MCK Chief Steps Down From Task Force After Attending Private Party
Written by Paul Graif on 29 October 2020
Two MCK Chiefs attended a private gathering outdoors on Sunday evening. In lieu of that event, MCK Chief Harry Rice has stepped down from the Kahnawà:ke COVID-19 Task Force. Rice was ticketed for being at the private gathering outside of a home in the community.
The head of the Task Force, Commissioner of Public Safety Lloyd Phillips appeared with us today on the Morning D on K1037:
“I did ask him, on the phone, after his discussion, he says – I don’t remember the exact words – but at the end I said well as Commissioner and head of the Task Force so I’m asking you to step back. So he was asked.”
Rice issued a written apology and one for the community, through the K1037 airwaves:
“Well, I made a wrong decision by attending the party and for that I am… sorry.”
Rice saying that he never considered stepping down as a Chief on Council. Despite being on the Covid-19 Task Force, Rice felt that he was following the directives.
Meanwhile, Chief Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer was also present outside of the same household on Sunday. She and others celebrating a friend’s birthday. The Chief was asked, ‘what were you thinking?’:
“What was I thinking. Well I’m going to go stop in for a little while and give my long time friend a gift and when I arrived and noticing the outdoor set-up and the safety precautions that were being exercised, in my opinion, looked safe and I didn’t feel the need to vacate immediately, stayed for a little bit and left the premises but, um…so it was an error in judgement.”
She issued a public apology. Sky-Deer was not issued a fine.
In their release, The MCK stated, “The Council of Chiefs do not condone these actions. We, as leaders must set the example for others in the community. All sectors of the community, especially leadership, should know and follow the directives put in place by the Task Force.”
