‘No more silence’: #InuitMeToo pushes for accountability in leadership

Inuit women are leading a movement against sexual violence and harassment, sparked by recent allegations against former Manitoba Inuit Association CEO Nastania Mullin.

#InuitMeToo follows in the footsteps of the #MeToo movement, which became a global campaign in 2017 after women in Hollywood came forward with stories of assault and harassment.

As the 2017 movement focused on movie producer Harvey Weinstein, who was sentenced in 2022 to 23 years in prison for crimes related to sexual assault, #InuitMeToo is, so far, focused on Mullin.

Mullin has not been charged with any crime related to the allegations, which have also not been tested in court.

A Change.org petition launched Oct. 11 calls for the suspension of Mullin following allegations of “sexual assault, harassment and intimidation.”

As of Friday, the petition had gathered more than 1,300 signatures.

“We are also deeply concerned about reports that Mr. Mullin has used the legal system, including cease and desist letters, to silence those speaking out about his conduct. Such tactics create fear, suppress truth and perpetuate harm,” the petition said.

The Manitoba Inuit Association provides community programming, advocacy and cultural support to Inuit in Manitoba.

The association confirmed it has appointed an interim chief executive officer but has not said whether the move means Mullin has departed. Mullin is no longer listed as CEO on the association’s website.

Representatives with Manitoba Inuit Association declined further comment.

“MIA is not prepared to comment on matters outside of our organization,” said an unsigned email from Manitoba Inuit Association to Nunatsiaq News.

Nunatsiaq News has attempted to reach Mullin numerous times by phone, email and Facebook for comment but has not received a response.

People are coming forward in droves, said Tara Tootoo Fotheringham, president of the not-for-profit Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women’s Association.

She said at least two dozen women have reached out to her with allegations against Mullin and other Inuit leaders.

“What gives me hope is that women are seeing the impact of speaking up and the support that comes with it. That shift from silence and secrecy toward accountability is powerful,” Fotheringham said.

However, she noted Manitoba Inuit Association has not released an official statement about the matter.

“It shows real dysfunction and an inability for these organizations to discipline or remove people for inappropriate behaviour, whether they’re staff or board members,” Fotheringham said, adding that she and others have been blocked by the Manitoba Inuit Association after commenting about the situation on Facebook.

Ruth Gustaw, an Inuk woman from Iqaluit now living in Ottawa, alleges she was sexually assaulted by Mullin more than 20 years ago in Iqaluit when they were young teenagers.

She says she was discouraged from reporting to the RCMP at the time but has since filed a complaint with the RCMP in Ottawa.

Nunavut RCMP spokesperson Sgt. George Henrie said in an email to Nunatsiaq News that the “matter is under investigation” and he cannot provide further details.

While the impact of the assault followed her for years, Gustaw said, she rejects the idea that it defines her.

“At some point, I felt like I had ‘abused’ stamped on my forehead because I didn’t know what to do or think,” she said.

“Healing is a really huge part of this journey, and coming forward and speaking your truth helps in that.”

Gustaw said the #InuitMeToo movement reflects northern realities as the harm often comes from family or community members, leaving survivors with little distance or protection.

“Others who have experienced sexual violence may have family ties to their abuser or they may fear the person,” she said. “They may feel shame for what was done to them when in reality, the abuser should be embarrassed and ashamed, not the survivor of it.”

Despite the risks attached to speaking out, Gustaw said silence was no longer an option.

“I’ve spoken out, and others have reached out to me. That also speaks volumes, because it wasn’t like this before,” she said. “Nobody should feel like they aren’t going to be believed or supported.”

Meanwhile, an online GoFundMe account has raised more than $7,000 to provide legal help and guidance for Inuit women and gender-diverse people as they navigate reporting through the RCMP, human rights tribunals, or workplace channels.

Fotheringham is calling for changes in corporate culture to avoid silencing employees who speak out against misconduct.

“Most organizations do not have a policy in place for removal of a board member for their behaviour,” she said, adding her goal is constructive.

“We might sound like we’re picking on a couple organizations, which we are, but our ultimate goal is to work with those organizations and put better structures in place to protect the people that these organizations are built to support.”

Gustaw, who is a mother of two, urges other survivors to speak out if they feel safe to do so.

“I would tell them to speak their truth, and that it wasn’t their fault,” she said.

“And don’t just do this for you — do it for the others that don’t feel safe to come forward. Do it for your children. Do it to protect the community.”