Penticton Indian Band elder Pierre Kruger is one of the band members occupying the administrative offices.
(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)
August 01, 2018 - 12:37 PM
PENTICTON - It's day two of the occupation of Penticton Indian Band’s administrative office and controversy is growing as the Band postpones all programs and services.
Band members disaffected by the present Chief, council and administration began an occupation of the Band's office yesterday, July 31.
Band communications officer Dawn Russell says the protest is no longer peaceful as staff were physically blocked from entering the administration building today, Aug. 1. In a release posted to Facebook, she says all programs and services have been immediately postponed until the administration can determine a safe alternative for staff.
“While the administration can support a peaceful protest, the administration will require access to the building to continue to deliver essential services,” Russell says. She expects it will take a couple of days to find alternative ways to deliver band services.
The protesters say it is not their fault the services have been postponed.
Protest spokesperson Dolly Kruger says those occupying the administration office are not interrupting the essential services the Band provides including taxation, health and social development programs, daycare, education and emergency services.
She says they have made it clear that the occupation is directed at the Chief, council, the interim chief administrative officer Jonathan Baynes and the band's legal advisor. Kruger says any decision to not provide those essential services is a decision made by Baynes and supported by Chief and council.
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