Dream jobs turn into nightmares as abuse, sexualized violence and harassment permeates AFN

By Shari Narine  Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Just the other day, said a young woman from the Peepeekisis Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, she was assaulted while attending the Assembly of First Nation’s annual general assembly in Halifax. The statement was made before the assembly July 12, the second day of the three-day meeting and after a committee presented its findings on the sexualized violence and harassment that operates at all levels of the AFN. The findings were stark: Harassment and discrimination exist and the committee heard many, many stories. Bad behaviour has been normalized. There is abuse of power, position, authority and technology. Personal boundaries are pushed with unwanted touching and suggestive behaviour. There is lateral violence, bullying and verbal harassment. The report is the result of work undertaken by…

This content is for Yearly Subscription, Yearly Subscription – Corporate, Print Subscription Only, and Canada Print and Online members only.
Register
Already a member? Log in here

Add Your Voice

Is there more to this story? We'd like to hear from you about this or any other stories you think we should know about. Contribute your voice on our contribute page.