Sorrento Community Hall (Image Credit: CSRD)

By James Peters

Dallas Brodie

Shuswap-area First Nations denounce OneBC leader’s planned Tuesday visit to Sorrento

Feb 10, 2026 | 3:36 PM

SORRENTO, B.C. — Three Shuswap-area First Nations have written an open letter to the community of Sorrento in response to a controversial event planned for Tuesday evening (Feb. 10).

The letter expresses “deep concern and dissatisfaction” at the decision to host a talk by OneBC leader Dallas Brodie at the Sorrento Community Hall. It is signed by Chiefs Lynn Kenoras-Duck Chief (Adams Lake), Irvin Wai (Neskonlith) and Dianne Francois (Skwlax te Secwepemculecw).

“Ms. Brodie has repeatedly engaged in rhetoric that minimizes, denies or distorts the truth of Residential Schools and has used language that is harmful and dismissive toward Indigenous Peoples,” states the letter.

“[The signatory group] does not support the platforming or normalization of messaging that denies well-documented historical truths or advances narratives that contribute to anti-Indigenous sentiment,” continues the letter. “While we respect the right to freedom of expression, that right does not exist in a vacuum.”

Brodie, the MLA for Vancouver-Quilchena, was among a group of residential school denialists who attempted to hold an unsanctioned event on the Thompson Rivers University campus last November before clashing with demonstrators.

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About a week later, Tk’emlu´ps Ku´kwpi7 Rosanne Casimir called for Brodie’s resignation.

A post on the Sorrento Community Hall Facebook page advertising Tuesday’s event has generated polarized opinions in its comment section, with some calling on the facility’s board to cancel the event while others laud the board for hosting it. One comment advertises a demonstration outside of the event.

On Monday, the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) posted a message to social media saying it is aware of the controversy but noting it does not operate the hall. The CSRD does give some funding to the two non-profit groups who operate the hall – the Drop-In Society and the Sorrento Hall Society.