The chief of Caldwell First Nation says she has been locked out of her office.
Chief Mary Duckworth was placed on leave June 13 by her council and says she "feels like she is being silenced."
"I feel that the true reason for this leave is a result of nepotism," Duckworth says. "I voiced these serious concerns as well as concerns regarding the actual decisions being made at the council table. Ultimately, I was the one attacked."
She says during her absence, she's had many concerned citizens contact her with issues that are not being addressed. Most importantly that the council is ignoring a motion, that was made and passed, to have a general membership meeting in June of 2018.
"Council continues to impede this motion and other work at the council table," she says.
In a letter to the community, Duckworth says the leave was issued without authority and is not supported by any independent findings.
"I am deeply concerned by the steps taken by Council. I am even more concerned that they then sent out correspondence to our citizens," says Duckworth. "In my opinion it was unprofessional and unfair. Since being notified of this serious action taken against me, I have respected their decision, however at this time, I can no longer sit in silence."
She says the allegations made against her and the Nation’s Council and Management are being dealt with by lawyers.
It's unclear what the allegations are.
