INUVIK - A former co-ordinator of Inuvik's homeless shelter says proper hiring procedures have not been followed since she left.

Julie Thrasher was the shelter's co-ordinator last year.

Julie Thrasher stands in front of her former workplace, the Inuvik Homeless Shelter. Thrasher worked for the shelter last year and left on her own terms. She says the Inuvik Native Band, which looks after the service, is not following procedure in hiring employees. - NNSL file photo

She informed Inuvik Drum that she left the position voluntarily.

"I took medical leave from work because it was best for the time being," said Thrasher.

But she said the Inuvik Native Band, which runs the shelter, has not been following its own procedures for hiring.

"Before I started my job as acting manager, I had to go through an interview and pass a criminal records check," said Thrasher.

She added that when she was working with the shelter, she made policies and procedures that were to be approved by the Native Band and followed by the staff.

"Since I left, there have been positions filled without criminal records checks or interviews," she said.

Inuvik Native Band Chief Richard Nerysoo acknowledged that hiring has occurred without a criminal records check. He said one of the new employees was recommended by other staff. He added that a full-time position will be advertised in March.

"There is nothing sinister happening in this process," he said.

Nerysoo said even if no check was done for the new employee, Thrasher should not be speculating into the matter without knowing the facts.

"It is wrong for anyone to criticize the process when they don't know what happened," he said.

Nerysoo said neither Thrasher, nor her successor, was fired from the position.

"Both Julie and Eddie left on their own terms. Nobody asked them to leave," said Nerysoo.

"You'll have to ask them for their personal reasons."

Nerysoo said the band has no hard feelings towards Thrasher.

"She left her resume with us to consider for future employment, which we will review when a position is open," said Nerysoo.