Grand chief’s accuser goes public

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This article was published 08/06/2022 (930 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Four months after accusing the province’s most powerful First Nations chief of sexual assault, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs acting executive director Shauna Fontaine was forced to shed her anonymity after her employer refused to initiate a trauma-informed inquiry.

On Wednesday, Fontaine published a statement on social media that identified her as the source of the formal complaint against AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas.

The 42-year-old mother and member of Sagkeeng First Nation said she gave up her right to privacy to address any confidentiality concerns the AMC might have in launching an independent inquiry into Dumas’s conduct, co-led by the AMC and victim advocates.

“I felt at a loss. I already feel so isolated,” Fontaine said in an interview with the Free Press. “I’m extremely isolated and unsupported by my employer at this time and I want them to accept that invitation for a trauma-informed practice with a healing-centred approach.”

In a letter sent to the executive council in mid-March, Fontaine described an unsafe work environment where she was subject to gender-based violence since her hiring in November 2021, including harassment and sexual misconduct.

She noted a criminal complaint had been made to the Winnipeg Police Service, alleging Dumas had sexually assaulted her.

The assembly subsequently suspended Dumas and retained a law firm to conduct the workplace investigation, with a final report expected at the end of this month. Police have not laid any charges against Dumas.

On Monday, an open letter calling on the AMC to launch an independent commission of inquiry “that is trauma-informed, co-developed and co-led by AMC and victim advocates as agreed upon by both parties” was sent to chiefs, with signatures from provincial and federal politicians, as well as several highly regarded First Nations community leaders.

As of Wednesday, the open letter had received more than 200 signatures.

In response to questions from reporters, the AMC issued a statement Tuesday, saying it could not undertake “any process that would jeopardize” its legal obligations while an independent workplace investigation is underway.

“There are several advocates who have kindly offered assistance with this process. The AMC appreciates their well-meaning intentions; however, the AMC is required to maintain the complainant’s confidentiality,” the statement said, in part.

“Failure to do so would be inconsistent with a trauma-informed approach to workplace investigations.”

However, Fontaine said she is concerned about the objectivity of the human resources investigation. She described the experience so far as isolating, painful, lacking counselling and support, and not based in trauma-informed practices.

“I’m not being included in the process. I’m not being communicated with or provided with updates into where things are at,” Fontaine said. “I read about these things in news releases, just like everybody else does.”

By contrast, Fontaine said she feels believed by the WPS, adding police appear to be doing due diligence.

“Perpetrators of violence need to be held accountable in all sectors of society, including in the workplace,” Fontaine said. “Especially considering the impacts of violence against Indigenous women and girls, we need to believe survivors and victims when they come forward.”

Sandra DeLaronde, a lead signatory to the open letter and former co-chair of Manitoba’s MMIWG2S Coalition, said the assembly has not responded to the request as of Wednesday, other than to provide a statement previously issued to the press.

“They haven’t considered anyway forward that would give voice to the concerns of other people,” DeLaronde said.

The assembly must establish a process that includes victim advocates to ensure people who come forward with complaints or allegations against AMC leadership are supported and feel safe voicing concerns, DeLaronde said.

“The AMC provided an outstanding report to the (National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls) that talked about a fair and transparent process for Indigenous women to be heard,” DeLaronde said. “The expectations they have of Canada and others should be the same expectation for our communities.”

AMC did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca

Danielle Da Silva
Reporter

Danielle Da Silva is a general assignment reporter.

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