Some Nain residents are shocked by the alleged actions of one of the Upper Lake Melville (ULM) Ordinary Members.
Max Blake was elected as one of the Ordinary Members for ULM on May 4th.
Blake was allegedly very intoxicated Thursday night at the Atsanik Lodge in Nain.
One witness described Blake’s actions as “shameful.”
Blake was in town for the Tukisinnik Research Forum.
The Nain RCMP has not received any complaints about Blake at this time.
Numerous NG employees, who asked to remain anonymous, say they have complained to President Jim Lyall about Blake’s conduct.
The NG isn’t commenting on the situation at this time.
There is a zero tolerance policy against the consumption of alcohol by elected members while conducting Nunatsiavut business in Nunatsiavut’s code of conduct.
William Barbour was previously removed from his position as Minister of Lands and Resources for breaking that code in 2008.
Attempts to contact Blake have been unsuccessful so far.
OKalaKatiget previously removed this story in error. We apologize to anyone whose comments were lost as a result. Please feel free to re-post your comments. And remember as always to keep them clean or they will be removed from the website. Thank you.
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ReplyDeleteAs someone who has been watching the Max Blake and Keith Russell issue over the last few day, I am disappointed that they were removed, however I understand we all have computers problems from time to time.
ReplyDeleteThe Ordinary memeber for ULM did a bad thing and should resign, the Minsiter (KR) gotta do the right thing and suspend him, issue a press release and denouce his so called ruuning mate. His silence speaks volumes.
The reason people write on this anymosisly is because they are scared of MAx and Keith and the reprecussions.
ReplyDeleteMax made a bad mistake and Keith as minister for the status of women needs to work with the president, ask him to resign and direct and immediate investigation. If not he is not doing his job. Both should resign.
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ReplyDeletei saw 55 comments on here this afternoon, now there aren't any, kinna strange, people are talking about this.
ReplyDeleteIt will be good to see you gone Max. I never voted for you and I hoped you would not have made it in. Oh well, your gone now........I hope the door hits you hard on the way out!
ReplyDeletewhy are people commenting as anonymous?? seriously, youre not afraid of max or anyone else you just keep hiding...thought you were proud of your inuk herritage...its monday and this happend thursday how can someone do somthing about this over the weekend, wait and see before you harrass...the elders must be turning over in thier graves too see all this hate and crewlty...not just to what blake did with all the hate and anger period...isnt the inuk way suppose to be peace???
ReplyDeleteThere was apersonal attack on me there that I did not have a chance to respond to.....very serious allegations of racism, saying that I am a racist! The only thing I am racist towards are racist, I have no tolerance for it of anykind. Becasue I said that Inuit have lost control? I say what I feel in my heart to be a great injustice being done to ... See MoreInuit. This is not what the founders of LIA had envisioned for their people, to be squabbling over who is Inuk... and who isn't! We Inuit always knew who the Inuit were, I have been around, I know who is who. The Inuit and Kablunangajuks lived side buy side in INUIT communities along the coast, there was a blending and sharing of cultures that created a people who consider themselves to be Inuit becasue they lived together in acceptance of one another, they lived as we did and many spoke the language and there has always been a silent respect for that.
ReplyDeleteWhat we must remember above all else is that we would not be blessed to have the benefits that we do...if it weren't for the Inuit. We have evolved from being an Inuit organization to something that is deplorable and intolerable. Inuit are still at the bottom of the barrell while others take control...becasue Inuit are too humble to make waves. That is basically what I am saying, if anyone wants to call that racist, then so be it.
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ReplyDeleteIt seems to me that a number of people are afraid of Max and Keith, I wonder why? Is it because they are smart and not afraid to speak for the inuit. I know Max Blake and I can tell you that he is not a racist, he is very proud of his Iniut ancestery.
ReplyDeleteI think people should get there facts straight before they start to slander people. i know for a fact that many of these alligations are not true.
Right from the beginning people wanted max and keith to not get elected, that is people on the coast. but guess what numbers speak they got voted in by a landslide. the people here in upperlake melville believe in max blake and keith russel.
i remain anonymus becuase i dont like private inbox messages on my facebook harrassing me... i would like to know how many people who are commenting on this are commenting due to heresay or fact...fact is when an actual person actually see;s something...there obviously was wrong done on his part but you in ULM where you there? did you see it?? and why is the min, of health being accused or getting dragged in..? when he ran he ran for himself...it was never a group or team effort...he has a job and a responsibility and knows what he should do, he is obviously trusted to do so or he wouldnt have been chosen by those delegating him...ever hear about reasonable doubt? its not just one mans job its the job of a whole government...
ReplyDeleteIf the people of Nunatsiavut are asking that the President meet with the Minister of status of women on Mr.Blakes actions,let's hope it's not on hear say but facts(if the meet goes ahead) since one of the comments are on 'hear say".Hence, the U.L.M.'s position is on the line,and Women's rights can be damaged, it may damage his integrity and others who were involved.Also it would be wise to read upon the Nunatsiavut's section on freedom of rights.I am not taking sides, but merely interested in the issue at hand and how decisions will be dealt with.
ReplyDeleteIf any of this is even remotely accurate (and I believe it is) is anyone really surprised? I thought it would take 6 months for something to happen not less than one month!
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ReplyDeleteTo the person four comments above this....If you think that what I and many others witnessed first hand in the Atsanik bar on Thursday was not real - I ASSURE YOU IT WAS!! My complaint has been filed officially actually and I will wait for action by NG hopefully sooner than later. Because I put mine in writing I hope to be notified of their decision.
ReplyDeleteI have known Max for years and so have many of the voters in ULM including Kieth Russell. On Keith's Facebook page he rfers to himself and Max Blake as an excellent team. Well Keith I voted for you but not for Max. Please take notice that you no longer have my support. Both you and I know that Max is capable of the allegations against him and yet you stand in silence. I now wonder if you hold the same values as Max Blake. Your silence is profound and certainly speaks volumes. The OKalaKatiget Society and CBC should do a story on racism here in ULM. I have racial slurs directed at me and at other Inuit living here by the so called green card carying members.As minister responsible for the Status of Women you have an obligation to speak. Keith are you in the backrooms congratulating Max (THE OTHER PART OF AN EXCELLENT TEAM)? Time to step up to the plate or are you only good at complaining?
ReplyDeletewhat kind of example are we to the youth, the future of our people???
ReplyDeletejust because keith is not making his voice known doesnt mean he isnt doing anything...some people work, and dont have time to call each person or get online and debate;...be patient and wait for reports and statements shheshh
ReplyDeletewhy is keith being pinned, what about darryl, jim, johannes, glen..etc...are they to blame too??
ReplyDeleteKeith's portfolio STATUS OF WOMEN.
ReplyDeleteit's a health related issue..as well as a status of women's issue..Keith hold both of those portfolios.... He is the Minister! that's why..... Status of women portfolio held by a man? ain't there something wrong with that???
ReplyDeleteso does keith really have the authority to dismiss max or is it a group decision?
ReplyDeleteI too have known max for many years, I know that he is not a racist. He has written and published books that clearly states that he is very proud of his Iniut ancestory, if he was ashamed of it he would not have put it in print. For years max has had to put up with people saying stuff about him. most people are gudging him on what they have heard about him and not what they knows. I think people should not be slandering others on the internet!
ReplyDeletebye-bye Keith and Max !!
ReplyDeletewhy keith? i think he knows whats right and what he should do, who appointed him as minister? they know what they were doing.? wait see what happens then cast stones...he is silent because he is at work...he may stood united with max because they were on the same page..some times we make a choice and are blind sited by others...
ReplyDeletejust wait and see the status of the situation...then make your jugements...who are you really mad at?? who made the bad choices? why attack those not involved and those who need to make choices...cant please everyone...its good to know that someone knows keith and max will be gone...who said??? how do you know?? is THAT fact?
ReplyDeletewhat? bye bye keith and max and hello stan and beni... lmao!
ReplyDeleteULM deserves him. I say keep them both.
ReplyDeleteIf you all go under Nunatsiavut.com and go into media releases, you will see that the President has released a statement
ReplyDeleteI think we have to realize that there are proper ways of deaing with things. I am sure we will see some action soon, but it has to be addressed a certain way, it supposed to be a government afterall. I would assume there is a certain protocol they have to follow, with the seriousness of the situation its not something to be taken lightly by anyone.
ReplyDeleteyou can't blame everyboy for the actions of one person,its the person who did wrong fault not anyone else,keith never did anything so why blame him he's not max's keeper any more then me or you are,this was one mans actions and he is the only one who should suffer for it,i dont think anyone agrees with what max done.i think people with alcohol and drug problems should be helped not kicked when they are down,thats the inuit way help your people if they are hungry feed them if they are cold give them a blanket dont laught at them or giggle with glee at someones misfortune,next it mite be your family or freinds who has a problem,,
ReplyDeleteSilence speaks volumes is right. I don't think they are "allegations" unless a dozen or so people met after the Atsanik Lodge closed and conspired till all their story's matched. People are starting to speak up... As the Minister in charge of Status of women Keith should speak up also.
ReplyDeleteAs an inuit women of ULM and someone who is of the age of almost becoming an elder, I am saddened and disappointed in all of this. The fact remains that Mr. Blake did something totally wrong and should be dealt with in the rules of procedure. He should be asked to step down with pay, pending an investigation. Once the findings are made known to those in charge of such procedures need to deal with it in the most serios way. regarding Mr. Russell, lets not let him hide from his duties, he went around for three and half years opposing and accussing people who may or may not have done wrong in his eyes but yet now he is surprisingly silient. Is he really working or is he confused on his role?
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, I write this anymonisisly because I know exactly what Max and Keith are cabable of, I saw it and felt it in at least two public meetings in NWR/GB before the election. I heard the defamitory comments made about candidates during the election.
This is not a game, it's time to stop protecting those who place blame and want to tear NG apart.
In the last twenty-four hours I have heard what a joke, this is if NG does not deal with Max and if Minister Russell does not do the right thing. The only people that have nerve here is Minister Dan Pottle.
I don't believe people should be mad at Mr. Blake but rather obiviously disgusted. What a absurb puplic display of power and poltical position. He has shown comlete poor judgement and he should do the hounourable thing,STEP DOWN.
ReplyDeleteWhere is Keith?? Not all those people and previous blogs can be wrong!
I guess the Voters were really wrong this time on May o4. To bad the little guy and the young lad did not get elected?
This is so childish!! Grow up people!
ReplyDeleteWell, to be honest, I would have been interested in hearing a peep or mutter from the Minister holding the status of women portfolio while this was a fresh issue. This incident or series of incidents happened on Thursday through Friday and here it is Tuesday, and still no comment? Now I am not interested in anything that he has to say on the issue because at this point it demonstrates that it is "just a political game" and I believe he would not be doing it because the situation was something that stirred or evoked any emotion in him at all. I am not interested in the mind of a politician, it's his heart that I want to direct him. His silence on this issue says it all for me. I do want to say that I am impressed with President Lyall and the Executive Council and how they are handling this, thumbs up Pres. I too believe that the status of women portfolio, in all fairness should be held by a woman though, otherwise if you don't know where you are going how will you know when you get there? There can never be equality of men and women as long as the unfair treatment of women continues and "men" stand around and condone it. As we have learned from bullying situations, standing around watching in silence is enabling the behavior to continue.
ReplyDeletei don't understand why people think keith is resposible for max's despicable actions. i haven't heard from jim lyall yet either, isn't it his job to handle these matters, not keith's.
ReplyDeleteAs there is a lot of discussion on Race and Racism for everyones information The Canadian Race Relations Council defines Racism as,
ReplyDelete"Racism takes many forms, although it is usually understood in the individual sense.
Essentially there are three main forms, individual racism, systemic racism and cultural racism.
Individual racism manifests itself in individual's attitudes and behaviours, and is the easiest type to identify.
Systemic racism consists of the policies and practices of organizations, which directly or indirectly operate to sustain the advantages of peoples of certain "social races". This type of racism is more difficult to address because it is implicit in the policies of organizations and often unconscious.
Cultural racism is the basis of both other forms of racism, as it is the value system which is embedded in society which supports and allows discriminatory actions based on perceptions of racial difference, cultural superiority and inferiority.
Thus, racism is not only an attitude, but it is the specific actions that result from this attitude which impact upon, marginalize and oppress some people."
maybe he was instructed not to say anything yet...
ReplyDeleteOne of the commentators above states, people with alcohol or drug problems should not be kicked when they're down, well what do you have to say about a certain elected official's actions towards a then Minister at the time who had done alot less than Blake did. This official was "kicking" hard while the Minister was down!!!!!! I find it odd that so many people were waging war against the government for Minister Barbour's actions at the time, and now here some people are defending Blake, Double Standard you think? BTW I am choosing to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions when encountering those who still support Blake!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nunatsiavut.com/images/stories/response%20to%20allegations%20against%20assembly%20member.pdf
ReplyDeleteWhen people make remarks that are cruel and condemning, it's no different than what Max Blake did. Geez, let it rest now, there is a process being followed! Wht do people enjoy hurting others?
ReplyDeleteYes, forgiveness is great. And yes, it do work for incidents that are forgivable. Don't say that it is the Inuit way...It was the way of all cultures back when we were hunters and gatherers. Now we live in a much more complicated society where people do unforgivable things. What is alleged to have happened here is unforgivable, as was Mr. Barbour attending drunk. We cannot let wrongdoer's off the hook just because we are Inuit and we believe in forgiveness. The people on our government are paid extremely big money to represent us. They are put in a position which they should honour and represent with exemplary actions. What we have seen from Mr. Blake and Mr. Barbour are not what we should have representing us. Both should be gone from the government and not allowed back. Forgiveness is great, but what about the victims and the rest of the Inuit people that they represented at the time of their actions. Way to go Danny Pottle. We need more like you to represent us.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the statement above me. We cannot let Mr Blake remain in his seat. Inuks believe in forgiveness yes, but how far will we go to keep being so polite, Blake needs to go!
ReplyDeleteI went straight to the Nunatsiavut Government website and looked up the Constitution, all ordinary members swore an oath when they were elected:
ReplyDelete“In the presence of everyone assembled here, and in full realization of the high calling I assume as a member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly and that the powers entrusted to me are for the benefit of all Labrador Inuit I, swear/solemnly affirm that I will be faithful to the Inuit and to Nunatsiavut and will obey, respect and uphold the Labrador Inuit Constitution and all Inuit laws; and I solemnly promise to fulfill my responsibilities as a leader and to perform my functions as a member of the Nunatsiavut Assembly to the best of my ability. (In the case of an oath: So help me God.)”
Max Blake has already broken this oath, he obviously didn't respect this oath or the people he was representing. He has already embarrased the government, himself, his family, and the people that voted for him. If he were a fair and just man he would submit his resignation. I'm sure the true founders of LIA did not intend for such people to carry out their vision for self governance, especially after 3 decades of fighting for Inuit rights to be recognized. Let's respect the long, hard path it took to get this far...let's hope that the Assembly members will vote Max out.
We will forgive however there must be an acceptance of responsibility of behalf of Mr. Blake. He has broken his oath and he has lost the confidence of the people. Resign Max Blake and then we can forgive.
ReplyDelete100 plus posts, one or two in favour of max and keith, there is a clear message here, max will be gone this time and keith will never get a look in again, good.
ReplyDelete"What you don't see with your own eyes, don't witness with your mouth." Jewish Proverb
ReplyDeleteI think some people here need to realize that the incident has to be investigated and it is best for all Ministers to keep opinions to themselves. Max is a public person so comments from the members is okay if it pertains to the incident. Keith and other members aren't making statements or comments because they have to wait and see what unfolds...respect that as the way it has to be.
ReplyDeleteFrom Keith Russell's Facebook page dated april 17:
ReplyDeletethat would absolutely be a good start, Jenny people need to hold us accountable as well in ULM and we need to publicize our collective priorities so that people can hold their elected officials accountable too when we do not do what is best for our communities
april 19: there can be no tolerance of racism and abuse from anyone associated with the NG at any level - this includes staff, officials and all that live in our communities. I understand etc...etc. and more comments throughout his Slanted facebook page trying to raise hell.
Now that he is Minister and this debacle falls in his portfolio he does not take charge of the situation, not so much as a peep on his very articulate, informative and unbiased facebook page. If he was an ordinary member - he would be yelling for heads from the tops of rooftops. Proverb- To judge a man's character- give him power.
Holy Smoke I can't belive what I am reading, the fact remains that Blake did something really wrong and has to be dealt with in the right way. all lected people are in the public, max made those actions in public, he choose to run, welcome to real poltics.
ReplyDeleteKeith did not mind being public when he was in his last term in the NG. Why is he not public now?
I guess some people have a couple of supporters who will defend this sort of BS until the end.
We will never be respected by the rest of the world and public.
I think many of you people need to get a life, murder is unforgiveable. You people are going on like if max murdered someone. are you all perfect?
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should take a good look at yourself. how do others see you? ng will never go anywhere if all you people do is cry about every thing. cannot please everyone, so its time to realize that and move on. what the next topic of gossip people?
After hearing Max on cbc this morning, I have lost whatever pity I had for him, he's not acknowledging that he did wrong, he's still defending himself...evern after he used the words in public like he did.
ReplyDeleteI heard Max on the radio this AM, you could feel the anger and hate through the airwaves,
ReplyDeletejust goes to show more lack of repsect, judgement and acceptance of doing wrong.
I am hopeful that NG will do the proper investigation and the real facts will speak for themselves.
i heard hate and rage in max blakes' voice when he said that he was framed and deframed, i wonder how over 50 people and well over 100 posts on here can be wrong and max the only one right.
ReplyDeleteThe defender's of Max Blake - Keith Russell quote Jewish Proverbs and state "Maybe he was instructed not to say anything yet" Since when has Keith shut up about other members behaviours. He was so vocal, slanderous even, but the other member was not part of an "EXCELLENT TEAM" from ULM. Keith has become a part of the thunderous silence coming from our government. In my opinion there is a double standard.
ReplyDeleteNow his defenders will come back and attack me because I dare to voice a different opinion. Those defenders silence others with ridicule.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/11/27/inuit-denial.html
ReplyDeleteworth an read for you all
wish i knew what this was all about, I read all the comments and not one person mantioned what was done wrong, can someone please report what exactly max did wrong.
ReplyDeleteFYI...GOING TO BE INTERESTING WHAT KEITH GOT TO SAY ABOUT MAX'S SITUATION...THIS IS THE FROM WHEN BARBOUR WAS GOING THROUGH A HARD TIME.
ReplyDelete'We're in denial' on alcohol abuse, Inuit politician says
The Inuit government in Labrador is sending the wrong message about alcohol abuse, a member of the Nunatsiavut legislature said.Members of the Nunatsiavut assembly voted Wednesday to allow William Barbour to retain his seat as the community representative for Nain, even though Barbour had been stripped of his cabinet responsibilities earlier this fall.
'We have shown the world that our definition of zero tolerance can be compromised.'—Keith Russell
Barbour, the former natural resources minister, was kicked out of cabinet because others found that alcohol abuse was interfering with his work.
Keith Russell, who also sits in the assembly, said the decision shows that the Inuit government is not yet ready to tackle the problem of alcohol.
"We're in denial," Russell said.
"When we're not prepared to deal with our own elected officials that have these problems, how can they expect us as a collective body to then come back and do what's right to make sure we develop programs and services that will eventually lead to helping people in need?"
Earlier this month, a disciplinary committee found that Barbour had violated the government's code of conduct, which says members aren't allowed to consume alcohol at work or be drunk on the job.
"We have shown the world that our definition of zero tolerance can be compromised," Russell said.
Nunatsiavut president Jim Lyall, who kicked Barbour out of cabinet two months ago, said things have since changed.
"He's made huge strides in tackling that problem and I think to remove him now would set him back to where he was before," he said.
"I think it would have been the wrong thing to do."
As to whether Barbour may eventually return to cabinet, Lyall told CBC News that he is open to the idea.
Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/11/27/inuit-denial.html#ixzz0qT5p6tB3
My god people what is wrong, you go on and on about what Max has done wrong. What about all the hatefull and nasty comments that were posted to this site. You are all the same, do you think that his alleged actions are worst than some of the comments that some of you posted. I am sure his family does not appreciate the nasty comments that did not pertain to the incident in question. Why dont you stop and think, your no better than anyone else. you may find one of your family members up for attack, how would you feel then. Think before you speak! We all have the same interest being a nunatsiavut beneficiery, let the hatred stop. Life is too short people. geez bye give it a rest.
ReplyDeleteI noticed an "about face" from Keith Russell in his reaction to the comments about his recent silence on the allegations against Max Blake. How many times in the past did he badmouth Minister Ponniuk on his so-called silence and non-support for him in the house. Now he is realizing that there is another side to government and has to "tow the line" so to speak. I know you had the knowledge Keith, but you used it for the wrong reasons.
ReplyDeleteToday I wear black. Keith Russell has been MUZZLED. I voted for his voice to be heard loud and clear. From one end of Labrador to the other. Now he tows the line. What a loss.
ReplyDeleteYes it is certianly a sad day. I also voted Keith and Max, Max has not worked out and has embrassed us as a people and a government. I am hopeful justice will prevail with an investigation. Keith is now the minister of silience and has broken all his campaign promises to us in ULM.
ReplyDeleteWhere are the two people that knoked on my door with thier good ideas??
When will Max be dealt with, he must resign for his crazy actions. What is NG going to do? We keep waiting but hear nothing. Just goes to show that NG is not serious about dealing with people like Max who hurt women.
ReplyDeleteComments are now closed on this story.
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