The RCMP are asking residents of the South Okanagan and Similkameen areas to keep any eye out for a Ford pickup truck that is connected to the theft of a hand-carved wooden statute.
On July 8, around 2 am, a large mountain goat statue was stolen from the Chuchuwayha Community Hall in Hedley.
“The wooden carving of sx̌ʷƛʼiʔ (Mountain Goat) has significant cultural and sentimental value to the sməlqmíx because of its history with our people, our lands, and our neighbours,” said the Upper Similkameen Indian Band.
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The large stature is very large and heavy so it would have been difficult to load and leave with, the band added.
The Princeton RCMP have released a picture of the suspect vehicle, which is described as a dark blue or black Ford F-150. The truck’s model is between 2009-2014 and it has the “XTR” trim package and chrome wheels.
The truck was towing a wooden cargo trailer.
“This carving carries great cultural and sentimental importance for the Upper Similkameen community,” says Cpl. Scott McDiarmid, Princeton RCMP.
“We're asking anyone who saw anything suspicious in Hedley during the early morning hours of July 8, or, who recognizes the vehicle and/or suspect, to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Princeton RCMP at (250) 295-6911 and refer to file 2025-1002.
Anonymous tips can be made by calling the South Okanagan-Similkameen CrimeStoppers Tip-Line at 1-800-222-8477.
The Upper Similkameen Indian band says tips can also be made by calling their band office at (250) 292-8733.
