WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone who has.
The Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA) has appointed an interim CEO, it was announced late Friday.
It goes like this petition with over 1200 signatures A call is spreading for the nonprofit to investigate allegations of sexual and physical abuse against its CEO Nastania Mullin.
It's part of a larger online movement that some are calling the grassroots #InuitMeToo campaign, in which Inuit women and gender-diverse people across Canada are sharing stories of alleged abuse by Mullin and other male Inuit leaders.
“The petition was a cry for justice,” said Crystal Martin, a petition organizer and Inuk advocate who is not one of the alleged victims.
“There's now a general understanding that this is not just a moment, this is a movement. And people are saying, 'We're ready to do better.'”
Meanwhile, a member of the Interior Ministry panel resigned, saying her proposals to launch an independent investigation had met with “resistance.”
Mullin did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The Interior Ministry did not directly respond to questions about his status or the current and historical allegations against him, instead sending an unsigned email saying it was appointing an interim CEO and was not prepared to comment on “matters outside of our organization.”
CBC News was unable to confirm Mullin's status with the association or the identity of the interim CEO.
Board member resigns after investigation calls him 'unsupported'
When alleged survivors began sharing stories about Mullin on social media, Joanie French, then MIA secretary-treasurer, commented on one of the posts that she was embarking on a fact-finding mission and would present her findings to her fellow MIA board members.
She then resigned at a special meeting last weekend.
In response to a report from CBC News, French said she could not comment on the situation “while the legal and regulatory processes are still ongoing.”
She submitted her resignation letter, writing that she urged the board to seek outside legal counsel, initiate an independent investigation and ensure employees can speak out without retaliation. However, she said, these efforts “were not supported.”
French also forwarded information about the specific allegations to the appropriate authorities and supervisory authorities, her statement said.
“I no longer believed I could responsibly carry out my duties within these restrictions and continue to serve in a structure that fails to protect Inuit women, staff and community members,” she wrote, adding that she was leaving under “considerable pressure and duress.”
Over the past week, CBC News has repeatedly attempted to contact Mullin and four other board members via email, phone and social media for a response to the petition and allegations.
During a visit to the Winnipeg office, an unidentified official confirmed that he had received the emails and would respond “in due course.”
On October 22, Interior Ministry released a statement on its Facebook account saying it supports Inuit women and gender diverse Inuit people who face some of the highest rates of violence in Canada.
“We remain committed to ensuring safety, respect and inclusion for all Inuit” and support the implementation of the Inuit National Action Plan for Missing and Murdered Inuit Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People.
A larger conversation #InuitMeToo
Tanya Tagaq, Inuk singer and activist, is actively spreading the word about #InuitMeToo on her Facebook and Instagram accounts.
“I try my best to be a megaphone because I know how scary it can be to speak,” she said, adding that she considers her social media accounts a place to discuss difficult topics.
“People don't really seem to understand this isolation because there is no road to another community,” said Tagaq, originally from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. Blaming one person can have a ripple effect, especially if the accused is in a position of power.
“[The accuser] may not keep their job. They may be branded as heretics and expelled from society. They may get hurt. Their children could get hurt.”
She urged others to support the #InuitMeToo movement because “until we stand up, no one will stand up. And if you don't stand up with us, we will continue to lie down. And I'm tired of it.”
Tara Kunngaatak Tutu Fotheringham, president of the Amautit Nunavut Inuit Women's Association, says she has received messages from nearly two dozen people who have shared what she calls “sad” and “disgusting” stories of alleged abuse and harassment by male Inuit leaders, including Mullin.
Her group is helping to build connections with the RCMP and trying to provide support. According to her, at least two have already contacted the police.
“As quiet as these women have felt for many years, now it is so loud it is deafening,” she said. “We want to make sure that these women never feel like they need to be silenced again.”
Amoutit is working with Martin to create fundraising campaign provide legal support to victims of sexual violence and harassment.
Groups, including People in Canadaadvocacy body for Inuit interests in Canada, and Kulliit Nunavut Status of Women CouncilI have also made strong statements in support of women disclosing alleged abuse. Neither statement directly references specific allegations or Mullin.
Nunavut senator backs motion
Nunavut Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell also supports the movement, saying she “stands firmly with those calling for safety, responsibility and action.”
She told CBC News it's time to speak up on behalf of people who “don't have a voice,” in part because they feel intimidated in close-knit communities.
“There will be people who don't want you to rock the boat and make waves, you know, 'Everything was great in our community until you opened your mouth,'” she said. “And that’s why most people don’t report it … because they have to bear the burden themselves.”
Karetak-Lindell said the size of the petition is significant because the Inuit community is so small. She said the board would have to take action because it was its responsibility to appoint the CEO.
“You can't continue to sweep things under the rug and you are forced to investigate.”
Moreover, according to her, any investigation must be independent.
The latest allegations against Mullin come after the Manitoba government previously investigated him and the Interior Ministry over allegations of workplace misconduct and financial improprieties by some employees.
The province ruled against MIA, but the association appealed and the Manitoba Labor Board heard the matter. The appeals were withdrawn and the hearing dates cancelled, a council spokesman said.
The third party also cleared the Ministry of Internal Affairs of all wrongdoing.
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.
