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Liard First Nation Employees Fired After Advocating for Change

Monday, 16 December 2024 10:40

From left to right: Watson Lake High School Kaska language teacher trainee Alexis Spencer and former LFN Language Department employees Emeral Poppe and Diana Lee Jimmy (Photo submitted)

Emeral Poppe and Diana Lee Jimmy have been vocal advocates for change within Liard First Nation, raising concerns over transparency.

Two Liard First Nation Language Department employees have been terminated after speaking out against the leadership of Chief Stephen Charlie.

Emeral Poppe and Diana Lee Jimmy have been vocal advocates for change within Liard First Nation, raising concerns over transparency, accountability, preservation of language and culture, and a toxic workplace environment in an interview with CBC Yukon last week.

The termination letters, received by Poppe and Jimmy on Thursday, have sparked concerns about retaliation, while also reinforcing concerns about unethical termination of employees.

In an interview with CHON FM, Emeral Poppe said she’s still determined to pursue change within Liard First Nation, despite her recent termination.

Poppe and Jimmy co-founded Dene A¯´' Nezen, which aims to bring integrity to the First Nation's leadership and promote positive change.

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