Manitoba Inuit Association terminates CEO after board review

The Manitoba Inuit Association has ended the employment of its chief executive officer following weeks of public allegations that fuelled renewed momentum of what has become known as the #InuitMeToo movement.

In a Nov. 7 statement, the organization, which provides community programming, advocacy and cultural support to Inuit in Manitoba, said its board terminated Nastania Mullin “after an intensive review” and reaffirmed that it has appointed an interim CEO.

The association also commissioned an “outside organization” to conduct an independent, trauma-based investigation. It did not disclose who the new interim CEO is or which third-party organization will lead the investigation.

“We remain committed to supporting those impacted and to fostering safety, respect, and healing across our community,” said a statement posted on the association’s Facebook page on Nov. 7.

The Manitoba Inuit Association did not respond to a request for comment for this story.

The leadership change follows mounting pressure from Inuit women and advocates, including an Oct. 11 Change.org petition calling for Mullin’s suspension. The petition had received 1,380 signatures as of Tuesday.

Mullin has not been charged with a crime. The allegations, which include claims of sexual violence, harassment and intimidation, have not been tested in court.

Mullin did not respond to a request for comment.

Inuk photographer and #InuitMeToo advocate Cora Kavyaktok said the leadership change came only after sustained community pressure.

“The #InuitMeToo movement shouldn’t have had to come into play, but I’m so proud of everyone that stood in solidarity and didn’t back down until they had no choice but to hear us,” she said through Facebook messenger.

Kavyaktok said leaders must be held “to the standard of all those they represent,” adding she hopes the association’s decision signals a future where “victims will be heard and perpetrators will no longer be protected by their status in community.”

Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women’s Association also issued a statement, calling the termination a “significant step towards accountability.”

“You refused to be silenced and ensured that voices remained strong throughout the last 30 days,” the organization said of those who spoke out and showed support.

The Manitoba Inuit Association did not release further details on the allegations or the scope of its investigation.

Earlier this year, the association publicly defended its workplace environment following an internal review.

In an April 22 news release, the association said an independent investigation found “no evidence of a toxic workplace nor financial impropriety.”

“The perception of retaliation for raising concerns stemmed from misunderstandings regarding departures of two staff,” the report found, concluding there was “no concrete evidence of actual retaliation.”