University of Victoria Blocks Event Featuring OneBC Leader

The University of Victoria has announced that an upcoming event featuring OneBC leader Dallas Brodie is not authorized to take place on its campus. The event, scheduled for December 2, 2025, was deemed unpermitted due to a failure by the organizers to follow the university’s required booking process.

In a letter sent to Brodie and fellow organizers Jim McMurtry and Frances Widdowson, the university explained that it was too late to submit a booking request, which would not allow for adequate safety planning. The email, which was shared publicly by Widdowson, indicated that another event was already scheduled at that time on the university grounds.

As stated in the communication from campus security, “you are not permitted to attend University of Victoria property for the purpose of speaking publicly, nor is this event permitted.” Widdowson responded defiantly, stating, “We’re coming in!”

The event has sparked controversy, particularly due to the past comments made by McMurtry and Widdowson regarding the May 2021 announcement by the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc First Nation, which revealed the identification of over 200 suspected unmarked graves at a former residential school in Kamloops.

On the same day the university issued its statement, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) publicly condemned the event. The organization expressed concern that it could promote “Residential School denialism” and potentially harm survivors of the residential school system.

In response to these developments, Robina Thomas, the acting president of the University of Victoria, reiterated that the institution had not received any request to host the event. She emphasized the university’s commitment to fostering a respectful environment, stating, “We honour the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.”

Thomas further affirmed the university’s dedication to respecting Indigenous rights as outlined in its Indigenous Plan. She noted that failing to recognize these rights perpetuates harm and undermines the university’s mission to create a positive relationship with all communities.

The situation remains dynamic as the planned event has generated significant attention and debate regarding freedom of speech and the impact of historical narratives on contemporary society.