Manitoba Inuit Association terminates former CEO amid abuse allegations
The Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA) has terminated its former CEO, Nastania Mullin, one week after an Ottawa woman came forward with allegations of abuse, amid a growing #InuitMeToo movement expressing concerns about his conduct.
In a social media post late Friday, MIA said it “hears the concerns expressed these past weeks within the community. After an intensive review, the MIA Board has made the decision to terminate Nastania Mullin.”
It has appointed an interim chief executive officer and engaged an outside organization to conduct an "independent and trauma based investigation,” said the post, signed by the board of directors.
“MIA stands together with our Inuit women, 2LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse community members against intimate partner and sexual violence of any kind,” it said, adding it is committed to supporting those impacted and fostering safety, respect and healing.
No one from MIA responded to requests for more information.
The termination comes one week after Ruth Gustaw, 36, told CBC News that Mullin allegedly sexually assaulted her in his mother’s Iqaluit home 20 years ago. Gustow, who now lives in Ottawa, and one other woman have made formal complaints against Mullin with the RCMP and Ottawa Police Service, respectively. The woman requested confidentiality because she fears repercussions against her or her family.
None of the allegations have been proven in court, and Mullin has not been charged. When reached by phone Friday evening, Mullin said there is no comment he can make at this time.
Gustaw reacts to the newsAfter seeing the post, Gustaw said she was glad MIA “made the right decision.” She said it was never about spreading hate or "taking someone down,” but rather, “it was about using my voice to tell the truth.”
Gustaw says she got the courage to come forward when she saw others speaking up as part of a social media movement dubbed #InuitMeToo.
“Couldn’t have done this without them and for that I am so grateful,” she said.
More than 1,300 people had signed a petition created by Inuk advocate Crystal Martin,calling on MIA to look into allegations of sexual and physical abuse against Mullin. Martin is not one of those alleging abuse.
Mullin’s termination is “a necessary and monumental step forward for our communities,” Martin told CBC News.
“Inuit women and gender-diverse Inuit have long called for justice, accountability, and safety within our institutions and their voices must remain at the center of this moment,” she said. “While this decision represents progress, it also serves as a reminder that real change requires ongoing work.”
Martin says the alleged survivors must be the priority because “their courage and resilience are what drive meaningful reform.” She has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover fees for those seeking legal representation.
Other groups show support for movementShe says the community continues to call on Inuit organizations to commit to stronger board governance, trauma-informed leadership and comprehensive training that reflects Inuit values of respect, inclusion and collective responsibility.
Several prominent Inuit organizations, including the Amautiit Nunavut Inuit Women's Association, also came out in support of the movement.
On Friday, Amautiit president Tara Qunngaataq Tootoo Fotheringham said the decision on Mullin was “a long time coming.”
“We commend the brave women and supporters of the #InuitMeToo movement who refused to be silenced and ensured that their voices remained as strong as they were 30 days ago,” she said, adding she has heard from others with similar allegations about Mullin and other male Inuit leaders. Tootoo Fotheringham is not one of those alleging abuse.
“Change is happening because courage spoke louder than fear.”
cbc.ca
