Chief Régis Penosway calls for calm while the community of Kitcisakik, located in the La Vérendrye wildlife reserve, remains divided by strong tensions.
Last Friday, community members moved to evict interim education director Sharon Wylde, saying they were acting to protect their children.
These incidents come a few months after the suspension of 14 employees, who openly spoke out against the current council.
Reacting in a press release, Chief Penosway asks all members to exercise restraint and prioritize dialogue and the search for solutions.
I understand that Council decisions can raise questions and sometimes controversy, he writes. However, it is necessary to remember that each decision, as well as each appointment for jobs in the community, is the result of a rigorous process. If individuals have verifiable information that could inform Council decisions, they have a duty and responsibility to provide it to the Council in a diligent manner. Unsubstantiated allegations, rumors and speculation cannot guide Council members in decision-making.
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Kitcisakik is located in the La Vérendrye wildlife reserve. (Archive photo)
Photo : Radio-Canada / Jean-Michel Cotnoir
The chief also reiterates that violence and intimidation are contrary to the values that unite the community.
There is a fundamental principle in our society: no one can take justice into their own hands, he argues. I therefore appeal for calm and invite any person who is a victim of violence or intimidation to immediately denounce the actions.
Régis Penosway adds that the Council expects to soon receive the conclusions of the administrative investigation relating to the actions of employees towards the Council.
