News
September 05, 2025
'Public and open with their hate': Masked white nationalist group marches at popular Niagara monument
A University of Winnipeg professor says Second Sons Canada was testing the waters with its military-style rally at Queenston Heights, and that the choice do do so at Brock's Monument was symbolic.
**'Public and open with their hate': Masked white nationalist group marches at popular Niagara monument**
A chilling display of white nationalism unfolded at Queenston Heights in Niagara-on-the-Lake recently, as a masked group calling itself Second Sons Canada conducted a military-style march near Brock's Monument. The event has sparked widespread concern and condemnation, raising questions about the group's motives and the symbolic significance of their chosen location.
Dr. Sean Carleton, a professor at the University of Winnipeg specializing in the history of racism and extremism, believes this public demonstration represents a deliberate attempt by the group to gauge public reaction and normalize their ideology. "They are testing the waters," Dr. Carleton explained, suggesting the brazen display was designed to assess the level of resistance and support they might encounter.
The choice of Queenston Heights, and specifically Brock's Monument, as the backdrop for their rally is particularly troubling. The monument commemorates Major General Sir Isaac Brock, a British hero who died defending Canada during the War of 1812. Dr. Carleton argues that selecting this location was far from random. It represents a calculated effort to connect their ideology to a perceived historical narrative of Canadian identity, warping and exploiting national symbols for their own hateful purposes.
The Second Sons Canada, identifiable by their masks and coordinated attire, marched in formation, projecting an image of discipline and organization. This military-style presentation is often employed by extremist groups to intimidate and project an aura of power, even if their actual numbers are relatively small.
The incident has prompted calls for increased vigilance and a strong condemnation of all forms of hate speech and white nationalism. Community leaders and anti-racism advocates are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any similar activity to the authorities. The open display of such hateful ideology in a public space underscores the ongoing need for education and awareness to combat racism and promote inclusivity within Canadian society. The incident serves as a stark reminder that white nationalism is not a fringe issue but a persistent threat that requires constant attention and active resistance.
A chilling display of white nationalism unfolded at Queenston Heights in Niagara-on-the-Lake recently, as a masked group calling itself Second Sons Canada conducted a military-style march near Brock's Monument. The event has sparked widespread concern and condemnation, raising questions about the group's motives and the symbolic significance of their chosen location.
Dr. Sean Carleton, a professor at the University of Winnipeg specializing in the history of racism and extremism, believes this public demonstration represents a deliberate attempt by the group to gauge public reaction and normalize their ideology. "They are testing the waters," Dr. Carleton explained, suggesting the brazen display was designed to assess the level of resistance and support they might encounter.
The choice of Queenston Heights, and specifically Brock's Monument, as the backdrop for their rally is particularly troubling. The monument commemorates Major General Sir Isaac Brock, a British hero who died defending Canada during the War of 1812. Dr. Carleton argues that selecting this location was far from random. It represents a calculated effort to connect their ideology to a perceived historical narrative of Canadian identity, warping and exploiting national symbols for their own hateful purposes.
The Second Sons Canada, identifiable by their masks and coordinated attire, marched in formation, projecting an image of discipline and organization. This military-style presentation is often employed by extremist groups to intimidate and project an aura of power, even if their actual numbers are relatively small.
The incident has prompted calls for increased vigilance and a strong condemnation of all forms of hate speech and white nationalism. Community leaders and anti-racism advocates are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any similar activity to the authorities. The open display of such hateful ideology in a public space underscores the ongoing need for education and awareness to combat racism and promote inclusivity within Canadian society. The incident serves as a stark reminder that white nationalism is not a fringe issue but a persistent threat that requires constant attention and active resistance.
Category:
Politics