Filing of grievances followed by release of teaching staff

Jani Lambert is disappointed that her aunt’s dedication to teaching has not been recognized.

Lambert’s aunt, Mamie Bernard, is one of five teachers along with the principal and a teacher’s assistant, who did not get their contracts renewed for September 2010 at the Paul First Nation school. Benard has been teaching at Paul school for over eight years working on a year-to-year contract. She also spent two and a half years as vice-principal.

“My aunt is passionate. She works very hard and the kids are all very fond of her,” said Lambert.

Five of the six teachers released, including Bernard, filed grievances with chief and council in January regarding Ruby Bird, director of education/principal at the Paul school. Grievances included “harassment and bullying” on Bird’s part as well as her inability to carry out principal duties as she spent little time on site, said Bernard.

“We were definitely very hesitant to even submit the grievances,” said Bernard, “but we were assured that our jobs were not in jeopardy. (Keeping our jobs) would be based on the recommendation of the newly appointed principal. Those recommendations were never asked for.”
Following the filing of grievances, Bernard was demoted from her administrative position to straight teaching and received a reduction in pay. A new principal was hired and his contract has not been renewed either. He was not involved with filing the grievances.

INAC conducted an on-site compliance review in November, said Glen Luff, spokesperson for INAC’s Alberta office. The review showed 47 students who should not have been on the attendance list. The Paul Band’s funding was adjusted to reflect that difference, said Luff.

“(INAC’s) chief of audit and evaluation is exploring a little more those allegations,” said Luff, although he could offer no timelines as to when a finding would be made known.

Luff noted the department decided not to pursue allegations after an initial meeting with Chief Daniel Paul, council, Bird and the teachers because allegations were based on hearsay. However, as allegations persisted and there’s a “fairly large public interest,” coupled with the unrenewed teaching contracts, a second look was warranted.

Bernard is disappointed with what has happened. She will pursue her interests in her small business and continue work on her masters courses. She is concerned about her co-workers and the students.

“I’m saddened about it. It’s unjust, unfair. Not once were the students’ needs taken into consideration. If they wanted change (as Chief Paul claims). . . I understand that. However, this is just a retaliatory change and they continue not to deal with the issues,” said Bernard.
Letters received by staff stating their contracts would not be renewed offered no reason.

The action against her aunt has left Lambert disillusioned. Lambert is working on her education degree with the goal of studying a further two years to obtain her Aboriginal Mental Health diploma.

“My mom and my aunties have inspired me to give back and I wanted to work on the reserve. But this is almost discouraging for some one like me who wants to do that. There’s not a lot of job security, not a lot of appreciation,” said Lambert. Her mother and aunts are all members of the Paul First Nation.

Two teachers’ assistants and one teacher were retained.