Chief of Uashat-Maliotenam accuses protesters of smear campaign

Mike McKenzie, the newly re-elected chief of the Innu community ofUashat-Maliotenam on Quebec's North Shore, said he is the victim of a "deplorable smear campaign,"denouncinghis detractors and accusing them of sullying not just his reputation but the reputation of the entire community.

McKenzie made the comments at hisinauguration ceremony yesterday in the community of 3,000, which is located near Sept-les,about640 kilometres northwest of Quebec City.

Some protesters were present at thatceremony, calling on McKenzie to step down from political life.

"I have never, under any circumstance, committed reprehensible acts against anyone," McKenzie said."My spirit and my conscienceare perfectly clear."

No charges, only rumours

CBC's French-language service,Radio-Canada, has reportedthata complaint was made to police concerning McKenzie at the end of March. However, no charges have been laid against him.

"To date, authorities have never asked me to meet them, and no judicial proceedingshavebeen launched against me," McKenzie said.

Without divulging the nature of the allegations, which he called rumours of "reprehensible acts I supposedly committed," McKenzie reaffirmed his support for "all victims of abuse, whether of a sexual nature or some other."

"I was one of the first chiefs to take a public position, calling for a public inquiry in the case of women and girls who were victims of abuse in Val-d'Or, and I encourage anyone who suffers any such abuse to denounce their aggressors," he said.