WARNING: This article may affect those who have suffered sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
Inuit women and gender diverse people say a grassroots movement on social media posting allegations of physical and sexual assault against the former executive director of the Inuit Association of Manitoba is giving them the courage to come forward with their own allegations against him.
“I was a teenager and I was very confused and totally unprepared,” said Ruth Gustaw, 36, originally from Iqaluit but now living in Ottawa.
Gustaw alleges Nastania Mullin sexually assaulted her at her mother’s Iqaluit home 20 years ago while she was visiting her younger sister, her best friend. She says she wishes she had gone to the police right away, but her mother told her not to at the time.
“That could have saved a lot of other people,” he said. “When I found out they were finally calling him… I cried. Like relief and, like, finally, finally.
“And I cry for those other people who are too afraid to come forward.”
Gustaw and another woman with a similar allegation have begun filing formal complaints against Mullin with the RCMP and the Ottawa Police Service, respectively.
None of the allegations have been proven in court and Mullin has not been charged.
When CBC News contacted Mullin by phone, he said: “There is no comment I can make at this time.”
‘I just want other people to feel safe’
Late last week, the MIA announced it had named an interim executive director, but did not respond to CBC News’ questions about Mullin’s status with the organization or whether it is investigating the allegations against him.
The non-profit organization provides culturally appropriate services for Inuit living in Manitoba and for those who come to the province for health care.
Inuit women and gender diverse people say a grassroots movement on social media posting allegations of physical and sexual assault against the former executive director of the Inuit Association of Manitoba is giving them the courage to come forward with their own allegations against him.
Gustaw says she is sharing her story because she knows many other people who are afraid to share their own allegations against Mullin and who may be worried about how they will be treated by the police and the justice system.
“I haven’t always had the best experience with the RCMP, and that might deter other people as well,” he said. “I just want other people to feel safe, safe enough to speak their truth and not be afraid of the consequences of speaking out.”
She calls her experience of showing up “empowering.”
“I’ve had enormous support.”
A broader #InuitMeToo movement
Gustaw isn’t the only one showing up.
Others are speaking out as part of a growing social media campaign called #InuitMeToo, which began weeks ago when Nikki Komaksiutiksak was suddenly fired from her position as executive director of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. It came after she alleged security concerns about Mullin to executive members of the organization in April.
The Ottawa-based group said it is undergoing an “internal transition process” and said it would not comment on individual human resources matters. Komaksiutiksak also said he could not comment.
His dismissal prompted Inuit women to come forward to support her online, sharing their own alleged experiences. Allegations have also come to light against other Inuit male leaders.
Meanwhile, Inuit advocates started an online petition, which has now been signed by nearly 1,300 people, calling on the MIA to conduct an “independent, trauma-informed investigation” into the allegations against Mullin. Many are also donating to a fundraising campaign to help cover the fees of those seeking legal representation.
“The #InuitMeToo movement was basically started from a place of frustration seeing people in these positions of power who don’t deserve to be in these spaces and using fear tactics to keep people silenced,” said Cora Kavyaktok, an Inuk photographer and advocate from Vermilion, Alta.
“I just want the victims to know that we are here and we believe them.”
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or the safety of others around you, call 911. For help in your area, you can search for crisis lines and local services through Partnership to End Sexual Violence Canada Database.
