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Eddie Skookum must resign

Eddie Skookum must resign Eddie Skookum, I do not have anything personally against you; it is your actions I do not and will not agree with. I have not hidden my views regarding your actions, as everyone here knows. Skookum, as a leader you have let me d

Eddie Skookum, I do not have anything personally against you; it is your actions I do not and will not agree with. I have not hidden my views regarding your actions, as everyone here knows.

Skookum, as a leader you have let me down. I cannot accept what you have done, nor will I be a part of it. On July 5, you should have called and said, “I apologize to you my people and resigned.” I don’t know, maybe you think that we do not deserve apology.

I have always spoken against violence towards women and children and violence of any kind. This should not be tolerated in any community, not only Carmacks, but everywhere else as well.

This is very hard for me because you are supposed to be a role model and someone who sets an example to the young people. They see and hear things; they know what is happening and are well aware of your actions.

How do you think that you can remain as chief when the trust and respect for you is gone? Ð maybe not for all but for me it is and will not return.

How will we as a community be viewed by other communities if we let you remain as chief after what has happened? Do you think that we will be welcomed with open arms? We will not shine, that is for sure.

If you apologize to the community, that is fine, but you have to resign because what will you do if there are meetings in Alaska Ð will you be able to lead the people by going where you may not be welcomed?

I wonder, if this were any other councillors, would we be having a special meeting such as this? I don’t think so: That person would be gone and his/her position would be filled. I don’t see why this situation is any different.

I stated that my views have not changed and in that time some members from my immediate family and extended family have decided to shun me but that does not matter at all; some of them were an important part of my life. When my time comes, I do not expect them to come to me or attend where I am because their choice is clear. I want to thank the ones in my family who have stood behind me and respected me and encouraged me for speaking my mind. We all have freedom of speech and we should not be told not to speak; we have something to say and we should be able to say it.

I wonder how some of you would feel if tables were turned and this happened to your daughter, would your views stay the same?

Show that you are a true leader and resign. I will continue fighting as long as I have a breath in my body.

God gave me a voice and I will not be silenced or intimidated.

Skookum, resign and work on your healing. That is the only option I will agree to.

Stay and the fight will go on.

Lorraine O’Brien

Carmacks