WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
Inuit women and gender-diverse people say a grassroots social media movement publicizing allegations of sexual and physical assault against the former CEO of the Manitoba Inuit Association is giving them the courage to come forward with their own accusations against him.
“I was a young teenager and I was so confused and totally caught off-guard,” said Ruth Gustaw, 36, who is originally from Iqaluit but is now living in Ottawa.
Gustaw alleges Nastania Mullin sexually assaulted her in his mother’s Iqaluit home 20 years ago, while she was visiting his younger sister, her best friend. She says she wishes she’d gone to the police right away, but that her mother told her not to at the time.
“That could have just saved so many other people,” she said. “When I found out that he was finally being called out … I cried. Like, relief, and, like, finally, finally.
“And I cry for those other people that are too scared to come forward.”
Gustaw and another woman with a similar allegation have begun filing formal complaints against Mullin with the RCMP and Ottawa Police Service, respectively.
None of the allegations have been proven in court, and Mullin has not been charged.
When CBC News reached Mullin by phone, he said, “There is no comment that I can make at this time.”
Late last week, the MIA announced it had appointed an interim CEO, but it has not answered CBC News’ questions about Mullin’s status at the organization or whether it’s investigating the allegations against him.
The non-profit provides culturally appropriate services for Inuit living in Manitoba, and those coming to the province for medical care.
Ottawa woman speaks out against former head of Manitoba Inuit Association
Gustaw says she’s sharing her story because she knows many others who are afraid to share their own accusations against Mullin, and who may be worried about how they’ll be treated by police and the justice system.
“I haven’t always had the best experience with RCMP, and other people might also be deterred by that,” she said. “I just want other people to feel safe, safe enough to tell their truth and not be afraid of the consequences of speaking up.”
She calls her experience coming forward “empowering.”
“I’ve had such enormous support.”
Gustaw is not the only one coming forward.
Others are speaking out as part of a growing social media campaign dubbed #InuitMeToo, which began weeks ago when Nikki Komaksiutiksak was suddenly dismissed from her position as CEO of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. It came after she alleged safety concerns about Mullin to the organization’s executive members in April.
The Ottawa-based group said it is undergoing an “internal transition process” and said it wouldn’t comment on individual HR matters. Komaksiutiksak also said she couldn’t comment.
Her dismissal prompted Inuit women to come forward to support her online, sharing their own alleged experiences. Accusations against other male Inuit leaders have come out, as well.
Meanwhile, Inuit advocates started an online petition, which nearly 1,300 people have now signed, calling on the MIA to do an “independent, trauma-informed investigation” into the allegations against Mullin. Many are also donating to a fundraising campaign to help cover fees for those seeking legal representation.
“The #InuitMeToo movement is being started from basically a place of frustration of seeing people in these powerful positions that don’t deserve to be in these spaces and using scare 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’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. For support in your area, you can look for crisis lines and local services via the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database.
