Manitoba Inuit Association in turmoil ahead of General Assembly amid allegations of toxic workplaces – Winnipeg

The Manitoba Inuit Association is at the center of three workplace safety and health investigations and allegations from current and former employees of “multiple incidents of bullying, intimidation, aggression, intimidation and abusive situations.”

Global News has obtained a copy of a letter to the board of directors, dated June 11, 2024, with redacted signatures. Matthew Usenko, who was fired as manager of the organization’s Inuit Child First initiative after he said he raised concerns, says he was one of four signatories.

Usenko says six board members have resigned in the past year amid mounting allegations of inappropriate behavior within the organization and questionable “use of funds.”

The last four resignations occurred over the summer, while a provincial spokesperson says three investigations into the organization were launched after complaints were filed in June.

Receive national news daily

Get the day’s top news, political, economic and current headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

An annual general meeting will take place on Saturday, where six of the eight board seats may be filled.

Nastania Mullin, CEO of the Manitoba Inuit Association, and the two remaining board members Mary Nirlungayuk and Michael Kusugak did not respond to emails and phone calls from Global News.

The Manitoba Inuit Association provides support and cultural services to the “thousands of Inuit who come to Manitoba each year for training, health care, further education or to seek further opportunities,” according to its website, which states “hundreds of Inuit have made Manitoba their permanent residence . home, and every year the number of Inuit moving south increases.”

The website notes financial support from the federal and Manitoba governments, along with charitable organizations including the United Way and Winnipeg Foundation.

Judy Clark is a member of the Manitoba Inuit Association and a former employee who plans to attend the General Assembly.

“There was one scheduled in July that was canceled and members were recently notified (Saturday) but no agenda, nothing,” Clark said.

Clark says she plans to raise concerns about high staff turnover and the lack of a functioning board, saying the organization is not run in accordance with Inuit customary law, called Inuit Quajimajatuqangit.

“That means sitting down and discussing the concerns and coming to an agreement on the way forward. This isn’t happening,” Clark said.

Usenko, who is not Inuit, plans to be there to support members and staff.

“The real story is about my peers and I will be there to support them. They will be the difference makers.”