The chief of Aamjiwnaang First Nation says formal complaints have been submitted to the County of Lambton and Metropolis of Sarnia’s integrity commissioners following remarks made by metropolis/county councillor Invoice Dennis final November.
In an 11 web page letter to Lambton County Warden Kevin Marriott and Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, Janelle Nahmabin mentioned she needed to specific her “deep concern and disappointment relating to inappropriate, unfaithful and disparaging feedback from a member of each the Lambton County Council and Sarnia Metropolis Council.”
Nahmabin mentioned county council was discussing the First Nation’s request for adjustments in how environmental fines are distributed when the remarks have been made on November 27.
As reported by Sarnia Information At present, councillor Dennis accused chief Nahmabin of getting ulterior motives.
“They’ve an finish aim to eliminate chemical valley,” mentioned Dennis. “A lot of our constituents are employed by chemical valley. They’ve already put INEOS out of enterprise. We, we can’t carry on being weak to those folks, we will not. We acquired to indicate some, some spine.”
In her letter, Nahmabin recognized a complete of seven remarks made by Dennis — together with the timestamps from the digital broadcast — all of which she referred to as “unfaithful, offensive and tarnishes the dignity of the workplace held by the chief in addition to the broader group of Aamjiwnaang First Nation.”
“These feedback additionally disregard and undermine the substantial period of time, effort, and sources that Aamjiwnaang devotes to growing constructive relationships with neighbouring trade,” Nahmabin writes. “Such statements are opposite to the spirit of collaboration, inclusion, and reconciliation, that are important to constructing sturdy and respectful relationships with Indigenous communities.”
Chief Nahmabin urges councillor Dennis to retract his statements and problem a proper and public apology to her and the group as a complete.
She can also be urging Lambton County Council and Sarnia Metropolis Council to problem a public apology to Aamjiwnaang First Nation for Dennis’ remarks, and maintain him accountable to make sure the behaviour will not be repeated.
Nahmabin has requested all Lambton County Council members to decide to sensitivity and cultural consciousness coaching to raised perceive Indigenous communities and their management.
“It’s crucial that Lambton County and the Metropolis of Sarnia take quick and significant motion to deal with this matter, as failure to take action might considerably hurt relations between the county and metropolis with Aamjiwnaang First Nation,” she mentioned.
Nahmabin mentioned she understands many Ontario integrity commissioners decline code of conduct complaints that happen throughout council conferences except council asks them to be investigated.
“Ought to this be the case, I might urge each county council and metropolis council to direct their respective integrity commissioners to completely examine these complaints,” she mentioned.
Nahmabin mentioned since her request on the November assembly was obtained and filed as an alternative of raised for dialogue, the First Nation would welcome any alternative to debate the matter additional at a future assembly.
