On September 30, Sooke Brewing Company faced intense public backlash after a co-owner's attire appeared to dismiss residential school history. The incident,occurring on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, led to the brewery's temporary closure and the termination of the individual's employment.
The "Show Me the Evidence" shirt and the September 30 backlash
Sooke Brewing Company, located on Vancouver Island, is attempting to rebuild its reputation following a major controversy. the issue began when a co-owner and head brewer, John Adair, was seen wearing a shirt that appeared to question the history of residential schools on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The controversy erupted on September 30, a day dedicated to honoring residential school survivors and acknowledging the trauma faced by Indigenous communities. As reported by the source, a photograph of John Adair wearing a shirt with the phrase "Show Me the Evidence" began circulating on soial media, which many viewed as a denial of historical atrocities.. This choice of attire during a period of ntaional mourning was seen as a direct affront to the values of reconciliation.
Terminating John Adair and the tempoary closure of Sooke Brewing
Sooke Brewing Company responded to the public outcry by immediately terminating Adair's employment and his involvement with the business. According to the report, the brewery also made the decision to temporarily shut down its operations and cancel all upcoming scheduled events to allow for a period of reflection. The company issued a formal apology, stating that the sentiment expressed by the former co-owner was entirely inconsistent with the business's core principles.
Graffiti at the brewery and Debra Lazzar’s call for tangible amends
The tension surrounding the incident escalated when the Sooke RCMP were called to investigate vandalism at the brewery. Someone spray-painted the word "evidence?" onto the side of the building, an act that serves as a visible sign of the community's anger. While police are reviewing surveillance footage and increasing patrols in the area, no arrests have been made to date.
Beyond the vandalism, community leaders like Debra Lazzar of the T’Sou-ke First Nation have argued that a simple apology is not enough. Lazzar suggested that the brewery should move toward systemic support by establishing scholarships for T’Sou-ke students, providing financial or logistical aid for future Orange Shirt Day events, or contributing to programs that specifically support Indigenous women. These suggestions emphasize that true reconciliation requires more than just corporate statements; it requires long-term, tangible investment in the communities affected by colonial history.
The private meetings with Indigenous leaders and the unknown reopening date
Sooke Brewing Company has recently held meetings with local Indigenous leadership to discuss the path forward. While the brewery has chosen to keep the specific details of these discussions private out of respect for the participants, the company has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to listen to the community's concerns.
Despite these efforts, several questions remain for the residents of Vancouver Island. The brewery has not yet announced a specific date for its reopening, leaving the timeline for its return to the community uncertain. Furthermore, it remains to be seen how the remaining owners will implement the specific types of community support suggested by leaders like Lazzar to ensure the business can truly reintegrate into the local social fabric. The company has stated that its priority is supporting its staff, who have shown resilience during this period, as they attempt to find a sustainable path toward healing.
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