Ottawa woman speaks out against former head of Manitoba Inuit Association

WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone who has.

Inuit women and gender diversity say a grassroots social media movement posting allegations of sexual and physical abuse against the former CEO of the Manitoba Inuit Association is emboldening them to come forward with their own allegations against him.

“I was a teenager and I was so confused and completely caught off guard,” said Ruth Gustav, 36, originally from Iqaluit but now living in Ottawa.

Gustav claims Nastania Mullin raped her at his mother's home in Iqaluit 20 years ago while she was visiting his younger sister, her best friend. She says she wanted to go straight to the police, but then her mother told her not to.

“This could save so many other people,” she said. “When I found out that he was finally called… I cried. Like, relief, and, like, finally, finally.

“And I cry for those people who are too scared to come forward.”

Gustav and another woman with similar allegations began filing formal complaints against Mullin with the RCMP and the Ottawa Police Service, respectively.

None of the allegations were proven in court and Mullin was never charged.

When CBC News reached Mullin by phone, he said, “I can't comment at this time.”

“I just want other people to feel safe.”

Late last week, the Interior Ministry announced it had appointed an interim director general, but did not respond to questions from CBC News about Mullin's status with the organization or whether it was investigating the allegations against him.

The non-profit organization provides culturally appropriate services to Inuit living in Manitoba, as well as those traveling to the province for medical care.

Gustav says he is sharing his story because he knows many others who are afraid to share their allegations against Mullin and may be worried about how they will be treated by police and the justice system.

“I haven’t always had the best experiences with the RCMP, and that can be intimidating for other people, too,” she said. “I just want other people to feel safe, safe enough to speak the truth and not be afraid of the consequences of speaking out.”

She calls her performance experience “empowering.”

“I had so much support.”

The larger #InuitMeToo movement

Gustav is not the only one to come forward.

Others are speaking out as part of a growing social media campaign called #InuitMeToo, which began a few weeks ago when Nikki Komaksyuticsak was abruptly fired as CEO of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. It comes after she raised concerns about Mullin's safety with executive members of the organization in April.

The Ottawa-based group said it was undergoing an “internal transition process” and said it would not comment on specific HR matters. Komaksyutiksak also said she could not comment on the situation.

Her dismissal prompted Inuit women to support her online by sharing their alleged experiences. Charges have also been brought against other male Inuit leaders.

Meanwhile, Inuit defenders began online petitionwhich has already been signed by almost 1,300 people, calling on the Home Office to conduct an “independent, trauma-informed investigation” into the allegations against Mullin. Many also donate fundraising campaign to help cover costs for those seeking legal representation.

“The #InuitMeToo movement is essentially born out of frustration when people see people in these powerful positions who don't deserve to be in those places, and they use scare tactics to keep people quiet,” said Cora Kavyaktok, an Inuk photographer and lawyer from Vermilion, Alta.

“I just want the victims to know that we are here and we believe them.”

If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or the safety of those around you, call 911. For support in your area, you can search for emergency lines and local services through Canadian Association to End Sexual Violence Database.