Recent social media postings by Pouce Coupe Lorraine Michetti have drawn sharp rebukes across the Peace region.
"Don't want Pipeline's? They want to protect our land. Yeah ok," Michetti wrote in a post to Facebook Wednesday, followed by pictures of homes strewn with garbage. The post drew swift condemnation from the community and political leaders, which many called "racist and hateful" for its apparent depiction of First Nations housing stereotypes.
Pouce Coupe village council held an emergency special meeting Saturday, and voted unanimously to censure Michetti and limit her powers, removing her from all committee and board duties, including the Peace River Regional District.
Michetti did not attend the meeting, and the council will be requesting her resignation. The council also passed a motion for legal assistance in stopping her social media posts while representing the village.
Other elected officials across the Peace region quickly denounced Michetti and distanced themselves from the inflammatory comments.
Said PRRD Board Chair Brad Sperling: "I wish to clearly state that we find the sentiment in the post deeply troubling. This was posted to a personal Facebook account. The post does not in any way reflect the views of the Peace River Regional District and we wholeheartedly reject the message contained in it," he said.
"Our anti-racism policy clearly and firmly commits the PRRD to conducting its business in an anti-discriminatory and anti-racist manner and environment. This policy applies to elected officials of the PRRD. This is a violation of that policy and once again, we reject in the strongest terms the sentiment expressed in this post."
Said Taylor Mayor Rob Fraser: "The comments that have arisen to do not represent the views of the District of Taylor. First Nations people and their governments have been working towards protecting our environment and the lands of the Peace for many years and they continue to do so today," he said.
"It is time for uninformed members of the general public to tone down their rhetoric and become more informed about the topics which are spoken of."
Said South Peace MLA Mike Bernier: "At a time when all levels of Governments are working hard to end racism and discrimination of any kind, we can not condone any comments that stereotype people or cultures and perpetuate racism."
Michetti did not immediately respond to an email request for comment.
In a letter being attributed to Michetti on social media, she apologized for the offending depiction.
"It was directed to address an issue that was not of a Cultural nature, although it was taken that way, that photo was not an appropriate depiction of what the photo is and was taken as," it said. "I understand that the photo in question was and is a grave mischaracterization of who the First Nation and Metis peoples are and for that I apologize."
Michetti has not confirmed the letter, but the statement said she would be "taking an awareness and learning program by a First Nations member of our community."
Fort St. John Mayor Lori Ackerman said the city values friendship and partnerships with its neighbouring First Nation communities.
"The Tsaa? Çhé ne Dane welcomed those who came to this region and in many cases helped those who first came this way to survive these winters. Learning about the history of the Dene-zaa did not happen overnight and we are still learning," she said.
"We do not and never will condone racism within our walls or our community. An egregious error was made by one of our colleagues. We will invite them to learn with us."
Said MLA Dan Davies: "As we work on building better relationships with our indigenous communities, we must all stand up against racism and stereotypes. It's extremely disappointing that comments like this are made."
This is a developing story.
Email Managing Editor Matt Preprost at [email protected].
