The Village Council of Kipnuk was upset that the principal of the K-12 school was not incorporating enough of the local Yu’pik dialect into daily lessons.
Villagers were angry that some of Chief Paul Memorial School Principal LaDorothy Lightfoot’s relations were not positive. And they said she neglected an important part of being a leader in Kipnuk, that she wasn’t sensitive to people’s feelings and needs, and that she violated local, state and federal law.
“This is coming from The Kipnuk Yup’ik Tribe. We are kindly encouraging you to leave your position as Kipnuk Site-Administrator at Chief Paul Memorial School. We, the Native Village of Kipnuk, have received many calls from the local Kipnuk Tribal Members about you, LaDorthy Lightfoot. Since you been here in Kipnuk, you have neglected one ofour Kipnuk Tribe Constitution in related to Bilingual Education Act – 1968 known as the Title VII of the Education. You have neglected important part of being leader in Kipnuk. The relationship with variety of people was not positive. We have enough facts to ask you to leave, Kipnuk, whereas you have violated the federal, state, and local laws. (See the listed facts other page). Being a principal for a school is wonderful opportunity and serious responsibility. You are a guest of this village and never really know the extent of your influence. You have had affected the students, parents, local leaders, and this village. You were not being sensitive to the needs and feelings of them,” the letter reads.
“Native Village of Kipnuk Yup’ik Tribe is Federally Recognized Community and has the power to self-governance. We the Native Village of Kipnuk Council Board of Directors would like you to leave effective upon the receipt of this letter. Native Village of Kipnuk Board of Directors are banishing you permanently.” It is signed by Jimmy Paul, president; James Mesak Jr., treasurer; Daniel Paul, board member; Jerry Amik, board member; Noah Attie, Kipnuk tribal judge; and Richard Paul, tribal judge.
The letter is followed by a more fulsome explanation of the charges against Lightfoot, who fled the village, along with the entire teaching staff. The school has been closed due to no teachers available, and the students are supposedly studying remotely from home.
The village council also issued a search warrant for Lightfoot, who had barricaded herself in her office and then fled to her living quarters. The search warrant was to search every house in Kipnuk and all school classrooms and property in search of Lightfoot.
The search warrant:
The banishment letter and attachment:
