Shocking Comments Rock Millbrook First Nation

Members of the Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia are reeling from the fallout of a disturbing group chat that has sent shockwaves through the community. The revelations have led to the resignation of two band councillors after explicit and derogatory comments about women surfaced.

Women Targeted in Disturbing Group Chat

The private group chat, involving nearly a dozen men, reportedly included conversations that seemed to condone sexual assault and demean women. Among those mentioned is Tia Googoo, a community member who described her feelings as profoundly disturbing and degrading. "I wanted to get sick to my stomach. I wanted to scream... It hurt for all the women they talked about, for my mother, for myself," she expressed.

Councillors Resign Amid Outcry

The community's outrage escalated when it was revealed that Facebook profiles linked to councillors Pius Knockwood and Garrett Gloade were part of the incriminating messages. One shocking comment from Knockwood read, "Pass out sex is the best eh… when they're passed out." Following Googoo's alert to the band council about the chat, which went unaddressed, she decided to go public by sharing screenshots online.

Investigation Underway

In response to the uproar, the Millbrook Chief, Bob Gloade, confirmed the resignations of the two councillors and stated, "The activity in the group chat victimized many and has been devastating to read." The RCMP is currently investigating the situation alongside the Chief and Council.

Community Support and Calls for Change

Support has been rallied from various groups, including the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association, which is providing counseling and therapy for affected community members. Activist Denise Pictou Maloney, who has experience with the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, emphasized that such risks are prevalent for Indigenous women across the country. "This is not just happening here. It’s happening everywhere across this country," she stated, urging men to speak out against such behavior.

Googoo's Courage and the Fight for Accountability

After going public, Googoo faced allegations of coercion regarding the screenshots, which she vehemently denies. "There’s this one thing that keeps sticking in my mind... If there was no screenshots, would you believe her?" she reflected. Her brave stand has opened a critical dialogue about accountability and the treatment of women in Indigenous communities.