Departing chief cites ‘lateral violence,’ gossip
Chief Kristina Kane is stepping down from her role as head of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, citing personal safety concerns.
Chief Kristina Kane is stepping down from her role as head of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council, citing personal safety concerns.
Kane announced her resignation Friday in a letter to the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Ta’an Kwäch’än Elders Council.
“At this point in time, I think it is best that I protect myself, as well as my family from further stress and hardship,” states the letter, obtained by the Star today.
“I must ... take into consideration my own personal health and safety.”
Kane said she continues to be a victim of “lateral violence” and “an orchestrated discrediting gossip campaign by certain individuals.”
Whitehorse RCMP said they are looking into any possible charges related to the concerns.
Lateral violence refers to anything from workplace bullying to personal harassment to physical assault committed wholly within aboriginal communities but rooted in a cycle of abuse traceable to the legacy of colonialism, residential schools and systemic discrimination, according to the Native Women’s Association of Canada.
Kane cited “unity among the families” as a key challenge facing Ta’an citizens.
“For the sake of the future generations, the healing must begin with us, and we must re-create a vision which unifies and moves us to greater goals,” she stated.
“My resignation comes with a heavy heart and disappointment for our family, however, we will continue to be active participants in our community and carry on the traditional values of our ancestors from the community and future generations.”
Late last year, the Ta’an Kwäch’än Judicial Council held hearings on Kane’s eligibility for chief.
Several citizens had complained about a finding of guilt for the theft of cigarettes in B.C., when Kane was in her late teens.
Under Section 12 of the Ta’an constitution, any council member, including the chief, may be removed for “compromising the dignity or effectiveness of that office.”
Last October, the premature break-up of a general assembly hinted at ongoing divisions running through the Ta’an community.
The assembly, convened to discuss possible changes to the constitution, did not make it past the rules of order.
“We never got a chance to discuss the constitution,” Kane said on Oct. 29. “Discussions were derailed from the beginning.”
Despite “disruptions from some citizens,” the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council reaffirmed its support for its members and encouraged positive, open dialogue for the future of the community.
“All citizens have a right to speak at our assemblies,” Kane stated in a press release issued by the council last October. “Our First Nation, under my leadership, will continue to follow the TKC Laws and Constitution.”
The Ta’an Kwäch’än Council office in Whitehorse closed for several days last September following death threats against staff in the building.
Kane’s resignation is effective Jan. 31, according to her letter to council.
She was elected on Oct. 15, 2012, for a three-year term.
Ruth Massie, grand chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations, had no comment on the abrupt step-down this morning.
Comments (3)
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Tim Schaefer on Jan 13, 2015 at 11:19 am
I have always had an interest in the Yukon. I stand 100% behind the decision Kane has decided on. I would do the same if I had a family that was threatened and in danger. It sounds to me like a very, very hard decision to make especially when you strive and really want to make positive change in the community in which you live for the betterment of all to have and enjoy. Good luck Kane and good job. People do see what you have done and have been trying to do. All the best, stand tall the world needs more people like you.
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Josey Wales on Jan 13, 2015 at 7:39 am
Hmmm....in summary, traditional tribal politics in action.
No need to hold a national inquiry as to where the violence comes from, or does that upset the narrative spun?
Yes we really must consult our every every move, with tribal politicians....to "move forward" in healthy manner.
Of course Ruth has no comment, it involves her brethren cannot blame them for anything now...politically incorrect to do that.
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moose101 on Jan 13, 2015 at 6:08 am
Lateral violence the phrase that will be repeated several times if they ever have a national inquiry into violence against aboringinal women .
The RCMP should be actively pursuing charges, we live in Canada you cannot make death threats to any form of Government .