The Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services (KSCS) Board of Directors met on October 21, 2013 to discuss the KSCS Drama Program situation. The Chairperson for the Board removed herself from this portion of the meeting due to a conflict of interest.
Firstly, it is important to note that the KSCS Drama program is NOT part of the Turtle Island Theater. The KSCS Drama program has its own mandate to service the youth. This mandate includes a full time artistic director, who is an employee of KSCS, with the responsibility of producing four (4) events per year. The two entities may share common goals and values but they are NOT one entity. As such, KSCS was forced to place their program on hiatus due to serious reporting and financial control practices being violated. KSCS has a responsibility to the Community to ensure that there is proper accountability for their programs and resources. As such, a review of the KSCS program was launched.
KSCS has a valid lease agreement with the Catholic Church to utilize Kateri Hall for the KSCS Drama program. As lessee of this property, KSCS did not know the total number of keys that permitted access to the facility and who had possession of those keys. The KSCS Artistic Director position is responsible for this facility and this position is vacant. The employment contract for the artistic director ended on August 23, 2013. Mr. Young, as supervisor of the Artistic Director position, took the responsible action of securing Kateri Hall with the knowledge and consent of the Catholic Church Committee (Lessor).
The Board is fully aware of every aspect that has transpired since August and is in full agreement with all the actions that have brought us to this present day. It is important to acknowledge that the Executive Director of KSCS, Derek Montour, has the responsibility to act and respond to issues associated with the KSCS Drama Program and all other programs in KSCS. The Board of Directors is in full support of KSCS management and staff in the review process of this program. A consultant has been contracted to complete the review, and an inventory of all items in the Kateri Hall will be conducted.
The Board of Directors would like to confirm KSCS’s commitment to Youth Drama. For twenty years KSCS has supported and fostered this program for the benefit and growth of our youth. The Board strongly believes in this program and realizes the immense benefits to our Community. As such, the Board is directing the Executive Director to fulfill KSCS’s mandate and continue this program forthwith by securing a new artistic director in the immediate future to ensure that these services continue to flourish. KSCS fully intends to honor its lease agreement with the Catholic Church and maintaining the KSCS Drama program at this location until such time as the lease agreement is no longer continued.
The Board of Directors would like to acknowledge the entire Turtle Island Theater for all their hard work and dedication. The KSCS Drama program enjoyed many spectacular productions due in large part to the volunteers of the Turtle Island Theater. These individuals formed the core of the many volunteers who have supported the theatre and performing arts in our community. It is due to these commitments that there is a very active theater in Kahnawake. We look forward to the continuation of artistic expression in future and would like to wish the Turtle Island Theater success in future productions.
Sincerely,
Janice Beauvais
Vice Chairperson, Board of Directors
Kahnawake Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services