“No place for hate” says Mayor, as Beaver Lake and other leadership denounce Councillor’s comments

Leaders in Lac La Biche and the surrounding Indigenous and Metis communities spoke of unity and solidarity during the Pow Wow Days Opening Ceremonies, in light of controversial comments made by a County councillor that prompted an apology. 

The Pow Wow Days event came on the heels of a tumultuous time in the area, after councillor Darlene Beniuk was prompted to apologize for comments made during the July 22 council meeting, speaking about Beaver Lake Cree Nation. 

Out of a special meeting last Tuesday, Beniuk apologized, and it was added the original post made by Mayor Paul Reutov. 

“I, Councillor Darlene Beniuk, apologize for the comments I made during the July 22, 2025 Regular Council Meeting. I apologize if my comments were offensive,” it reads. 

Many replied on social media that it was not good enough. Some called for her to resign. 

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“This place has no room for hate and no room for racism,” said Reutov during the opening ceremonies before the talent show.

“When my family moved here well over 50 years ago, we moved here because it was welcoming, it was diverse, and we were welcomed like all others. And when we came here, we recognized the Lebanese community, the French community, the Metis community, etc, etc. 

“At that time, our parents fled our old country for the obvious reason. We were persecuted. They ran, they circled the globe and found a welcoming community here in Lac La Biche County. So that being said, our community is much better and far greater than the comments of one individual. We again, we have no place for hate, no place for racism.” 

Last Thursday, Beaver Lake Cree Nation leadership published a formal reply to Beniuk’s comments saying, “we echo the call from Mayor Reutov for the Ward 1 councillor to resign immediately.” 

They called for more accountability and a more tangible plan from the County to address racism, promote cultural understanding, and uphold the values of inclusivity and reconciliation in all aspects of local governance within one year. 

“Despite these incidents, the Nation remains committed to a continued and constructive relationship with the County,” the statement reads. 

“We do not paint the rest of Council, Mayor Reutov, or the residents of the County with the same brush. In fact, we have received an overwhelming outpouring of support from community members, business owners, and allies with Council, and we are grateful for their solidarity during this time.”