Kwe',
So we all know now that I am no longer affiliated with Danny Campbell and James Young's Indian Band (Kitpu). I will try to restrain myself as I explain what has happened. I will speak the truth, as I believe it and give you my thoughts and opinions - nothing I say herein is meant to slander, insult, disrespect or belittle the individuals in question or the other band.
In a nut shell, there was a huge rift building over a serious difference of opinion and difference of direction the band should be taking. I am very proud to say that I have shed those shackles and am now in a position to work on a releastic vision for our future.
The kiptu council had split down the centre- there were ownership issues where the family researcher was/is of the misguided belief that she somehow owns member's documentation. From this was always te threat to burn the members documentation when things didn't lean her way. I have had to walk on "pins and needles " around them. I had hoped that the band would be owned by the people. From them I felt a lot of contempt and a total lack of trust and respect. I can tell you that it was a very negative and counterproductive place to be.
They will not even return documentation that was built with band resources if you ask for it. They will only give you what you gave them. How mean and deviated is that? The family researcher volunteered and was appointed for the band from the beginning so she should automatically return documemtation to anyone leaving their band. I believe that it is criminal that people cannot have their own personal documentation! But there is no dealing with people whom do not seem to have access to common sense. I believe they have little or sense or understanding of the real world.
At their Council meetings negativity with them was so thick you could cut it with a knife. There seem to be always a black cloud following them around. I kept trying to make myself believe that they could be kept in check and we would remain on course- I gave up on them. Every time I tried to get us moving forward three steps (for the betterment of our community) they would undermine the council and take us back five steps.
I got tired of what I saw as childish behavior. There is no reasoning with the unreasonable. I decided to leave. I would not be a puppet - which is all it seemed that I was supposed to be. They could have a new puppet.
I would not recommend anyone remain with them - get out while before it's too late.
However, I should point out that many many members said to me - if you leave -form another band and we will follow you- don't leave us with these people. So we set up a new local band in our community where the micmac movement was working 30 years ago - my mother was involved then. We are also members of the FNI (The Kitpu is not).
Now it seems that certian individuals from the other band are waging a smear campaigne against me. It is sad that they seem to consider other Mi'kmaq to be their enemies - that is exactly what the federal government loves to see - people divided. What we need is good, strong, transparent and honest leadership. We also need local bands to come together dispite their differences and work together on what we do agree on.
That's it in a nut shell. The rest is history and we are moving forward and not looking back. Meantime our membership continues to (Benoit) grow. Check back regularly if you want to track our efforts and activities. I do wish the other group well. I hope that they find whatever it is that they are looking for.
After having said all this, I must say that I am very optimistic about our future and the road to our success as a community.
thundercloud
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