Elders vote to dissolve Indian Friendship Centre board

A group of First Nations elders voted Monday night to dissolve the board of directors of the Sault's Indian Friendship Centre. The decision was made after a public meeting at which allegations were made of staff and elder abuse, as well as nepotism.

A group of First Nations elders voted Monday night to dissolve the board of directors of the Sault's Indian Friendship Centre.

The decision was made after a public meeting at which allegations were made of staff and elder abuse, as well as nepotism.

A new interim board, elected Monday, is planning to meet at the Friendship Centre at 122 East Street at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

However, the old board does not recognize the new board and is planning to meet in the same building at 7 p.m. the same night.

Meeting convened by elders

Monday night's meeting was convened by area elders at St. Luke's Parish Hall.

More than 40 members attended, 18 of whom were elders.

Armed with a legal opinion that a 66 percent majority of elders could force a motion of nonconfidence in the centre's board, the elders voted 16 to 1 in favour, with one abstention.

Their motion dissolved the old board and demanded that existing directors resign.

The new board is also expected to demand that the appointment of an interim executive director be rescinded.

Old directors walk out of meeting

William Bellerose, president of the Friendship Centre's board, attended the initial part of the gathering, but announced shortly before the vote that he and two other directors did not recognize the legitimacy of the meeting and were withdrawing.

The three directors then left, accompanied by a staff member.

Outside the parish hall, Bellerose told SooToday news that his board will be at the Friendship Centre for Tuesday's 7 p.m. meeting.

New board elected

Here's the new board elected Monday night:

President - Joe Nolan Vice president - Joe Tom Sayers Secretary - Diane Whiteloon Treasurer - Rhea Assinewe Youth representative - Dawn Syrette Directors - Phylis Pelletier, Evelyn Shreiber, Jim Fox, Craig McKay, Gayle Ouellette

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