The Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA) has named an interim CEO following mounting pressure from a petition with over 1,200 signatures urging an investigation into allegations of sexual and physical abuse against the former CEO, Nastania Mullin. This move aligns with a broader online movement dubbed #InuitMeToo, where Inuit women and gender-diverse individuals are sharing stories of alleged misconduct involving Mullin and other male Inuit leaders.
Crystal Martin, the organizer of the petition, described it as a call for justice and emphasized the shift from a moment to a movement towards accountability and improvement. The situation escalated further as an MIA board member resigned, citing resistance to her proposals for an independent inquiry into the allegations.
Despite multiple attempts to reach Mullin and other board members for comment, responses have been elusive. The organization declined to address specific inquiries about Mullin’s status or the allegations, opting to announce the appointment of an interim CEO instead.
The conversation surrounding #InuitMeToo gained momentum with prominent figures like Tanya Tagaq, an Inuk singer and activist, amplifying voices and encouraging support for survivors to come forward. Efforts to support survivors include fundraising campaigns for legal aid and connections with law enforcement for those seeking to report incidents.
Notable figures like Nunavut Senator Nancy Karetak-Lindell have expressed solidarity with the movement, emphasizing the need for accountability and independent investigations to address allegations of abuse within the Inuit community. This latest development follows previous investigations into Mullin and the MIA over workplace behavior and financial misconduct, with conflicting outcomes from provincial inquiries and third-party investigations.
The growing momentum of the #InuitMeToo movement underscores a collective push for transparency, accountability, and support for survivors of abuse within the Inuit community.