ATIKOKAN – The local Native Friendship Centre needs a new board as an alleged misuse of funds is investigated, an online petition asserts.
The petition says the friendship centre was once “a thriving hub of community activity” but misuse of funds “has led to a drastic reduction” in services.
“We see the impact of the lack of programs on our kids and the strain it’s putting on families and individuals already facing challenges,” states the petition.
The petition at change.org asks people to support the appointment of new board members and a new executive director for the Atikokan Native Friendship Centre.
It follows the public disclosure of a confidential whistleblower package, prepared by a bookkeeper, containing evidence of alleged “ethical misconduct” and “financial misappropriation.”
A May 12 post on the centre’s Facebook page says its board of directors “has received allegations of financial mismanagement” and is organizing an investigation with “full cooperation from all parties.”
Requests to the friendship centre for further comment went unanswered.
The Ontario Provincial Police is investigating, but no charges have been laid and the allegations have not been tested in court.
On Thursday, about 20 community members staged a “walk of solidarity” to the friendship centre on Main Street, to show support for the centre’s critics.
The walkers included past employees and clients of the friendship centre.
Mary Jane Wolfe, a former friendship centre employee originally from Grassy Narrows First Nation, guided the walk and spoke to participants.
She said every walk participant is “a warrior” who can “stand tall and be proud.”
Wolfe, who said she has “been involved in a few walks” before, termed the turnout encouraging.
The petition is right in seeking a new board and management at the friendship centre, she said.
