Shell-Shocked: Residents of Alberta Town Shaken by Large White Supremacist Training Meetup

The recent revelation that a white supremacist group, Second Sons Canada, held its national meeting in the small Alberta town of Millarville has sent shockwaves through the community. The event, which took place at a volunteer-run community centre in early July, involved over 60 members participating in military-style drills and exercises.

While the RCMP claims to be aware of the group’s activities, the fact that such an event could take place undetected is a stark reminder of the threat posed by white supremacist groups. The ease with which Second Sons was able to book a community hall without disclosing its true intentions raises serious questions about the vetting process and accountability within these organizations.

The rhetoric employed by Jeremy MacKenzie, founder of Second Sons, is unmistakable in its appeal to white nationalism and xenophobia. Members wear shirts emblazoned with the slogan “old stock enforcer” alongside crossed swords behind an old-school goalie mask, a stark reminder of the violent undertones of this ideology.

Local residents were shell-shocked by the presence of such groups in their community. Evan Balgord, executive director of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network, noted that Second Sons’ activities are tied to their goal of “racist mass deportation” of people they deem “not old stock Canadian.” The notion that such ideologies can find fertile ground in Canadian communities is a sobering reminder of the work ahead for those fighting against hate.

The RCMP’s statement on monitoring the rise of hate-motivated crime and incidents across the country rings hollow when juxtaposed with its stance on investigating movements or ideologies. It’s time for law enforcement to acknowledge that hate groups are not simply “movements” but actual threats to public safety and national cohesion.

White supremacist groups like Second Sons are not aberrations but part of a larger pattern of hate-motivated ideology. Their ability to infiltrate and manipulate community spaces without detection speaks to a deeper issue - the complacency of institutions and individuals in the face of extremism. The aftermath of this event will be crucial, with questions looming about accountability and transparency within community organizations.

As the town grapples with the consequences of hosting such an event, one thing is clear: it’s time for all Canadians to recognize the gravity of this threat and take collective action against hate in all its forms.