RCMP investigate hate-related vandalism at east-central Alberta energy company

RCMP sleeve patch.

Mounties are investigating what they say is hate-related vandalism after an east-central Alberta energy company’s teepee was vandalized the day after a ceremony.

The Gibson Energy terminal in Hardisty, Alta., held a teepee-raising ceremony on Thursday led by Indigenous elders from Maskwacis to coincide with a golf tournament.

The next day, just before 9 a.m., officers responded to complaints of the teepee’s canvas spray painted with “hate-based images and messages.”

Police believe it happened sometime between 11 p.m. Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday.

Similar messages were found on a sign in Hardisty near 43a Avenue, south of 43 Street. Police documented and removed them and now believe the two incidents are connected and happened one after the other.

The vandalism is being investigated by the RCMP hate crimes unit alongside Indigenous Policing Services.

Anyone with footage of the area around the Gibson Energy Ste or 43a Avenue between 10 p.m. Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday is asked to contact RCMP at 780-385-3502 or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers online.

Hardisty is about 202 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.