To the editor,
Re: Snuneymuxw council takes back flag from city hall, Sept. 19.
Where are all the women’s groups in Nanaimo? Where are the associations who protest violence? And where were councillors Diane Brennan, Ian Thorpe and Sheryl Armstrong?
On Sept. 16, the Snuneymuxw First Nation demanded its flag be returned. Councillors Yoachim, Hong, Fuller, Kipp and Bestwick were there – showing their regret.
Our neighbours are upset, disgusted and hurt, and rightfully so, that Mayor McKay and a few councillors have apparently done little but stir up a toxic and violent work environment – likely to spur their own political agendas. City manager Tracy Samra was assaulted – we have all seen the video, read of a councillor being arrested, know Wendy Pratt resigned from office and have heard or read of all the other ruckuses and upheaval.
When asked respectfully by the Snuneymuxw to apologize for all the crap, McKay stood silent. To my knowledge, McKay has never admitted there was a horrible assault, instead reluctantly admitting the law does see it that way. What backward and repressive century is he living in?
Enough is enough, Nanaimo.
When next October’s municipal election comes, we must remember those fuelling the chaos, those standing idly by, those turning a blind eye to violence.
Kevan Shaw, Nanaimo