Family members of two Tsawwassen First Nation elders killed in a collision outside a shopping centre in Delta, B.C., on Wednesday say the women were “cultural pillars” of their community. Statements shared by the nation on social media on Thursday say that wilapiya, also known as Barb Joe, and Virginia Splockton died in the collision at the Tsawwassen Mills mall. The women were killed and two others were seriously injured by a pickup truck whose driver was in apparent medical distress and drove into an area where nation members were to unveil four traditional carvings known as house posts. Joe’s family said in the statement that she was a knowledge keeper and matriarch who revived the nation’s language. The Splockton family described Virginia Splockton as a generous great-grandmother who “touched countless lives” and loved crafting, drumming and singing. “We recognize the profound impact this tragedy has had on our community as a whole,” the nation wrote in its statement. “We also extend our sincere gratitude to the first responders, emergency personnel, and all those who assisted at the scene.” Delta police said the driver involved has been released from hospital as investigators assessed whether their medical emergency played a role in the crash. Police said in a news release on Thursday that there is no information to suggest the collision was intentional. The nation was hosting a community walk in recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation near the time of the crash and had invited people to meet at the mall’s entrance for the posts’ unveiling after the walk. Police said the collision was not related to the walk and there is no evidence to suggest any connection between the collision and the house post event. They said the driver received medical attention and was interviewed by investigators before being released from hospital. The two injured people remain in hospital in critical condition, and while the investigation remains ongoing, no charges have been laid, police said Thursday. Dylan Kruger, a city councillor who is running for mayor in the Oct. 17 local elections, said he was taking part in the community walk that was about halfway through when the crowd saw emergency vehicles drive by and two helicopters land in the mall’s parking lot. “Obviously everybody at that point was getting very nervous. They knew something had gone very seriously wrong,” Kruger said in an interview Thursday. He said he thought some in the crowd were “flashing back” to the deadly ramming attack at the Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver last year. But Kruger said organizers kept the crowd calm amid the initial confusion and panic, and people returned safely to their vehicles. He said it was traumatic for some people in the crowd, which included many families with young children, as they had to walk past the scene that was eventually obscured with screens. He said the tight-knit First Nation is grieving but has full support from the community of Delta. “We’re giving them space to do that, but everyone will be there when they’re ready,” he said. First Nations, politicians and community leaders were among those who expressed condolences over the deaths and injuries. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society said in a post on social media that the loss of the two “beloved” elders was devastating, while the Huu-ay-aht First Nations on Vancouver Island said it felt the tragedy deeply as one of the elders who died was a grandparent of one of its citizens. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith began her news conference on Thursday about the proposed Pacific Pipeline between her province and B.C., saying her heart was with the grieving families and community. The pipeline would carry crude oil to the Roberts Bank Terminal in Delta on the waterfront of the Tsawwassen First Nation. Prime Minister Mark Carney and leaders on the B.C. election campaign, David Eby, Emily Lowan and Lorne Doerkson, also expressed their condolences to the families and the First Nation after the crash. Video from the scene of the crash on Wednesday shows a pickup truck with the logo for the company Alpine Building Maintenance printed on its side. The company released a statement on Thursday and confirmed one of its vehicles was involved in the collision. “We are co-operating with the appropriate authorities to support their investigation. Our thoughts are with everyone affected,” it said. This report by Marissa Birnie of The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2026.
