Oyate Chairperson Responds To Criticism Of Board

Oyate Chairperson Responds To Criticism Of Board

Thursday, November 02, 2006 at 13:37

 

 

The chairperson of the Oyate Safe House board of directors says political mud-slinging over problems at the facility for teens is damaging its future.

 

Chief Mary-Anne Daywalker-Pelletier says she believes the criticism unleashed over the safe house “has gone beyond Oyate” and has been aimed at First Nations people, in general.

 

She says critics are “dragging down” First Nations people through this issue, and she has no tolerance for that sort of thing.

 

Daywalker-Pelletier adds she’s “getting so tired of the SaskParty trying to put us down and create a division between First Nations people and Saskatchewan.”

 

This week, more reports surfaced about problems at the Regina-based home — sparking criticism from the opposition.

 

Saskatchewan Party MLA Ted Merriman called on the NDP government to cut ties with the First Nations board overseeing the centre and put it out for tender.

 

Daywalker-Pelletier says she is aware problems exist at Oyate. She adds that’s why the board is listening to recommendations laid out by the children’s advocate and provincial auditor.

 

However, she argues they should be given a chance to follow those recommendations before giving up control of the home.

 

Daywalker-Pelletier says work is already underway to locate new staff members and develop new programming.

 

She hopes to re-open the home by April 1st, but worries the Opposition will continue its call to have the house put under new management.

 

The chief also says she hopes the NDP doesn’t cave in to the political heat it is taking from the Saskatchewan Party.