Band accepts RCMP apology

 RCMP in Sechelt have made a formal apology to the local First Nation following a controversial pepper-spraying incident earlier this week.
    In a letter, the Sechelt RCMP detachment said police had no intention of directly spraying children while trying to control nearby adults as they were making an arrest.
    Sechelt First Nation Chief Stan Dixon said he is satisfied with the apology.
    Dixon said the band accepts the mistakes made during the pepper-spraying, and they will move to mend the rift between police and band members.
    B.C. Solicitor General John Les said the two sides appear to be trying to mend fences.
    “I think it’s a good thing that both sides have now indicated that that was a very regrettable incident and they apparently, on both sides, are committed to sitting down to analyzing that and ensuring that this kind of thing doesn’t happen again,” he noted.
    Les added he has complete confidence in the RCMP.
    The clash occurred Monday as dozens of Sechelt band members were celebrating a youth soccer win with a vehicle parade.