Two Tsawwassen First Nation elders killed in crash at Truth and Reconciliation event

Two Tsawwassen First Nation elders were killed and two others remain hospitalized after a vehicle struck pedestrians outside Tsawwassen Mills mall on Sept. 30 during a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ceremony.

Virginia Splockton, a great-grandmother and respected elder, and wilapiya (Barb Joe), the nation's knowledge keeper and matriarch, were pronounced dead at the scene. Both were central figures in Tsawwassen cultural life. Splockton had a deep love for crafting, drumming and singing and was a familiar presence at community gatherings. Wilapiya spent years reviving and teaching hən̓q̓əmin̓əm, the Coast Salish language spoken by Tsawwassen people, and worked as the nation's language and cultural coordinator.

The collision occurred shortly after 10:25 a.m. on Sept. 30 in the mall's parking lot. A black pickup truck plowed into four pedestrians. Two of the four were airlifted to hospital. The driver experienced a medical emergency while driving, according to Delta Police. Police have indicated no information suggesting the collision was intentional or connected to the Truth and Reconciliation events.

The community had gathered for a walk across the mall property, many wearing orange shirts. The day's events were scheduled to conclude with an unveiling of newly carved Indigenous house posts near where the collision occurred. Hand-carved posts stood under bright blue tarps Thursday, waiting for a ceremony that never came.

Tsawwassen First Nation government offices closed Oct. 1 and 2. The nation has asked media and the public to respect the privacy of grieving families. Delta Police's Traffic Collision Team is accepting eyewitness statements.