The Kenora District Services Board is calling for the resignation of Dryden Senator Lynn Beyak.
The Board of Directors passed a resolution Thursday to elevate awareness regarding the “harm, devastation” and continued impacts that the legacy of the Indian Residential School system is having on communities and Indigenous peoples.
It was also brought forward in response to the challenging public discussions taking place as a result of recent words and actions of Beyak.
In a statement, KDSB Chair Barry Baltessen stated “We acknowledge that this is a unique situation and unprecedented for the District Services Board to provide such a resolution. We believe it is important for our community leaders, Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler and Grand Council Treaty #3 (GCT#3) Ogichidaa Francis Kavanaugh to know that we stand with them in their fight against racism and bigotry.”
He adds “There is a reason our region has such high rates of homelessness, poverty and poor health. There is a reason that our youth experience such high rates of addictions and suicides. These rates will continue if our governments and community leaders do not address the impacts of Colonialism.”
The resolution from the Board of Directors asks Senator Beyak to “act honorably and in the interest of the people and step down from her role as Senator.”
Beyak was suspended a second time after she didn’t follow through with cultural sensitivity training and has since apologized for her actions.
The KDSB move is seen as an important one as it works with others to form an All Nations Health Team as well as other partnerships with area First Nations to develop community based homelessness, poverty and childcare strategies.
