re an organization that if you were really in need of a T-shirt, we would give you one.”
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Waterloo Regional Police Service or CrimeStoppers.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Iran President Ebrahim Raisi still missing after helicopter accident in mountains
A helicopter carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country's foreign minister and other officials apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday.
What do we know so far about the mysterious crash of the helicopter carrying Iran's president?
The apparent crash of a helicopter carrying Iran's president and foreign minister on Sunday sent shock waves around the region.
'A horrible way to start the summer': 3 killed in serious boat crash on lake north of Kingston, Ont.
Three people were killed and five others were injured Saturday night following a boat crash on the Buck Bay area of Bobs Lake, north of Kingston, Ont., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said.
Walmart, Costco refusing to sign grocery code of conduct 'untenable': industry minister
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne says it's 'untenable' for 'smaller players' like Walmart and Costco to delay signing on to the government- and industry-led grocery code of conduct, now that industry giant Loblaw has agreed to do so.
Ottawa driver who appeared to be racing another vehicle on Highway 416 facing charges
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says an Ottawa driver is facing charges after being caught going 187 km/h on Highway 416.
Ex-partner charged with first-degree murder after 55-year-old woman killed in Montreal
Less than 24 hours after Montreal's 12th homicide investigation began, Montreal police confirmed that a 55-year-old woman's death in St. Michel is the island's 13th homicide. The woman's ex-spouse has been charged with first-degree murder.
VIDEO Born without front legs, this dog has been inspiring the world for 3 years: Dresden farm owner
A sanctuary dedicated to animals with disabilities is celebrating the third birthday of one of its most popular residents.
Canadian immigration asks medical worker fleeing Gaza if he treated Hamas fighters
Lawyers are questioning Canada’s approach to screening visa applications for people in Gaza with extended family in Canada after one applicant, a medical worker, was asked whether he had treated members of Hamas.
Diddy admits beating ex-girlfriend Cassie, says he's sorry, calls his actions 'inexcusable'
Sean 'Diddy' Combs admitted Sunday that he beat his ex-girlfriend in a hotel hallway in 2016 after CNN released video of the attack, saying in a video apology he was 'truly sorry' and his actions were 'inexcusable.'