The one-lane road block of the Sexqeltq铆n Bridge in Chase leading to the Adams Lake band ended on Thursday, April 13, but not before an explanation was provided outlining the reasons.

Former Adams Lake band chief Nelson Leon spoke to the Observer about the 91裸聊视频渇riendly protest91裸聊视频� that began Tuesday morning, explaining ongoing internal issues and politics have been creating a divide between band members in the community.

91裸聊视频淎s a community, we are a family of families.91裸聊视频�

Last week, band administration issued a news release regarding the road block.

It stated: 91裸聊视频淥rganizers wished to voice their concerns regarding RCMP relations and internal political issues within the Adams Lake Indian Band91裸聊视频� The protest is peaceful and Adams Lake Indian Band is closely monitoring.91裸聊视频�

Leon said, as a former chief, he has received a few calls to help find a solution, 91裸聊视频渢o put to rest the tension and animosity that is starting to increase.91裸聊视频�

91裸聊视频淚 feel a heartfelt obligation to the people who still call, to initiate a greater awareness to our leaders and to our membership of the outstanding issues and, more importantly, to offer up some solutions for reconciliation.91裸聊视频�

He noted it91裸聊视频檚 not an easy problem.

91裸聊视频淚t will take a number of community discussions but the ball has to start somewhere91裸聊视频� I think it91裸聊视频檚 resolvable with communication and commitment both from the membership and the leadership.91裸聊视频�

Leon hopes to hold a meeting to initiate a mechanism to start addressing outstanding issues. While the community is looking internally, it is distracted from its focus on the land, he says.

91裸聊视频淎 part of getting back to the key issues of Secwepemc title requires us to work together. And that91裸聊视频檚 my overall goal. To bring us back to working together. To deal with issues in a productive way and a respectful way and, more important, find the time to look to the land.91裸聊视频�

He notes that issues on land and water will negatively impact people91裸聊视频檚 futures, so must be addressed with a united front.

Leon said his purpose is not to slam the current chief Paul Michel or anyone else.

91裸聊视频淗e stepped into the office with a lot of already outstanding issues that need to be addressed. His ability to prioritize and to demonstrate leadership is in itself a challenge. Having past experience, I know how hard it can be.91裸聊视频�

Leon said it91裸聊视频檚 not about polarization.

91裸聊视频淚91裸聊视频檓 not on one side or another. I91裸聊视频檓 on the side of the community that doesn91裸聊视频檛 feel safe anymore, that doesn91裸聊视频檛 feel like there91裸聊视频檚 somebody on the other end of the phone.91裸聊视频�

The band has been struggling with internal governance for several months after three council members were removed from office, reinstated while they appealed the removal process and, in February, removed from office once again when their appeal through the courts was dismissed. A March 6 letter on the band91裸聊视频檚 website states the three councillors were reinstated again pending another appeal, expected to take place in May. Late last year former Chief Robin Billy resigned and Chief Paul Michel was elected.

Leon said he doesn91裸聊视频檛 feel upset by the application of the band91裸聊视频檚 election laws.

91裸聊视频淲hat91裸聊视频檚 upsetting is the level of distraction from key issues that affect our future. Because it is a distraction.91裸聊视频�

He notes when government changes, there91裸聊视频檚 a transitionary period and then a productive period. 91裸聊视频淎nd we haven91裸聊视频檛 even got through the transitionary period.91裸聊视频�

The 91裸聊视频渇riendly protest,91裸聊视频� he said, is 91裸聊视频渘ot meant to shame, blame or create further division but rather to create a greater awareness to the membership, to the leadership, the necessity to resolve91裸聊视频� that we are one people.91裸聊视频�

Regarding RCMP relations, Cpl. Scott Linklater with the Chase RCMP remarked: 91裸聊视频淲e are working with chief and council to work on improving community relations. We have a good relationship with chief and council and band members but there are always ways to improve. As for specific incidents or issues, we91裸聊视频檙e not aware of any.91裸聊视频�