(Halifax) The Acting Chief of the Assembly of First Nations argued Wednesday that ousted Chief RoseAnne Archibald was barred from attending the AFN’s annual general meeting on Tuesday because of a violation of the code of conduct. conduct of the organization.
Joanna Bernard told chiefs gathered in Halifax on Wednesday that she was committed to making the general assembly safe for everyone. This is why the co-presidents of the annual general meeting have decided to exclude Mr.me Archibald, who participated in virtual mode on Tuesday.
Before his “virtual exclusion” on Tuesday, Mme Archibald had been able to denounce to his colleagues the instances of the APN and declare that his ousting last month was an example of “lateral violence” and “hate”.
It was impossible to find out from M.me Archibald if she had tried to participate again Wednesday in the general assembly in a virtual way.
Mme Bernard, the AFN’s regional chief for New Brunswick, was named by the organization’s executive committee earlier this week to temporarily serve as national chief until the election in December of the person who will replace Mme Archibald.
The interim chief spoke on Wednesday after presenting the findings of an investigation into complaints of sexual misconduct and other predatory behavior within the organization. The investigation was able to gather evidence showing that some people had experienced unwanted physical contact and sexual comments from AFN elders, leaders and employees.
PHOTO DARREN CALABRESE, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Assembly of First Nations Acting Chief Joanna Bernard
Mme Bernard assured Wednesday that measures will be taken to address sexual violence and harassment within the First Nations rights organization. “The APN must be a safe place for everyone,” she said after the presentation of the findings of this investigation. She added that there should be a “zero tolerance policy” within the AFN when it comes to harassment.
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This annual general meeting is held two weeks after the dismissal of Mme Archibald. During a special assembly, in virtual mode, on June 28, the executive committee of the APN recommended his dismissal on the basis of an investigation into the relationship of the national chief with his staff.
The external investigation was initiated following complaints from five staff members. The independent review concluded that some of Ms.me Archibald constituted harassment. The investigation also found that the Chief violated internal AFN policies by retaliating against complainants and breaching the confidentiality of the complaints process.
Of the 231 leaders who took part in the vote two weeks ago, 71% opted to remove Mme Archibald, after being briefed on the findings of the investigation.
Earlier Wednesday, in a speech, Terry Richardson, leader of the Mi’kmaq community of Pabineau, in northern New Brunswick, invited his colleagues to reach out to the members to stop the attacks against Mr.me Bernard on social media. Mr Richardson did not specify the nature of those comments, but said what he saw was “disrespectful” and “unacceptable”.
The Mi’kmaq chief said he had supported RoseAnne Archibald in the past, but “the process [démocratique] should be respected”. He believes that M.me Bernard did not ask to be interim chief and that she deserves to be supported as she takes on this “enormous responsibility” while maintaining her position as AFN Regional Chief for New Brunswick.
“Attacking it is not the solution,” said Chief Richardson. It is also not the L’Nu or Aboriginal method, nor the Mi’kmaq method. »