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(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

Signage near Penticton Indian Band was found vandalized with racist graffiti this week.

The Green Mountain Road signs that note the Band's territory were defaced with "common racist language and symbols of hate," according to a City of Penticton news release today, Jan. 10.

The news release does not describe exactly what was included in the graffiti, but it does say the Green Mountain Road sign wasn't the only one defaced with hateful and racist graffiti.

“There is no doubt that this disgusting act is a hate crime and has generated much renewed anger and hurt throughout our community,” Chief Greg Gabriel said in the release.

“All local governments must send out a strong message that this type of racist ugliness will not be tolerated and must be condemned. Our signs can be replaced, however the ugliness of this type of racism will continue to live within our community for generations.“

Penticton RCMP are investigating asking for anyone with information on the vandals to come forward.

“This was an act of vandalism motivated by hate. We don’t know if it was one person or a few, regardless, this is not representative of who we are as a community," Supt. Brian Hunter said in the release.

“We have zero tolerance for racist, derogatory or hateful comments and we are fully investigating this incident. As a community, we are looking to lead forward with compassion and understanding and denounce racism at every opportunity.”

The Band held an early meeting on Monday immediately after learning of the graffiti.

The City of Penticton and the Okanangan-Similkameen Regional District stand with the Band, denouncing racism in the region, according to the release.

“Brandishing a paint can as a weapon is not an act of rebellion, it’s a sign of ignorance and sadly it brings up memories of racism and bigotry for PIB members. We can’t wash those memories away, but we can denounce the racism categorically and continue to do our part to construct a better future," Penticton mayor Julius Bloomfield said in the release.

The City news release also does not say which other signs were vandalized in the area or how many.

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