A parade to show support for an Indo-Canadian family in Summerland was marred when a Confederate battle flag was displayed from a vehicle parked along the parade route.
The flag was adopted by the Confederate States of America during the Civil War in the 1860s, and has since been associated with racism and slavery.
READ ALSO: Man apologizes for displaying Confederate flag at anti-racism parade in Summerland
READ ALSO: VIDEO: Summerland mayor destroys bandanas with Confederate symbol
The flag was seen on July 16, during a parade in support of the Lekhi family, whose home had been vandalized earlier with racist graffiti, including swastikas painted on the house.
The man responsible for the incident was found by police. The man told Summerland mayor Toni Boot he was from Alberta and was not aware he was displaying the flag during an anti-racism display. He added that the flag had been purchased at a store in Summerland.
Boot and two close friends met with the owner of the store where the flag had been purchased. The store had received a shipment of large bandanas, including some with the Confederate battle flag symbol.
Boot asked for and was given the remaining bandanas, which had earlier been pulled from the shelves. In front of the store, she destroyed all the bandanas and then disposed of them.
Since that time, Boot has been working to have conversations about race and racism in Summerland.
READ ALSO: Summerland mayor asks for community conversation on racism
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