Disappointed Snuneymuxw First Nation members reclaimed their flag from Nanaimo City Hall on Friday.
They said they are protesting violence experienced by Nanaimo city manager Tracy Samra, a member of the Saddle Creek First Nation.
“The simple fact of the matter is that an Indigenous woman was exposed to violence in her workplace,” Snuneymuxw Coun. Doug White III said Friday.
“We can not accept that. It has to be denounced.”
The First Nation gave the flag to Nanaimo in June 2015 in an effort to strengthen ties.
White said he is unhappy that Mayor Bill McKay did not acknowledge Samra’s experience with violence.
“This is a really troubling moment in the relationship,” White said.
McKay told reporters that he wants to repair relations with the First Nation.
Samra, who is on leave, reported a physical confrontation at city hall in the spring, but details have not been made public.
Samra said after the flag was returned that she expects to return to work shortly and vows to keep the issue alive. At every meeting, she said she will ask, “Mayor McKay will you apologize to me?”
At the flag event, Nanaimo Coun. Bill Yoachim, a Snuneymuxw First Nation member, read aloud a letter to Samra that was approved by a majority of council members.
“Council expresses regret for the deterioration in relationships and commits to working diligently to support you in your return to work and to take steps to foster a positive work environment.”
Council accepts the findings of a consultant’s report, the letter said. That report is not public but Samra has said that it found a toxic work environment at city hall.
The letter said that council will follow new procedures governing interaction between staff and council. And council will comply with expectations for behaviour among council members while in the presence of staff.
Yoachim hugged Samra at the flag event. He said the message to her is: “We value you as an employee. Please come back.”
He said he respects the Snuneymuxw First Nation’s decision to take back the flag. But to see it come down, “It broke my heart.”
Nanaimo Coun. Gord Fuller said Samra “has taken an onslaught from a few people on city council from day one.”
“The important thing is that we get Tracy back to work and ensure it is a safe work environment, and not just for her, for all other staff as well.”
