The janitor of the Timber Bay School near Montreal Lake said she felt embarrassed Monday as she was told by a Human Resources official that she was placed on paid leave, pending the outcome of an investigation by the Northern Lights School Division.
Rose Bradfield is at the center of an allegation made last month against the principal of the school, who asked her not to speak Cree in the building.
Bradfield said she was asked by the principal if she was going to attend a suicide prevention course at the school that day, which she agreed to do. Yet during the course she was pulled by the principal to have a phone conversation where she was told by Human Resources of her paid leave.
“I’m not supposed to be at the school, in the school, anywhere near the school or on the grounds. I was not allowed to talk to the teachers, but that I would get paid until everything was resolved,” Bradfield said.
She said she had to go back to the course, gather her belongings and leave, feeling embarrassed.
The School Division expects the investigation to conclude this week. The principal is denying the allegations.
When asked about possible employment changes to Bradfield, Northern Lights School Division Director of Education Jason Young said he could not comment on personnel matters.
Bradfield said the incident, which allegedly occurred in September has left the impression on her grandson that speaking Cree is not allowed.
“My grandson understood that he is not allowed to speak any Cree. That’s not right, he’s only 11 years old, but he knew what’s going on. They’re trying tell him not to speak Cree anymore in the school,” Bradfield said.
Bradfield clarified that students were not told directly about speaking their language, yet the implication is there.
As for the investigation, Bradfield stated she just spoke to officials Wednesday to give her version of the events.
Education Minister Gordon Wyant said he is aware of the allegation and investigation as the accusation goes against the government’s efforts to preserve Indigenous languages.
“It certainly flies in the face of efforts in reconciliation. Last year we introduced some changes to our curriculum to ensure that Indigenous languages were taught in our schools and preserved. That’s an important part of reconciliation,” Wyant explained.
Bradfield said the incident has left her questioning whether she will return to work.