The Sooke brewery on Vancouver Island has met with local Indigenous leaders as it works toward reopening. The meeting follows a controversy that began when a co-owner wore a “Show Me the Evidence” shirt on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Sooke Brewing Company says the person involved no longer works at, represents or helps run the business.

“We remain deeply sorry for the hurt caused by what happened on Sept. 30,” the brewery said in a statement to CTV News. The company shared few details about the talks. However, it confirmed that the conversations took place.

What the Sooke Brewery Said About the Meetings

The brewery did not say who took part in the meetings. It explained that the conversations are private out of respect for those involved. “We are grateful for the opportunity to listen,” the statement said.

The statement also left key questions open. The company did not reveal what was discussed. Likewise, it did not say whether the talks produced any specific commitments.

The remaining owners are now working through the “appropriate process” to decide what comes next. No reopening date has been announced. For now, the brewery says its priority is supporting employees and preparing to reopen “in a way that respects what has happened and the work that remains ahead.”

How the ‘Show Me the Evidence’ Shirt Controversy Unfolded

The controversy started after a photograph circulated online. It showed then-co-owner and head brewer John Adair wearing the shirt at the brewery on Sept. 30. The image drew widespread criticism because of its timing. The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours residential school survivors and remembers the children who never returned home. It also recognizes the continuing impacts of the residential school system.

Sooke Brewing Company first apologized. It said the shirt’s message did not reflect what the business stands for. Soon after, the company announced that it had terminated Adair, effective immediately, and closed the brewery temporarily.

The brewery also cancelled upcoming events. In addition, it said it had reached out to First Nations leadership. Its goal was to listen to concerns and decide what should happen next.

Community Response and Calls for Action

Debra Lazzar, an elected councillor with T’Sou-ke First Nation, spoke to CTV News earlier about the impact. She said the incident was especially painful for survivors, their families and the wider community. An apology alone, she said, was not enough.

Lazzar wants to see meaningful action instead. She suggested that the brewery could support future Orange Shirt Day events. It could also set up a scholarship for T’Sou-ke students or contribute to programs that support Indigenous women. Moreover, she offered to help arrange a meeting between the brewery and community members.

RCMP Investigation Adds Another Layer

The controversy soon spread beyond the brewery itself. Sooke RCMP opened a criminal investigation after someone spray painted “evidence?” on the side of the building. Police said they were reviewing surveillance footage and increasing patrols in the area. So far, they have not identified a suspect.

What Comes Next for the Sooke Brewery

The brewery is now focused on reopening. Still, it has not shared a date or any firm plans. The company did thank the community and its staff in its latest statement.

“We are also grateful to the community for continuing to hold us accountable, and to our staff for the care and resilience they have shown while navigating this together,” the company said.

Many will now watch for what the Sooke brewery does next. Words of apology have come first. Concrete steps, as Lazzar made clear, are what the community hopes to see.