The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations says it is currently trying to verify an accusation that a principal at a northern school told the janitor not to speak Cree in the hallways.
The Canadian Press is reporting that the incident took place last month at the Timber Bay School in Montreal Lake.
Apparently Rose Bradfield was told it was rude and not right to speak Cree.
“Pretty disturbing in this day in age that one of the non-First Nations educators, a principal at that, would say something like that. Correct me if I’m wrong, now he’s saying he didn’t say it. We believe the janitor over the principal,” FSIN Chief Bobby Cameron said.
Principal Daryl McKen said he was aware of the accusation but denied it.
Cameron stopped short of calling for the principal to be removed adding he would support the decision of the Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
“It sends a clear message and an indication that there is still room for improvement for some of our non-First Nations educators. To really understand the importance of First Nations languages cultures and protocols,” explained Cameron.
“It is the International Year of Indigenous Languages and we must not only promote the use of our languages in our everyday lives, but we must also do everything we can to support and encourage teachers, principals and all staff to ensure that our First Nations languages are heard in the classrooms and hallways of every educational institution across Saskatchewan.”
The Northern Lights School Division said it is still conducting interviews into the matter, but expects the investigation to wrap by Wednesday.
Director of Education Jason Young said if the accusation is true, the School Division would not condone it.
He explained that the region serves primarily First Nations children where Indigenous languages should be promoted.