Chesterfield Inlet (Mar 27/06) - A former teacher says he hasn’t eaten since Feb. 16 and won’t eat again until he gets justice or dies.

Francis Mazhero started his hunger strike in protest of what he refers to as “the unhumane treatment” he has received from the territorial government and Federation of Nunavut Teachers.

History of litigation Francis Mazhero has filed at least three lawsuits over the past few years: 2003 - Mazhero filed a $2.6 million wrongful dismissal lawsuit in the Nunavut Court of Justice against the government and teachers federation. That case stalled in November 2003 when the court ordered Mazhero to pay $3,383.73 in costs on two outstanding cases, post a $2,500 security to cover any possible future costs and refile documents with the court. 2004 - Federal Court lawsuit accuses RCMP of false arrest and violating his constitutional rights. In November 2003, he was arrested outside the education department office in Iqaluit where he said he would wait all night to get a meeting with a department official. Police say he was in danger of freezing to death. November 2005 - the Federal Court dismissed a lawsuit Mazhero filed against Justice Beverly Browne of the Nunavut Court of Justice, Justice J. Edward Richard of the Nunavut Court of Appeal and a Supreme Court of Canada registry official.

He was fired from his job at Victor Sammurtok school in Chesterfield Inlet in November 2002 over what he says are unfounded allegations of sexual misconduct and has waged a campaign through the media and courts to clear his name ever since.

Mazhero has only consumed orange juice and water from the period of Feb. 16 to March 16.

Since then, he has only had water and gastrolyte, a drug that helps manage watery diarrhea and fluid and electrolyte loss.

Mazhero said he will continue his hunger strike until he receives justice or dies trying.

“I’m doing this because I’ve exhausted every other lawful means at my disposal to get rid of the unfairness that has been dished out on me since 2002,” said Mazhero.

“No one takes a hunger strike lightly because to do so would demean people like Mahatma Gandhi and all those heroes of the Irish struggle,” Mazhero said. “That’s exactly where I’m at now.”

Mazhero said he has not heard anything back from the teachers’ federation or Education Minister Ed Picco, who he has informed of his action.

He has also notified the coroner’s office of his position.

“In the event I die from the hunger strike, the coroner will hold, I hope, an inquest into my death,” Mazhero said. “I’m telling my side of the story before this tragedy occurs.”

Mazhero’s wife, Sarah, is the head nurse at the Chester nursing station.

She said her husband’s stance is a difficult one for the family, but she supports his decision.

“It’s a hard situation, but I have to be strong,” said Sarah. “I can’t comment on whether I think he’s doing the right thing because it’s a personal issue to him.

“I’m in a precarious position as an employee of the Nunavut government.

“As much as I feel for my husband, I also have a family to look after.”

As of press time, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and the RCMP did not respond to numerous requests for comment.