Friday, October 27, 2006
Friday, October 20, 2006
Why Is Abner Thorne House Fiasco Story Important?
I have considered that perhaps people who have seen my posts about Abner's House Fiasco, perhaps have not yet taken the time to read about the situation, and as such are not aware of the extent of the abuse, and impropriety that has occurred. I also guess that people probably don't understand that for every Abner who will speak out, and has a son like Kevin who will go to bat for him, that there are hundreds of other Aboriginal Peoples across Canada who are going thru similar situations, and getting this EXACT same kind of non-response from the DIA.
Here is a Chronology of the Abner Thorne House Fiasco
(which might help readers better understand the whole situation.)
1. Abner is almost 80 years old. He has been a devoted family man his entire life, and was always gainfully employed. He is a very respected Elder in the Coast Salish community. He has in the past served on "Elder Advisory" bodies for the Cowichan Tribes Indian Band, The Land Investigation Cmt, as well as the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group. He is somebody who has always had time to help a friend out, or take a call when somebody needed some information, or wanted advice or to share a concern.
2. Abner built his own house over 40 years ago. Like many of the houses that were built by band members themselves with their own money and effort (like my Grandfather Doug and Ken's houses --and not the CMHC crap houses) his home did not have any problem with mould.
3. A health official for the Cowichan Tribes showed up at Abner's house a year ago, and told him that his house had mould in it. The Cowichan Tribes Sustainable Housing Department, and Jaques Whitford did an "assessment" of his house, where they stated unequivocally that mould was in the house. According to Abner, the "assessment" was that this Jaques Whitford employee walked into his house, sniffed the air a few times and said "There is mold here"
4. Abner was very very reluctant to believe them or leave his house. The Cowichan Tribes Sustainable Housing Program people pushed him very hard to vacate his home, and they promised they would fix the house and have him back home in no time. In fact, they even went above and beyond the call of duty in this capacity, by hiring movers to pack up his home, and handle the move completely.. And they even went to the trouble to move and insure his 30 foot gillnetter. (This was an extreme expense on the part of the Cowichan Tribes)
5. Abner was placed in the Temporary Housing Subdivision. This is the place where people stay who are having work done on their homes. (For more info: Read this article to see what these transitional homes were like before they were properly fixed, and the abuse that occured to the people in them, shortly after they were constructed -- ie. One elder nearly died from carbon monoxide poisoning due to inadequate venting, which the band took at least 6 weeks to fix) Abner did not sign anything. He did not agree to anything, other than to move out of his house so that the band could fix the mould problem that they said his house had.
6. The contractor proceeded shortly thereafter to rip apart Abner's bathroom in his house. They removed the toilet, the bath tub, all the fixtures etc..
7. It was discovered that, in spite of the claims by the Sustainable Housing People that Abner's house had deadly toxic mould in it, requiring him to be moved out immediately for his own health, after they had destroyed his bathroom that... THERE WAS NO MOULD
8. At this point, they asked Abner to sign a paper that, (as far as I understand -- I haven't seen it yet -- but Kevin is going to fax it to me shortly) would claim that Abner was responsible now for the costs of fixing the house. That if he defaulted upon payments for the costs of fixing his house (which had no problem to begin with, before Cowichan Tribes stuck their noses in his business and demanded that he comply with their requests) that he could very well lose his house AND his land.
9. There is a side issue that is also going on. Abner has property which the Band Government wants to build a Elders' Care Facility on. As far as Abner and Kevin (and myself) are concerned this whole "Mould Crisis" in Abner's home was possibly manufactured so that the Cowichan Tribes Indian Band could seize that property and use it for their own purposes.
10. After his bathroom was completely destroyed, the Sustainable Housing Team started to shove this "reinstatement agreement" in his face, and demand that he sign it - And this was the only condition upon which they would repair the damage that they had done to his home. He refused to sign it, because it seemed like if he did, he would be waiving the liability of this mess on the part of Cowichan Tribes.
11. Because Abner would not sign this "reinstatement" agreement, the Sustainable Housing Program basically ended all work on his home, and have made no effort in over 9-10 months to undo the damage that they did to his home.
12. The house has been left unlocked on at least 2 occasions that the Thorne's know of. It has been left open to vandals. It has rodent droppings throughout now, and it is completely un-livable, or fit for human habitation - due to the fact that it has been left, torn apart as it has been now for all this time, at times with the heat left off, and so it DOES have mould in it now.
13. Rather than fix Abner's house (for the damage that was inflicted upon it, by the Sustainable Housing Program) they have allowed the house to become a disaster by months of neglect after ripping his house apart.
14. To add insult to injury - a couple of months ago, the Sustainable Housing Program people basically told & wrote to Abner that if he did not sign the "Reinstatement Agreement" - that they would not fix his house, and he would be kicked out of the "Temporary Housing" he had been placed in. This was in essence an eviction notice. "Sign the paper, and accept the financial liability for this mess (that Cowichan Tribes created) or you are out on the street.
15. The Cowichan Tribes band officials have engaged in extraordinary measures bordering on harrassment in order to attempt to induce/coerce Abner Thorne into signing this "re-instatement" agreement which would waive the financial liability for the Tribes damages to his house. -- You can listen to THE DIA FOLLIES : Supplemental Materials 1 - which is an audio recording of this conduct by doing a right-click here. ( and doing a "save target as") What you will hear is a series of voicemail messages left for Elder Abner Thorne on his home machine by the Band's lawyer Robert Botterell and various other employees of the band. This was occuring after Abner Thorne and Kevin had told Band Employees that they were not to bother Abner and were instead to dealing with Kevin Thorne, his son, who was acting Abner's behalf. The reason for this is that the entire situation was causing too much stress for Abner and his children did not want him to be further stressed out by these phonecalls. The band employees, and Robert Botterell completely ignored this reasonable request, and insisted on continuing to call Abner, and his other children (instead of Kevin) - even after they had been told not to do so.
16. Even after Abner and his son Kevin told the Band Officials to stop harassing him, they continued to do so - and they also took to harassing Abner's daughter at her place of work, the "Yu Thay A Thut" school.
17. Kevin explained almost all of this to Richard George, the DIA Finance Officer, (who is responsible for overseeing band finances and investigating all impropriety)- in his letter, which was sent to the DIA via fax on November 9th. Richard George did not response to the letter for over 6 weeks Dec 15th, and it would seem that he only did so, after Somena Media started to call and bother him about it, (SeeTHE DIA FOLLIES archive and examine the dates)
18. In the letter in which Richard George finally sent in response to Kevin Thorne's letter it says to Kevin and Abner, in short "Take your complaint to Chief and Council, and acting Band Manager Dora Wilson, and work something out with them"
Now.. there is more to this -- as you will soon see. Because Abner's situation is not unique....But for now -- those are the facts of the matter, which might better help people to understand why it is that I am taking this on, and going balls to the wall with the DIA for Kevin and his dad Abner.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
DIA FOLLIES: Vol 1 Abner Thorne's House Fiasco - 5th Edition
Here's the rundown on this particular series of blogposts: The Abner Thorne House Fiasco, and for previous podcasts visit the DIA FOLLIES archives.
This is the 5th call we have attempted to make the DIA Regional Offices in Vancouver, about Abner's situation. Having left 4 messages for Richard George myself, and understanding from Kevin that he has left at least as many himself, which have never been answered or the phonecalls have never been returned, I tried to take things to the next level....And go up the DIA Food Chain to contact Richard George's Boss.
Now, of course, because this *is* the DIA there is no small amount of confusion as to who exactly Richard George's immediate supervisor is.
I do however know from from my previous conversation with "Megan" - that the overall supervisor for Financial Services is Ted Adnitt. So I tried to get put through to him.
No such luck.
According to "Tamara" in Financial services, he's "out of town" and despite my telling her that I'd left several messages for Richard George which had not been returned, which is why I want to speak to his supervisor, she decides the best thing to do is to put me back through to Richard George again. Ah, I love to see the mind of an Indian-Act Bureau-bot in action!
So I left another message for Richard. Again urging him to visit or re-visit our website (as the case may be). I also mentioned to him that I had reviewed the non-response letter he sent to Kevin Thorne, wherein he urged Abner to take his concerns to "Chief and Council". My remark to Richard George on this account was...
In any case, for your listening pleasure... here it is:
(either click on the link directly or click here and do a right-click and "save target as")
This is the 5th call we have attempted to make the DIA Regional Offices in Vancouver, about Abner's situation. Having left 4 messages for Richard George myself, and understanding from Kevin that he has left at least as many himself, which have never been answered or the phonecalls have never been returned, I tried to take things to the next level....And go up the DIA Food Chain to contact Richard George's Boss.
Now, of course, because this *is* the DIA there is no small amount of confusion as to who exactly Richard George's immediate supervisor is.
I do however know from from my previous conversation with "Megan" - that the overall supervisor for Financial Services is Ted Adnitt. So I tried to get put through to him.
No such luck.
According to "Tamara" in Financial services, he's "out of town" and despite my telling her that I'd left several messages for Richard George which had not been returned, which is why I want to speak to his supervisor, she decides the best thing to do is to put me back through to Richard George again. Ah, I love to see the mind of an Indian-Act Bureau-bot in action!
So I left another message for Richard. Again urging him to visit or re-visit our website (as the case may be). I also mentioned to him that I had reviewed the non-response letter he sent to Kevin Thorne, wherein he urged Abner to take his concerns to "Chief and Council". My remark to Richard George on this account was...
"Uh Richard... if taking his complaint to Chief and Council did anything, then they wouldn't be calling and writing letters to you - now would they?"
In any case, for your listening pleasure... here it is:
(either click on the link directly or click here and do a right-click and "save target as")
Monday, December 19, 2005
Abner's House Fiasco: Addendum: Letter from DIA Richard George
I just got off the phone with Kevin Thorne, Abner Thorne's son, who has been working on his father's behalf to get this house fiasco taken care of.
Kevin has attempted to call Richard George on 6 occasions since November 9th. He made 2 more phone calls today.
As as you can see from the DIA Follies Series - Richard George has not once bothered to pick up his phone to answer these calls - nor has he returned any of these calls made by either Kevin, or myself. So that's 10 phonecalls, and 1 letter -- With no response except for a rather ridiculous form letter --( see below)
I refer you, dear readers at this point to my previous article about Individual Rights of Band Members, especially with regards to the enforcement of the Comprehensive Funding Agreements for every band.
Relevant portion here --from the Continuing Legal Education, Law Society essay "Individual Rights On Reserve" :
"The first step in attempting to resolve a dispute with a band is to contact the band employee who manages the program and/or an INAC official who works with the band, to obtain further information"
Kevin did both. His response from the Chief and Council is incoherant. The non-response from Richard George is nothing but a form letter, telling him to take his concerns to Chief and Council... who are the ones that the Thorne Family is having a dispute with! (see letter below)
In any event --Kevin is going to start making a log of the dates and times he makes these calls. He is also going to be writing to Richard George's Supervisor, Ted Adnitt as well as sending off a letter to Regional Director of DIA in BC, Jennifer Guscott, to complain about this dereliction of duty.
One big surprise that we recieved however, was in the mail today.
Abner and Kevin did finally get a non-responsive letter from Richard George, in response to Kevin's original letter dated over a month before. As you can see from the chronology of the DIA Follies series, Richard George finally started to figure out after my 3rd phonecall that perhaps he had to actually *do* something in response to Kevin's letter on behalf of his father Abner.
Here is his letter - in Full:
Indian and Northern
Affairs Canada
www.inac.gc.ca
December 15th, 2005
Our file -Mr.Kevin Thorne:
E4000-16-642
Re: Abner THorne 5639 Club Road, Lot 253-1-RSBC 2815
I am writing in response to a copy of your letter dated November 9, 2005, addressed to Chief Harvey Alphonse and Council of Cowichan Tribes and your recent phone messages in regards to your concerns about the Cowichan Tribes' correspondence and actions taken to address mould. Please accept my apologies for the length of time taken to respond as I was only copied on your letter and did not understand that you had expected a response from me.
I encourage you to raise this concern directly with your Chief and Council and to clarify any misunderstanding and or find ways together to resolve this matter. Please contact Ms.Dora Wilson, Acting General Manager at 250-748-3196 to arrange a meeting that is convenient to both you and or Mr.Abner Thorne and Chief and Council.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me on this important matter.
Yours truly,
Richard George
Funding Services Officer
BC Region
1138 Melville Street, Suite #600
Vancouver, BC, V6E 4S3
CC Chief and Council Cowichan Tribes
Ms.Dora Wilson, A/General Manager, Cowichan Tribes
So that's the latest.
I anticipate that the DIA Follies on this particular series is going to be a pretty long one, based on the incomprehensible inaction on the part of the Cowichan Tribes Indian Act Band Government, and the DIA's negligence in properly overseeing the millions of dollars that are being taken from taxpayers that are supposed to be helping elder Abner Thorne and his family
DIA Follies Vol 1 - Abner's House Fiasco - 4th Phonecall To the DIA
Nothing really new to report on the Abner Thorne House Fiasco situation...
The Big Surprise (sarcasm mode on) is that Richard George has not responded to the 3 previous voicemail messages that I left for him, and so I left a 4th one today.
Without further ado: Here is the DIA Follies Vol 1: Abner Thorne's House Fiasco 4th Edition ( click here and do a "save target as")
Anyways... If you listen to the file you will note that even though it's the end of the day 4:26 PM PST, Dec 19th, Richard hasn't updated his outgoing voicemail message since the 16th. Perhaps he hasn't bothered to check his messages since that time either!
In any case, in today's voicemail message for him, I let him know that I have been recording all these little voicemails I have been leaving for him and uploading them to the internet, so that Canadian Taxpayers could see and hear for themselves how WELL the DIA works in responding to very legitimate complaints about the squandering of Indian Act Band monies.
After I left my message I got patched through to somebody named "Tamara" who said she would call me back or have somebody call me back.
I did not get a call back in the next 10 minutes, so I called back, and this time I spoke to somebody named "Megan" who was actually very helpful.
She said that "Tamara" had gone home for the day, so it was unlikely that she or anybody else would be returning my calls.
She then gave me the following information so that I could update my "who to call" file, which has been out of date for the past 2 years.
If anybody would like this information -- here's where you can call, or fax them a letter of complaint...
British Columbia Region
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Suite 600
1138 Melville Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6E 4S3
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
Suite 600
1138 Melville Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6E 4S3
(604) 775-7114
(604) 775-5100
fax: (604) 666-2546
(604) 775-5100
fax: (604) 666-2546
According to "Megan" -- The Acting Regional Director for DIA in BC, is now, no longer John Watson, (who has moved on to greener pastures in the PMO's Aboriginal Secretariat offices) - and is now instead Jennifer Guscott. Her email is guscottj@inac-ainc.gc.ca and her secretary or administrative assistant is "Audrey Brown".
Ken Kolba, dork extrordinaire is still in communications, but I found out the name of his supervisor, which is Mr.Bill Lesyk
At one point back in 2003, there was a special office that had been created as the "Accountability" office, wherein band members were supposed to be able to take their complaints to a seperate part of the DIA offices for internal investigation. According to "Megan" in reception, this no longer exists, and all complaints about "Chief and Council" and financial issues are supposed to go through the Finance Department... ie Richard George, (And we all know from the DIA Follies Series, exactly how helpful and useful THAT is!) --and his supervisor is the General Manager For Funding Services, named Ted Adnitt.
So that's the latest.
We'll see what happens when I email Jennifer Guscott, the new Regional Director, or contact Ted Adnitt about Richard George's not answering letters or returning phonecalls, or when I contact Bill Lesyk to ask him about the "official policy" that the DIA had enacted back in 2003, that Ken Kolba claimed directed that I was not ever allowed to talk to Richard George, because I am a band member, AND a member of the media!
So - The DIA Follies is branching out!
Keep watching... I am sure there is going to be more to come!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
DIA Follies Vol 1, Edition 3 - "Abner's House Fiasco" cont...
Reprinted from Somena Media Blogpost:
Oh boy! I know that you are all just dying to hear the latest phonecall to Richard George, the reluctant financial officer at the Vancouver Regional offices of the DIA who doesn't return people's phonecalls, or answer their letters.
I've had this for a few days, but in light of this previous post.. I was "inspired*, shall we say to put this up pronto..
So... I dedicate today's PODCAST of the DIA FOLLIES to the man or woman, from the DIA whomever they may be, who spent a few hours today reading this blog, and listening to first two podcasts made in the "DIA FOLLIES" series. (To Review these podcasts go here, and here) And if you don't know what the hell all this stuff is about Abner Thorne's House, and why I am calling the DIA to bug them about doing their job, visit here or even here,
Don't worry. There's more to come.
Memo to DIA Officials Reading This:
Be sure to get all your friends "hard at work" in the Department of Indian Affairs, to come visit Somena Media. And if Richard George won't respond to letters and phonecalls, maybe one of you other Indian Agents will extend us that small courtesy.
Somehow..
I doubt it.
But one can always hope, can't they?
Without further ado...
This Call was made on Dec 12th at around 4:00 PM PST: simply click HERE, or do a right click HERE, and "save target as" (for better sound quality)
Oh, and we've got our 2nd edition of NDN Free Radio coming out tonight or tommorow, so stay tuned. I'll be interviewing my grampa Ken Williams as he gives his absolute opinion on the BC Treaty Process, as well as some other subjects.
As for other production for NDN Free Radio, well...this evening-- I will be interviewing the defrocked United Church Minister Kevin Annett, who has worked for years now on raising awareness about the residential schools. His website is Hidden From History: Canada's Holocaust. If you have any questions for Rev.Annett, please email me, and I'll be happy to pass them along.
We're still trying to line up a time for Mr.M and I to do our interview... so I'll let you all know about that as well. Once again, if you have any questions for him, for our elders, for Richard George even.. just send em along via email. We'll be happy to pass them on.
Thats about it for now.
Oh boy! I know that you are all just dying to hear the latest phonecall to Richard George, the reluctant financial officer at the Vancouver Regional offices of the DIA who doesn't return people's phonecalls, or answer their letters.
I've had this for a few days, but in light of this previous post.. I was "inspired*, shall we say to put this up pronto..
So... I dedicate today's PODCAST of the DIA FOLLIES to the man or woman, from the DIA whomever they may be, who spent a few hours today reading this blog, and listening to first two podcasts made in the "DIA FOLLIES" series. (To Review these podcasts go here, and here) And if you don't know what the hell all this stuff is about Abner Thorne's House, and why I am calling the DIA to bug them about doing their job, visit here or even here,
Don't worry. There's more to come.
Memo to DIA Officials Reading This:
Be sure to get all your friends "hard at work" in the Department of Indian Affairs, to come visit Somena Media. And if Richard George won't respond to letters and phonecalls, maybe one of you other Indian Agents will extend us that small courtesy.
Somehow..
I doubt it.
But one can always hope, can't they?
Without further ado...
This Call was made on Dec 12th at around 4:00 PM PST: simply click HERE, or do a right click HERE, and "save target as" (for better sound quality)
Oh, and we've got our 2nd edition of NDN Free Radio coming out tonight or tommorow, so stay tuned. I'll be interviewing my grampa Ken Williams as he gives his absolute opinion on the BC Treaty Process, as well as some other subjects.
As for other production for NDN Free Radio, well...this evening-- I will be interviewing the defrocked United Church Minister Kevin Annett, who has worked for years now on raising awareness about the residential schools. His website is Hidden From History: Canada's Holocaust. If you have any questions for Rev.Annett, please email me, and I'll be happy to pass them along.
We're still trying to line up a time for Mr.M and I to do our interview... so I'll let you all know about that as well. Once again, if you have any questions for him, for our elders, for Richard George even.. just send em along via email. We'll be happy to pass them on.
Thats about it for now.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
DIA Follies vol 1 - "Abners House Fiasco" call #2
Yes, I know, soon I will have both this call, and the previous one yesterday on MP3 Format, so anybody who wants to can listen in.. but For now: Here's the Transcript of the message I left for Richard George, Finance Officer, DIA Regional Offices, Vancouver BC, regarding Abner Thorne's housing situation, and the letter that he and his son sent, which has of yet, not be responded to by the DIA. (Do a right click here, and then a "save target as")
Begin Transcript From Recording
Ring
Reception: Indian Affairs Bonjour can I help you?
MW: Yeah, I'd like to uh try and reach Richard George.
Reception: One second, I'll transfer you to his direct line
MW: Thank you
Reception: Your welcome
Ring
Automated Voice Mail System Voice: Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voice message system. "Richard George" Is on the phone. At the tone please record your message. At the end of your message press one. If you need assistance press zero
Beep
MW: Hi Richard it's Meaghan Walker-Williams calling back.Um I left a message yesterday, and uh um I'm surprised that I havent heard from you by now...uh again its about the letter that my elder from Somena Cowichan uh wrote to you over 6 or 7 weeks ago which has not been responded to and uh I'm just I guess at this point...trying to assure him that you will uh absolutley investigate what has happened with this squandering of money in the sustainable housing program... and ensure him and myself and all the the various other peoples who are represented by the Cowichan Tribes indian band... that the money is not being missaporptiated or squandered...or that uh that that these kinds of things aren't happening...
So if you want to give Abner a call, you know --please do so. I am sure he would love to hear from you.
If you don't have his letter anymore and um um you don't have his contact information. Just give me a call. I'll be happy to fax it to you, and you know, help you out with that.
Um.. my number is 352-687-1247. Thats in Ocala Florida Uh...
Im available 24 hours a day to take your call pretty much. I do work but... uh This is really important to me.... That my elders are not being abused in this horrible fashion by the Cowichan Tribes Band government And being neglected by the Department of Indian and Northern affairs
So yeh give me a call back I am so looking forward to talking to you
Take care bye bye.
Automated Voice Mail System Voice: If you are satisfied with your message press one.
beep
Automated Voice Mail System Voice: To send your message with normal delivery press one.
beep
Automated Voice Mail System Voice: Thank you your message has been sent
Time & Date of Call : Dec 8, 2005, around 3:00 PM, PST
Begin Transcript From Recording
Ring
Reception: Indian Affairs Bonjour can I help you?
MW: Yeah, I'd like to uh try and reach Richard George.
Reception: One second, I'll transfer you to his direct line
MW: Thank you
Reception: Your welcome
Ring
Automated Voice Mail System Voice: Your call has been forwarded to an automatic voice message system. "Richard George" Is on the phone. At the tone please record your message. At the end of your message press one. If you need assistance press zero
Beep
MW: Hi Richard it's Meaghan Walker-Williams calling back.Um I left a message yesterday, and uh um I'm surprised that I havent heard from you by now...uh again its about the letter that my elder from Somena Cowichan uh wrote to you over 6 or 7 weeks ago which has not been responded to and uh I'm just I guess at this point...trying to assure him that you will uh absolutley investigate what has happened with this squandering of money in the sustainable housing program... and ensure him and myself and all the the various other peoples who are represented by the Cowichan Tribes indian band... that the money is not being missaporptiated or squandered...or that uh that that these kinds of things aren't happening...
So if you want to give Abner a call, you know --please do so. I am sure he would love to hear from you.
If you don't have his letter anymore and um um you don't have his contact information. Just give me a call. I'll be happy to fax it to you, and you know, help you out with that.
Um.. my number is 352-687-1247. Thats in Ocala Florida Uh...
Im available 24 hours a day to take your call pretty much. I do work but... uh This is really important to me.... That my elders are not being abused in this horrible fashion by the Cowichan Tribes Band government And being neglected by the Department of Indian and Northern affairs
So yeh give me a call back I am so looking forward to talking to you
Take care bye bye.
Automated Voice Mail System Voice: If you are satisfied with your message press one.
beep
Automated Voice Mail System Voice: To send your message with normal delivery press one.
beep
Automated Voice Mail System Voice: Thank you your message has been sent
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
DIA FOLLIES: vol 1 "The Abner Thorne House Fiasco"
The time and date of this phonecall was Dec 7, 2006, at 12:45 PM PST.
This is available to download here and listen to in MP3 format. (do a right click here and "save target as")
For the technically challenged here is the transcript of MP3:
begin transcript:
Reception: Indian Affairs Bonjour, How may I help you?
MW: Hi, I'm trying to reach Richard George
Reception: Ok, Kindly Hold Please
Soft Muzak Plays....
Ring Ring Ring Ring
Richard George's voice mail message: Welcome you've reached the voicemail of Richard George and today is December the 6th (ed. it's actually December the 7th... but no worries this is the least of Richard George's problems) I'm sorry that I was not available to take your call, as I was attending the Social Development Conferrence here in Vancouver and I will be away from the office until about 1 PM. In the meantime, please leave me a detailed message and a phone number so I may return your call after that time. Thank you
Voicmail : At the Tone Please Record Your Message. At The End Of Your Message Press 1. If you need assistance press Zero.
Beep
MW: Hi Richard, it's Meaghan Walker-Williams calling. I understand that you recently recieved a letter from my elder in Somena, Abner Thorne, with respect to uh the horrible situation that has happened with his house.
I am hoping that you are going to of course respond to Mr.Thornes letter and assure him that uh as the Financial Officer overseeing the band's finances that you will take every step to ensure that money is uh.. not being uh squandered.
If you could please call me back, I have some questions for you. I am currently located in Ocala Florida. My number is 352-687-1247... Just give me a call back any time that you would like...
Or you could alternatviely call Abner Thorne, and I believe you have his phone number as per the letter that was sent to you well over 6 weeks ago which has yet to be uh answered. So uh, give me a call back.
I will of course keep calling you, uh to remind you of your fiduciary obligation as an Indian Agent to uh ensure that money that has been set aside for the use of providing services for Aboriginal Peoples is not being squandered...Thank you very much. Bye bye.
VoiceMail: If you are satisfied with your message press one
Beep
VoiceMail: To send your message with normal delivery press 1
Beep
VoiceMail: Thank you. Your message has been sent
Correspondence: - Dear Chief Harvey
Dear Chief Harvey
Cowichan Tribes Indian Band
Sustainable Housing Program
Chief and Council
December, 07, 2005
At some point last year, my uncle/grandfather Abner Thorne was told that the Health Department and the Sustainable Housing team, that there was mould in his house.
I have been speaking with both Kevin and Abner about this situation.
They have asked me to write this letter on their behalf.
Please provide copies of all documents pertaining to the inspection of Abner Thorne's home, prior to him being removed from his house, and the renovations upon his home being commenced - within 15 days, to Mr.Abner Thorne.
Please also forward to him and his son Kevin Thorne, copies of all correspondence, and all documents in the Sustainable Housing Project on his file, with respect to his house, since Helen the Health Nurse, first visted him and told him he had to vacate his self-owned, and self-built home, up til, and including the present time.
Thank you
With Respect, On behalf of
The Somena Hw'Nuchalewum,
Communications/Liason &
Mr.Abner Thorne
c/o Kevin Thorne,
5639 Club Road
Duncan, BC, Canada
V9L 6W9
CC Richard George, DIA Finance Office
CC Somena Hwnuchalewum, Sulqueen
CC Brian Wilford, Cowichan Valley Citizen Newspaper
& reprinted on the "Cowichan Elder Abuse" ans Somena Media weblog - linked to by the Progressive Bloggers Alliance as well as from the CanConv Blogging Aggregator
Cowichan Tribes Indian Band
Sustainable Housing Program
Chief and Council
December, 07, 2005
At some point last year, my uncle/grandfather Abner Thorne was told that the Health Department and the Sustainable Housing team, that there was mould in his house.
I have been speaking with both Kevin and Abner about this situation.
They have asked me to write this letter on their behalf.
Please provide copies of all documents pertaining to the inspection of Abner Thorne's home, prior to him being removed from his house, and the renovations upon his home being commenced - within 15 days, to Mr.Abner Thorne.
Please also forward to him and his son Kevin Thorne, copies of all correspondence, and all documents in the Sustainable Housing Project on his file, with respect to his house, since Helen the Health Nurse, first visted him and told him he had to vacate his self-owned, and self-built home, up til, and including the present time.
Thank you
With Respect, On behalf of
The Somena Hw'Nuchalewum,
Communications/Liason &
Mr.Abner Thorne
c/o Kevin Thorne,
5639 Club Road
Duncan, BC, Canada
V9L 6W9
CC Richard George, DIA Finance Office
CC Somena Hwnuchalewum, Sulqueen
CC Brian Wilford, Cowichan Valley Citizen Newspaper
& reprinted on the "Cowichan Elder Abuse" ans Somena Media weblog - linked to by the Progressive Bloggers Alliance as well as from the CanConv Blogging Aggregator
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