Ottawa

Turned away

Attawapiskat turned away the third-party manager yesterday. John Duncan’s office expressed its disappointment in a statement last night.

Today, the Third Party Manager was in the community with AANDC officials. When he arrived he was asked to leave by community leadership on behalf of Chief Theresa Spence. The Third Party Manager, Jacques Marion, wished to respect the volatile situation and is currently not in the community. He remains in full control of funding from Aboriginal Affairs to the community and is hoping to work with the community to address urgent needs. It is extremely worrying that the Chief and council are not open to outside assistance. Minister Duncan met with Chief Theresa Spence, and Grand Chief Stan Louttit and reiterated that our government’s priority is to ensure that residents of Attawapiskat have access to safe, warm, and dry shelter. The Minister stressed that all parties should put the needs of the people first. He asked that the Chief and Council work with the Third Party Manager to identify the immediate needs of the community.  Minister Duncan remains committed to this plan of action.

Kathryn Blaze Carlson compares the competing claims.

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