I would like to make a few comments on the article Stewart Paul wrote, “Election attacks demeaning entire community” appearing in The Victoria Star on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004. First of all, the election appeal, out of over 600 First Nations there were 59 election appeals across Canada. Only two were granted, both in New Brunswick; one here at Tobique First Nation. Election appeals are not granted on false allegations, especially one that would overturn nearly a 100-vote margin. Stewart Paul accuses David Perley and his supporters of stigmatizing the community voters as “drunken Indians”. I have not heard David Perley or his supporters or Indian Affairs Minister Andy Scott refer to Tobique First Nation voters as “drunken Indians”. The only time I heard anyone use the term “drunken Indian” was from Stewart Paul himself. Stewart Paul is blaming David Perley for putting Tobique First Nation in dire straits because of the election appeal. But it is Stewart Paul who put Tobique First Nation in a near 3rd party situation. It is Stewart Paul who put Tobique First Nation in a co- management situation because of an approximately $3.5 million deficit of the year 2003- 2004. David Perley did not run this administration, Stewart Paul did for the last three years. He had total control. As far as accountability, there was none. Oh, I’m sorry, we did get a copy of the audit, not from the administration but from the auditor. Stewart Paul did mention his salary of $60,000 as Chief. He did not mention his other income related to his Chief duties, i.e., board of director Tedco, other native organizations which would easily put him well over the $100,000 level. Stewart Paul gave us his education background, his work as a lawyer with 20 years experience in law, yet he does not accept a lawful decision made by the authorities. Also, he has had over four terms as elected Chief. With all this knowledge, education and work experience, why has he put the Tobique First Nation in this situation? This re-election is a historical event for the Tobique First nation. Vaughan Nicholas, Tobique First Nation |
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