Residents of a small hamlet about 70 kilometres southwest of Calgary say they were unnerved after footage posted online showed masked members of a national white supremacist group taking part in military-style drills at a volunteer-run community centre in early July.
Local alarm after national group meets locally
People in the Millarville area told CBC News they were surprised that Second Sons Canada — which has described itself as a "men’s nationalist club" — had used local facilities for what residents say were training exercises. Several videos posted by the group helped visual investigations identify the site.
"My first reaction is: that scares me," said Lou Kuiack, a Millarville-area resident, describing the moment they learned of the gathering.
Residents said some participants wore shirts labelled with faction identifiers and that masked members carried equipment across a bridge in footage shared by the group. The presence of the group in a small volunteer-run venue has left local volunteers and neighbours questioning how the booking was approved and whether organisers were adequately vetted.
Who is Second Sons Canada?
Second Sons Canada was formed in 2024 and has since established chapters across the country. The group was founded by Jeremy MacKenzie. While it uses the language of a "nationalist" social club, the organisation has been linked to extremist rhetoric and to openly welcoming neo-Nazis into its ranks, according to reporting and public statements analysed by journalists.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2024 |
| Founder | Jeremy MacKenzie |
| Known activities | Chapters nationwide; large annual "nationals" meeting |
RCMP monitoring and public-safety concerns
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed they are "aware" of Second Sons Canada and are monitoring a reported rise in hate-motivated crime and incidents. The police response, as relayed in coverage, indicates heightened attention to extremist activity in communities where groups attempt to hold gatherings.
Local officials and residents say they want clearer information about how a volunteer-run community space came to host the group and whether any municipal or volunteer screening processes were bypassed. Volunteers who run small community halls often rely on booking forms and declarations from renters; the footage provided by the group has prompted questions about the adequacy of those controls.
Residents react: shock, concern, calls for answers
Multiple residents expressed surprise and fear. For small communities that pride themselves on neighbourliness and volunteer-run services, the idea that an organised extremist group could book local space for training has been jarring.
Some residents have said they will press local officials and the community centre board for transparency about the booking and for measures to prevent similar events in future. Others are asking for clearer guidance from municipal authorities on screening and security for facility rentals.
- Local impact: Volunteer-run spaces may now face increased scrutiny when approving rentals.
- Public safety: RCMP awareness suggests law-enforcement monitoring rather than immediate removal of the group’s material from public circulation.
- Community response: Calls for clearer municipal policy and support for volunteer boards handling bookings.
What the footage shows — and what it does not
The videos posted by Second Sons Canada show masked individuals conducting coordinated activities and wearing insignia; they do not, in published reporting, show criminal acts occurring at the venue. Nonetheless, the presence of paramilitary-style drills and faction apparel raises concerns about intent and recruitment.
Authorities and community groups say distinguishing between lawful assembly and activities with a clear link to hate or violence is central to any official response. Where threats or criminal behaviour are observed, police can act; where content is extremist but non-criminal, community and municipal measures may be the appropriate venue for response.
Next steps for the community
Residents said they expect local councils and the community centre board to review rental policies. Some are seeking meetings with municipal representatives and with law enforcement to understand what transpired and to improve safeguards.
This incident highlights the tension small communities face when volunteer-run amenities intersect with national organisations that espouse extremist views. The RCMP’s monitoring will continue while residents and local leaders pursue answers about how the booking took place and what steps can be taken to protect community spaces.
— Reporting by NEXO RADAR
