A gathering in Vancouver this summer brought together prominent white supremacist groups for a secretive neo-Nazi conference, which included martial arts gym owners, coaches, and trainers. Hosted at the Scottish Cultural Centre, the event was organized by a group known as Exiles of the Golden Age, focusing on discussions about forming “Männerbunds,” described as disciplined groups of men who aim to rebuild society amidst anticipated chaos.
Video footage obtained by CBC News’s visual investigations unit, courtesy of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network (CAHN), captured attendees and organizers entering the event. Notable speakers at the conference, including a founding member of the white nationalist Wolves of Vinland group, emphasized the cultural and physical aspects of an ongoing societal “war.” Discussions also highlighted the need for ethnically exclusive principles within the Männerbund formations.
The event saw the participation of individuals with ties to the neo-Nazi movement and members of the white supremacist nationalist group Second Sons Canada, known for organizing combat training in public parks and private gyms. The Exiles’ conference united various individuals and groups, showcasing a unified strategy in the white nationalist movement that is attracting significant numbers.
Experts characterize Exiles of the Golden Age as a “folkish” group, blending Germanic or Norse pagan traditions with white supremacist and neo-Nazi ideologies. The group draws inspiration from Savitri Devi’s book “The Lightning and the Sun,” dedicated to Adolf Hitler, symbolizing a cyclical view of history leading to a perceived “golden age.”
The event featured discussions on “Indo-European first principles” by B.C.-based boxing coach Lane Pommer, advocating for ethnically exclusive religious beliefs. The presence of gym owners, coaches, and trainers tied to diverse clientele, including children, highlighted the infiltration of neo-Nazi and white supremacist movements within the martial arts community.
The conference also connected Canadian groups with the international movement, with planned speeches by individuals like Swedish YouTuber Marcus Follin and American Paul Waggener. The event showcased a gathering of active clubs and alliances, indicating the growing influence of white nationalism in Canada.
The significant rise of white nationalism in Canada, evidenced by increased support, fundraising capacity, and recruitment in militant groups, underscores the concerning trend observed at the Exiles conference. If you have any information on this story, please contact VI@cbc.ca.
