A second member of the Manitoba Inuit Association (MIA) board has stepped down, amidst the growing #InuitMeToo movement that led to the removal of the former CEO following sexual assault allegations. Trevor Wright announced his resignation from MIA in a message to CBC News, stating that he was no longer serving in any capacity with the organization, including rejecting the CEO role offer. While expressing gratitude for his time on the board, Wright did not provide further details in response to inquiries.
MIA has not responded to requests for comment, and efforts to reach the remaining three board members have been unsuccessful. Details regarding the appointment of an interim CEO or leadership of the Winnipeg-based non-profit organization, which offers culturally sensitive services to Inuit residents in Manitoba and those seeking medical treatment in the province, remain unconfirmed.
Wright’s resignation marks the second departure from the MIA board in the past two months. The initial resignation in October occurred amidst the burgeoning #InuitMeToo movement, accompanied by a petition signed by over 1,400 individuals urging MIA to address allegations of abuse against the former CEO, Nastania Mullin. The organization’s former secretary-treasurer, Joanie French, resigned during a special board meeting where she emphasized the need for external legal counsel and an impartial investigation to protect staff and address allegations, efforts she claimed were not adequately supported by the board.
Following French’s resignation, Ruth Gustaw came forward with allegations of sexual assault against Mullin dating back more than two decades. Gustaw, now residing in Ottawa, filed complaints with the RCMP and Ottawa Police Service, although none of the allegations have led to charges against Mullin. An interim CEO was appointed on October 24, and Mullin was officially terminated on November 7, according to a social media announcement by MIA’s board of directors.
The organization expressed solidarity with Inuit women, 2LGBTQ+ individuals, and gender-diverse community members against intimate partner and sexual violence, vowing to support those affected and promote safety, respect, and healing. Despite Wright’s resignation, his profile remains on the MIA website, where his bio highlights his background from Winnipeg, with roots in Rankin Inlet, Coral Harbour, Nunavut, and St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. Wright, currently a student at CPA Western School of Business in Edmonton, aspires to uphold past legacies while forging new paths towards a future of innovation and excellence.