"the People's Paths!" NAIIP News Path! - Sexual Abuse Not Acceptable "In Any Cultural Tradition"

Sexual Abuse Not Acceptable
"In Any Cultural Tradition"

From Reed Elley, MP, 37th Parliament
NAIIP News Path ~ Tuesday, October 21, 2003

Ottawa, Canada - Canadian Alliance Critic for Indian Affairs and Northern Development, John Duncan, M.P. and Canadian Alliance M.P. Reed Elley (Nanaimo-Cowichan) today expressed their outrage in response to a media report of a Malahat band elder on trial for sexual assault during a Long House initiation ceremony.
This situation demonstrates, in a nutshell, a whole lot about what is wrong with perpetuation of abuse, and the victims are to be congratulated for breaking the silence", said Duncan. "The Long House is normally disciplined and strict and can be likened to a 'boot camp'. The track record includes many positive results."
Sexual abuse in our society can never be tolerated nor condoned especially in the guise of anyone’s cultural tradition. Knowing the leaders of the Malahat Tribe as I do, I know that they will do all in their power to ensure that this never happens again", said Elley.
"Sexual abuses should not be allowed to denigrate the Long House or any other cultural tradition", said Duncan.

Related path:
Malahat, Cowichan, First Nation
P.O. Box 111 - Mill Bay, BC V0R 2P0
Phone: 250-743-3231 ~ FAX: 250-743-3251
For more information contact:
Reed Elley, M.P., Nanaimo-Cowichan
Official Opposition Critic for Persons
with Disabilities / Deputy Critic for
International Trade
URL: http://www.reed-elley.com/
Nanaimo Office:
7, 6908 Island Hwy N.
Nanaimo, B.C. V9V 1P6
Telephone: 1-877-755-4029
FAX: 250-390-7551
Ottawa Office:
Rm 602, Justice Bldg.
House of Commons
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6
Telephone: (613) 943-2180
FAX: (613) 993-5577
John Duncan, M.P., Vancouver Island North
Official Opposition Critic for Indian
Affairs and Northern Development
Duncan Office:
204-455 Alderlea St.
Duncan, BC V9L 3V3
Telephone: 250-746-2363
FAX: 250-746-2364