Hardisty, Alta. - On June 12, 2026, just before 9 a.m., Alberta RCMP officers in Killam-Forestburg responded to a complaint of a hate-related act of vandalism at an energy company’s property in Hardisty. The previous day, on June 11, 2026, a tipi had been raised on the site during a Tipi Raising Ceremony led by Indigenous Elders from Maskwacis to coincide with a planned golf tournament hosted by the energy company. Sometime between 11 p.m. on the 11th and 1:00 a.m. on the 12th, a person or persons vandalized the tipi’s canvass with hate-based images and messages using spray paint.

Similar race-based messages of hate were also found on a sign, in Hardisty, in the area of 43a Avenue, South of 43 Street. These have been documented and removed. We believe these crimes are connected and occurred in succession.

Due to the nature of the damage, these offences of mischief to property are being investigated as hate-motivated crimes—offences driven by bias, prejudice, or hate towards an identifiable person or group.

“Acts like these have no place in our society and will not be tolerated” said D/Comm. Trevor Daroux, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP. “I am shocked and saddened by the vile nature of the damage done to this culturally sensitive symbol. No one should feel unsafe because of who they are. We take these offences seriously and will ensure that all avenues of investigation are pursued with assistance of the Alberta RCMP Hate Crimes Coordinator as well as our team with Indigenous Policing Services.”

We are seeking public assistance in relation to this incident. Anyone with footage of the area around the Gibson Energy Site or 43a avenue, between 10:00 p.m. on June 11, 2026, and 2 a.m. on June 12, 2026, or anyone with information regarding this crime, is asked to contact the Killam/Forestburg RCMP at 780-385-3502. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the "P3 Tips" app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play. To contact RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction call 310-RCMP(7267).

If you see hate, report it.