A Poundmaker Cree Nation councilor, Colby Tootoosis, is making strong allegations of nepotism within the First Nation's governance structure that he claims has contributied to closure of Poundmaker School three times already this school year.
In a press release, Tootoosis says the school has been closed because of ongoing, unresolved sewer problems.
"Parents and staff have been complaining of symptoms ranging from nausea, headaches and fatigue for months if not years," he says.
According to Tootoosis, problems are part of a larger governance problem and the children's health and education are being sacrificed as a result.
He claims the maintenance staff, with close relationships to the chief and other council members, are not qualified or properly equipped to solve the problem.
He says a mechanical assessment was done on the school that revealed the maintenance staff did not have the required expertise and equipment to carry out any work and repairs.
"The school has been politicized by the previous and current chief and council," Tootoosis adds.
"Any attempts by concerned staff or parents to bring forward genuine concerns and issues is interpreted by the leadership, as 'politicking,' and this can result in firings or other retributive actions by the leadership, so people are afraid to speak out."
Band members are talking about calling an emergency meeting to discuss the school situation as well as ongoing governance issues that have not been resolved, such as transparency and accountability.
The First Nation has been plagued with controversy in the past few years, with re-elected chief Duane Antoine due to be sentenced for Treaty Land Entitlement fraud Sept. 18.
" I will not allow the endangerment of our children's health and education due to negligent leadership. Our children are falling behind due to constant closures of our school," Tootoosis says.
"I have to speak for my people, I am also declaring that I will not back down in bringing about accountability and our traditional band custom governance."
