TOP Stories

Financial Cutbacks Leave K103 In Turmoil
By: Anita Heiss

Poor financial management returned to haunt K103 this week as history repeated itself and found the station in economic crisis.

In a situation similar to the summer of 1993-94 and the spring of 1994, the Board of Directors of the station found itself in the difficult position of having to decrease costs throughout.

The Board chose to reduce expenses by laying off staff and calling for major cutbacks across the board. These moves have met with much hostility and disbelief by staff.

According to Board Chairperson Peggy Mayo, "the only way we could do it [reduce expenses] was laying off people, which we hoped would be a temporary measure." At this stage, those laid off include Program Director, Joe Delaronde, Production Assistant held by Dave Bush and receptionist Marsha D'Ailleboust. Delaronde will retain his morning show as DJ from 6-9am.

Retained in their positions with some new duties are Director of Sales and Finance, Lois Williams and Bookkeeper Theresa Delisle.

Financial restraint didn't appear to be the issue for all staff however, as Williams was granted a 10% commission increase on her 20% commission rate. She also receives a weekly wage of $350. When Ms. Mayo was asked how the Board could justify such an example of inequality she said, "I don't want to become involved in a media war, because if I spill out, then my neck is gone."

Another inconsistency in the cutback scenario was the retention of full-time bookkeeper Theresa Delisle, who is currently performing her regular tasks as well as those of former receptionist Marsha D'Ailleboust. Asked why Williams/Delisle did not have their hours cut and remain on full time employment, Ms. Mayo replied, "I'm not happy with with the decisions myself, but unfortunately these were the best options."

Perhaps the greatest bone of contention for disgruntles staff this week, was a memo issued to Lois Williams and Joseph Delaronde and signed by Peggy Mayo which stated: "This is a Mohawk Community Radio. We are allowing 6 weeks for you, Mr. Delaronde, to replace our non-Indian on-air people, with Native people in light of our financial situation and the fact of the high unemployment in Kahnawake, it would be more feasible to employ our own at a much reduced rate."

When asked to comment on reduced rates for Natives and whether or not she realized it's suggestion contravened the historical struggle for equal rights and equal pay for Native peoples, Ms. Mayo attempted to clarity the issue by saying "A much reduced rate means that you bring in a Native person and say that there's much reduced hours, and that we can justify it economically, and in the community."

In regard to the memo she said that "I think the Board acted too rashly on that, but it has been as issue and it's not something that we drummed up".

At the time of interview, Ms. Mayo was not aware that Al Briand, K103 newscaster, had been fired by Ms. Williams. The firing was based on the fact that Briand had spoken to mainstream media about the contents of the memo pertaining to the removal of non-Natives for the station. However, Mayo was aware that Mr. Briand had contacted both the Human Rights Commission and Legal Aid. Mayo was also aware of the legal ramifications of dismissing any staff based on race. Briand was later rehired.

Paul Graif, News Director for K103, also hits the unemployment line this week. Ms. Williams based her decision on claims that Graif has "many complaints maid against him." Mr. Graif was given his walking papers after his last newscast at 5pm on May 31.

Mr. Graif commented on his dismissal, saying "After issuing a directive against non-Native personnel at K103 Kahnawake Radio last week, the Board of Directors, realizing their error, felt it necessary to backpedal. The charges of subordination against me were then trumped up, the result of the Board and certain management trying to rectify their original error."

Ms. Mayo however, stressed that all layoffs and cutbacks were not personal, but related to the financial difficulties of the station. At their maximum line of credit and lacking of government funding, the station relies on sales and revenue from bingo to exist. The fact that the station is in such financial ruin would suggest that sales are low, but Ms. Mayo was quick to justify the need to retain Ms. Williams and her record for bringing in sales for the station.

At the same time, the inadequacies for the Board were pointed out by Ms. Mayo as she said, "I m not out there selling. I don't have the answers on who or how to sell." One of the recommendations of ex-Program Director, Joe Delaronde was to implement board training to help the board understand better their role and the role of the staff..

Ms. Mayo hoped the cutbacks and layoffs would be a temporary measure saying "I'm hoping by the end of June or July that things will look better financially. People will be brought back."

When asked whether all staff would be reinstated, including non-Natives, Ms. Mayo contradicted the Board's earlier wish of replacing non-Natives and said, "Definitely, I would have to say yes."

Ms. Mayo admitted that she's not in the station everyday, nor is the Board, which raised the issue of the Board having no staff representation, yet assuming the role of decision maker affecting the day to day running of the station, and the people employed there.

Although the Board met with the Executive Committee and station management on Monday this week, no further consultation has been held with general staff who are currently in a state of low morale. Ms. Christine Taylor, DJ for Mid-morning and 1 O'clock Jump, feels that if program staff were involved in talks, more alternatives may have been reached. She said, "There's little staff representation at the Board level, there's only Joe and he's been cut off at his knees."

She disagrees with the decisions to lay people off and says that although she realized the need to cutback, she feels it wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't a directive. She believes "We're being treated as minions, commodities, with no consultation with DJs. We care about the place, and it takes a certain level of energy to maintain programs. Moral is very, very low and that energy is going."

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Mohawk Petroleum Law Passed
By: E.J. Diabo & Andrea Stacey Moore

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake recently passed a resolution enacting the proposed Mohawk Petroleum Law on May 15, following community consultation at a public meeting held May 9.

The project dates back to December 21, 1984, when a tri-lateral agreement was made between Kahnawake, Akwesasne, and Kanesatake to exercise jurisdiction over the sale and supply of petroleum products on their respective Territories.

Because the agreement was designed to be a tri-community project, the MCK is looking for a similar resolution from the Akwesasne Council. Kanesatake has supplied a letter supporting the project but is presently preparing for elections as well as dealing with other issues. It is hoped that a resolution will be passes there in the near future.

In theory, the "Mohawk Petroleum Law" (MPL) is intended to promote self-sufficiency through economic development and when in effect, would be tailored to reflect the needs of each Territory.

Murray Marshall of the MCK legal services said the passing of the law is a step forward, however, there are still a lot of practical matter's that must be resolved, for instance, actually obtaining the supply of petroleum, the establishment of the various entities that the law provide for and obtaining the equipment. Currently, marketing and feasibility studies are being carried out to address these topics.

A number of potential sources for the supply of petroleum are being looked at both within the Canada and the US, as well as off-shore.

"We haven't decided or closed the door to any possibilities at this point", said Murray Marshall.

Marshall said the reaction to the project from the governments of Quebec and Canada has so far been one of non-reaction. There have been no formal objections to plan of interference with the process. Marshall attributes this to what he calls the projects "transparent" design.

"The province, Canada and the press have been advised of what we're doing, how we're doing it and there are no secrets", said Marshall. He believes that they are presenting a very professional and comprehensive approach that benefits the Mohawk communities and does not harm the surrounding communities or their retailers. What it does do is tap into Kahnawake's only real resource, the 80 thousand cars that flow through the territory. "It makes a lot of sense as a policy and from a business approach", said Marshall.

As far as a target date for the Mohawk Petroleum Law to actually materialize, Marshall says he hopes it will be sooner than later, but there is a definite commitment on the part of the Councils to move the project forward.

The following is an abbreviated outline of the Mohawk Petroleum Law and the entities that would be set up to govern it.

The Authority

A committee made up of three representatives from each Territory, called the "Mohawk Petroleum Authority" (MPA), would be put in place with a mandate to secure and maintain a sustainable supply of petroleum products sufficient to meet the needs of the three communities.

The Board

In order to administer the Law and its regulations in the best interest of the three communities, a "Mohawk Petroleum Regulatory Board" (MPRB) would be established. Like the Authority, the Board shall consist of nine members with three appointees from each Territory.

The main function of the MPRB is to enact regulations that prescribe the form and content of permits, applications and fees. As well, the MPRB would ensure that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginals receive proper gas prices by fixing the maximum and minimum prices charged by vendors for petroleum products.

Retail Vendors

To be eligible as a retail vendor, an individual must be identified as a Mohawk according to the Kahnawake Mohawk Law concerning membership. They must be at least 18 years of age and a resident with the Territory where the retail operation is to established.

Further, the individual must not be a holder of a permit, license or certificate of any kind issued by a government other than the Mohawk Council.

Transportation Permits

Any Mohawk person may obtain a transportation permit by applying in writing to the Mohawk Petroleum Regulatory Board and providing the proper information. The MPRB reserves the right to revoke transportation permits if violations are committed to the conditions of the permit.

In the case of retail vendors contaminating or posing an imminent risk to the environment or any of the safety regulations, the MPRB may immediately cease operations of the retail outlet.

Prices

The prices fixed by the MPRB shall conform to certain principles. For example, whenever possible, prices for petroleum will be less for Natives than prices for non-Aboriginals.

Aboriginals are not to pay more than the wholesale cost of the petroleum plus the amount fixed by the MPRB for vendor's margin of profit shall be reviewed and adjusted on a monthly basis, or as needed.

The retail vendor must also submit reports to the MPRB indicating amount charged to both Natives and non-Natives with prices to the latter not exceeding two cents higher or lower than the communities immediately surrounding each Territory.

The Fund

The final component to the Law sees the establishment of the "Mohawk Tri-Community Petroleum Fund" which will be administered according to provisions of a Mohawk Law to be known as the "Mohawk Seven Generations Law" (MSGL).

The MSGL would be the document establishing the body which would administer the treasury and set out the parameters and criteria for administering revenues.

All net revenues generated will be received by the Mohawk Petroleum Authority and deposited into the fund. All disbursements from the fund will be made according to the principles provided in the Mohawk Seven Generations Law.

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Editorial

We need people like Mr. Menard
By: Kenneth Deer - The Eastern Door

The Minister of Public Security for Quebec, Serge Menard, stated that in a separate Quebec he would cut grants to the Indians to force a solution to the cigarette 'smuggling' problem. (See French Press in this issue).

Although Mr. Menard has since retracted his statements, the cat is already out of the bag. Mr. Menard's interview with a reporter from the Journal de Montreal was probably an accurate picture of what he envisions as the kind of relationship between Quebec and Native People.

Taxation is a political issue whether we are discussing cigarettes, gasoline or any other goods. Political solutions not strong-arm threats. Again, the Parti Quebecois is betraying its Nation to Nation rhetoric. The PQ is always quick to point out that it is the only party that recognizes the Aboriginal Peoples of Quebec as Nations. But it continuously contradicts concept with old-line postures of blackmail and force.

Quebec has difficulty in separating criminal actions from political postures. Mohawks have been stating that the sale of goods on our territory is p political act, an expression of the right to trade within our homeland in products of our choosing. Quebec prefers to consider this trade as a criminal act, thus ignoring the right of our 'Nation' to develop our own economy. At the same time, Quebec advocates separation from Canada as a political act and not treason which is a criminal act.

Another interesting concept in Mr. Menard's vision is the way he see funding transferred to Aboriginal Peoples. He is still locked in the old Department of Indian Affairs mode of transferring moneys in specific envelopes: one envelope for education, one for housing, one for health, etc. And apparently one envelope for Chiefs travel and administrative costs. This is where he would cut 'grants' in order not to '...hold Aboriginal children or the sick hostage'. He is going back to the bad old days of paternalistic administration, when Aboriginal People were told where and how to spend their own money.

It is also curious how the Journal de Montreal interviewer speculates on how we would react to such 'blackmail'. The reporter suggest that the Mohawks could block the Mercier Bridge or blow up Hydro-Quebec transmission lines, holding the public hostage. Sensationalist and provocative questions which were answered with the bravado of Mr. Menard saying "I'll cross that bridge when... it has blown up." A more responsible minister would have recognized the inflammatory and provocative purpose to the question and not played into the hands of the sensationalist press.

Statements like Mr. Menards just add to the mistrust and suspicion that Aboriginal Peoples have for the Parti Quebecois. Flippant remarks and shoot-from-the-hip statements can be very revealing about a persons real feelings. But, Mr. Menard denies he said these things. What are we to believe? Do we have to wait for a separate Quebec to find out?

Premier Parizeau probably should have Mr. Menard replaced, but we hope not. We need people like Mr. Menard to keep us informed of the real intentions of his party.

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