Homalco First Nation Chief Darren Blaney Calls On Conservatives To Remove His Name From Press Releases

The Chief of Homalco First Nation, owners of 100.7 The Raven, is calling on the Federal Conservative Party to stop using his name.

The Nation says that in a February news release, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives included a quote from Chief Darren Blaney regarding their plan for a First Nations Resource Charge (FNRC) without consultation or consent.

Homalco leadership only recently learned of the quote.

The Chief and Council say they “unequivocally denounce” its use and any future quotes of their leadership without proper consultation, calling on the Conservatives to remove any Homalco-related quotes from past, current and future new releases.

The release from HFN notes the revelation comes on the heels of calls for Aaron Gunn, the Conservative candidate in North Island-Powell River, to be dropped from the election Campaign.

The Nation says there are concerns surrounding Gunn’s past social media posts regarding his views on residential schools, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and sympathizing with Vladimir Putin.

In the news release, the Nation says it “cannot support a party which platforms \individuals that perpetuate generational trauma and harm.”

Chief Blaney has his name on a list of close to 30 people calling for the Conservatives to drop their support of Gunn as a candidate. Others include members of Courtenay Council, including Mayor Bob Wells, area Regional Directors, Cumberland Mayor Vickey Brown, and other area councillors and officials, both present and past.

Meanwhile, a number of others have issued a letter in support of Gunn.

That includes Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl and three Campbell River Councillors, and Courtenay-Comox MLA Brennan Day, who have their name on a list of nine who say Gunn’s character and record “have been profoundly misrepresented in a troubling smear campaign.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also reaffirmed his support for Gunn while at a campaign stop in the province on Saturday.

The letter came from North Island MLA Anna Kindy. It stated that the accusations against Gunn of residential school denialism have been “particularly egregious”.

The letter said Gunn has repeatedly recognized the “truly horrific experience of many first nations, who attended the schools, and has always condemned these institutions, where abuse occurred.“

The group encourages residents to vote for who they believe will best represent the region on election day. Canadians go to the polls on April 28th.