"My grandfather was born in 1892 and struggled his whole life with prejudice. He was not even allowed to speak his own language. I saw it when I went to school and when my children went to school. It's sad to say, but it is still alive today and now our grandchildren have to experience the same things. It makes me ashamed that people still feel this way in this day and age. To sit on a school board, one must keep an open mind, for all the children and Ms. Ojala cannot. That is why I asked her to resign. She might forgive us, but my heart is saddened because I don't think I can forgive her for her ignorance."
- Carrie Kuzmik, Bay Mills Member
"I went to the school board meeting expecting an apology, but instead she forgave us for being upset and hurt. It actually didn't surprise me a bit, to tell you the truth. The arrogance and ignorance that emanates from that school is only a confirmation and continuation of the hatred and vile racism that we, here in Bay Mills, have long experienced. Apparently, Ms. Ojala feels she has it within her power to forgive us for experiencing hundreds of years of discrimination, prejudice, and hatred for our religious beliefs."
- Kurt Perron, BMIC Cultural Committee Chairman
"I don't feel there is any possible way that woman can be thinking in the best interest of our children if she feels that way. I am confused. Why didn't she go to the native community if she had questions? Why go to the Internet? To say she forgives us is unbelievable! It's religious persecution against us. Ms. Ojala is a proponent for the Baptist release time on Wednesday for religious instruction, but not for a few hours on one day a year for a pow wow? I'm still not quite sure what she has forgiven us for, but I haven't forgiven her for what she's done to my kids."
- Kat Memegos, P.R.I.D.E. Drum and dance Group
"I don't think anything was settled. I've never heard anything as ridiculous as her saying, 'She forgives us.' How many children that read what she said were hurt by her comments? I've talked with some school administrators and they don't agree with her. They've been trying for years to establish a good relationship with the tribe. I believe her comments sent us backwards."
- Irma Parrish, Bay Mills Elder
"I never thought it was like that over there in Brimley. I feel a lot of it is jealousy. I hear kids comment on the fact that tribal kids receive 'free tennis shoes' and stuff like that. Our fishing and hunting rights are probably partially to blame, too. I think a lot of people probably believe that we are receiving money from our casinos and are jealous. Ms. Ojala should have taken the time to ask people who know about our culture, instead of getting info from the Internet."
- Dean Parish, Bay Mills Member
