The Syilx Okanagan Nation in British Columbia has denied issuing a cease and desist letter that claims to protect a controversial ostrich farm facing a federal cull order, calling the document fraudulent and deeply concerning.
The letter, allegedly shared with RCMP by representatives of the Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, B.C., claimed to place the farm “under the protection of the Secwepemc and Syilx Tribal people.” However, the Syilx Okanagan Nation’s Chiefs Executive Council said in a statement that it “can confirm definitively that it was not issued by our Nation.”
“Moreover, the claimed signatory appears to resemble the name of the Premier of Manitoba, Wab Kinew, raising serious concerns about the letter’s authenticity,” the statement read.
The council condemned anyone falsely invoking the Nation’s name or authority, calling it a serious misuse of Indigenous identity for private or political purposes.
Ostrich Farm Dispute Over CFIA Cull
The controversy stems from a Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) order to cull over 300 ostriches at the Edgewood farm after an avian flu outbreak in December killed 69 birds.
The farm, co-owned by David Bilinski and Karen Espersen, has drawn hundreds of supporters — including figures linked to the Freedom Convoy movement — who have called the cull government overreach.
Farm spokesperson Katie Pasitney, daughter of one of the owners, claimed earlier that “signatory Indian tribes” had ordered protection of the land and ostriches. When informed that the Syilx leadership had denied involvement, Pasitney insisted, “That’s wrong,” but declined to speak further on record.
Experts Warn of Indigenous Identity Appropriation
Hayden King, executive director of the Yellowhead Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, said the case reflects a broader trend of non-Indigenous movements appropriating Indigenous identities and values to legitimize their actions.
“More conservative or conspiratorial movements are using Indigenous values to validate their positions,” King said. “It’s a self-interested attempt to claim credibility through tokenism.”
King added that while some Indigenous individuals might align with populist causes, most communities are “critical thinkers who can distinguish genuine solidarity from exploitation.”
No Record of ‘Secwepemc Signatory Tribe’
CBC Indigenous was unable to locate any recognized First Nation known as the “Secwepemc Signatory Tribe,” the entity referenced in the cease and desist letter.
The Shuswap Nation Tribal Council, which represents nine Secwepemc communities, confirmed it had not issued any statement on the matter.
Broader Implications for Indigenous Representation
The Syilx Okanagan Nation said it will continue to monitor the situation and warned that misrepresentation of Indigenous governance undermines legitimate efforts toward reconciliation and sovereignty.
“We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any organization or individual who falsely invokes our Nation’s name to advance their own agenda,” the Chiefs Council stated.
