DRYDEN, Ont. – Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler has sharply criticized the city of Dryden and urged organizations to avoid hosting events there, after its municipal council voted down a motion to censure Senator Lynn Beyak.
“Why would we keep supporting a town like this?” Fiddler asked in a Facebook post.
Beyak has been suspended by the Senate for the remainder of the parliamentary term over her failure to complete mandated anti-racism training or offer a sufficient apology for letters she had posted to her website, including some that minimized the impact of residential schools on Indigenous communities.
A motion from Dryden city councillor Shayne MacKinnon urged the council to condemn Beyak’s actions and call for her resignation. MacKinnon wrote that Beyak “is widely referred to and known as a Senator from Dryden, Ontario” and that her behaviour “has become a reputational and social concern to the City, its region, and its citizens.”
“The City and its region are in demographic and economic transition, with a growing role for Indigenous people in governance, economic, and cultural leadership – a change which must be purposefully fostered and celebrated,” the motion read in part.
Only one other councillor, Dave McKay, supported the motion; councillors John Carlucci and Michelle Price voted against, while Mayor Greg Wilson and councillors Norm Bush and Martin MacKinnon abstained.
“It is becoming clear that the Dryden city council does not take Senator Beyak’s racist conduct seriously,” Fiddler wrote in response on Facebook. “I would encourage event organizers like tournaments to avoid Dryden as a host city in the future because if they condone racism, it’s not a safe place for our children.”
Coun. Shayne MacKinnon said he shares Fiddler’s disappointment in the vote, but doesn’t believe the result is fully representative of his city.
“Although I cannot agree with Grand Chief Fiddler’s comments about our community, I understand the sentiment,” he said. “I hope the Chief takes into account that there are many people in Dryden and the region who challenge racism and who have made our community a better place for everyone to live.”
Beyak’s behaviour has made it impossible for her to be an effective representative, MacKinnon added.
“There are many areas of concern in our Region where a Canadian Senator could be an asset and demonstrate leadership,” he said. “I do not believe that Senator Beyak will ever gain back the confidence and support of our communities to be effective in her role.”
Grand Chief Fiddler and Mayor Wilson have not yet responded to requests for comment.
