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Local woman embarks on hunger strike

Feb 12, 2014 | 1:07 PM

Eileen Burns is on day three of a hunger strike at James Smith Cree Nation.

She has spent her days in her truck, only consuming water to bring awareness to her concerns.

Burns was recently fired from her job as the band's prevention co-ordinator, as a result of a message she wrote on her daughter's Facebook.

“To my daughter Marcie, now you see the power of money. I know you’re hurt by the sudden change of plans without any notice/text/telephone call. Family can be so jealous and think otherwise … you would have done an excellent job (from my point of view). Head/chin up other opportunities. Have a good ole Opry day…We love you.”

The posting has to do with a dispute involving her daughter Marcie's children, and the band's director of family services, Burns' former employer.

“I was giving her words of encouragement, no names were mentioned or anything,” said Burns.

She explained she has tried to contact the chief and council for answers.

“They are newly elected and they wanted me to hold off until the end of the month, but I can't do that. I have payments that are due.”

paNOW has tried to contact the chief and council on several occasions, but by the time the story was published, there had been no response.

Burns is now using her time to reveal what she claims are questionable expenses by the director of family services, including personal trips being expensed for business.

These allegations have not been proven.

When Burns tried to contact the director, she was told the director’s cellphone had been turned off.

“I am really frustrated, I need to see justice,” said Burns.

Conditions this week have been anything but ideal for a person to be outside. Temperatures have hovered around – 30 C at night, with wind chills of – 40 C. Burns' husband plans to build her a shelter for her to stay in, equipped with a wood stove.

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell