Shauna Fontaine, the woman who filed a sexual misconduct complaint against Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (ACM) Grand Chief Arlen Dumas, is speaking publicly for the first time.
He spoke after a letter calling for an independent investigation into the case signed by 200 people was sent toMCA this Sunday.
Ms. said. Fontaine told CBC/Radio-Canada on Wednesday that he filed the complaint against Mr. Dumas with the Winnipeg Police Service about three months ago. Neither the police nor theMCA this assertion is not confirmed.
The Police Department does not confirm a complaint unless an incident number is provided, in which case the identity of the individuals involved is still unconfirmed.
Shauna Fontaine said she felt motivated to reveal her identity after the letter was published and theMCA.
Because of her own collaboration with victims of gender -based violence, Ms. Fontaine did not dare to speak about it until now, because he felt ashamed.
” You don’t even believe when you speak. Many victims are to blame. Never the victim’s fault, never my fault. In the hands of the abuser. “
Arlen Dumas was suspended byMCA last March after a woman working in the organization, in this case, Shauna Fontaine accused her of misconduct and harassment.
Meanwhile, the Assembly contacted a third party organization to investigate the allegations. Mr. Dumas was not charged and none of the allegations were substantiated by the court.
CBC/Radio-Canada has requested comments from him on several occasions since March, with no response.
A frustrating response
The letter addressed toMCA this week notably asked the organization to reconsider the impact of its response to the allegations. The 200 signatories are calling for an independent investigation and a trauma-informed, victim-centered process.
Signatories included lawyers, doctors, federal and provincial politicians, and Indigenous women’s rights activists such as Sandra Delaronde. We try to support not only the victims, but also theMCAhe explained.
The letter also suggests that other women filed lawsuits on May 31. The Assembly of Chiefs denies this claim.
In its response to the open letter, theMCA He said he was grateful for the offer of support, but declined it, citing that it could oppose the ongoing investigation. The organization also says it wants to keep the anonymity of the complainants.
Ms. asked. Delaronde made that response on Wednesday, now that Shauna Fontaine has revealed her identity. I believe this is a sham, that they are hiding behind a legal process instead of conducting a more humane process.he says.
Ms. agreed. Fontaine. He said his frustration with the Assembly’s response prompted him to speak.
” I am no longer anonymous. I am a real person, a real person. I was an employee of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and it hurt me so much. “
On temporary leave for the duration of the investigation, Shauna Fontaine said she was not supported byMCA.
Ms. believes. Fontaine that there is not enough support for Indigenous women who have experienced sexual violence.
CBC/Radio-Canada requested comment from the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs after Shauna Fontaine revealed her identity.
Information from Stephanie Cram and Darren Bernhardt
Radio Canada
Source: Radio-Canada
