As the Native Women’s Association of Canada, or NWAC, heads into its annual general meeting to elect a new president, there are accusations that the organization that represents First Nations, Inuit and Métis women, is in turmoil.
News broke Friday that the organization had expelled three provincial organizations ahead of the meeting. According to former president Lorraine Whitman, the Newfoundland Native Women’s Association, Aboriginal Women’s Association of Prince Edward Island and Women of the Swift Flowing River Cultural Network in Saskatchewan were expelled after they “voiced concerns” about NWAC’s “descent into chaos following the departure of its chief executive officer last spring.”
Whitman said in the statement the organizations were expelled on Sept. 13.
Elder Alma Brooks has been involved with NWAC for more than 30 years.
She said she resigned from her position as an elder advisor at a yet to be opened healing lodge in New Brunswick because of what she calls “chaos” at NWAC.
“But because of the bad publicity, as a result of a group of people that decided I guess to take over the organization and to make all these changes – I feel it was a hostile take over.”
At issue is the abrupt departure of former CEO Lynne Groulx earlier this year. Supporters of Groulx, including Brooks and Ramjatten, said she had the right financial vision for the organization.
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According to an email from NWAC, “three member associations were removed by the Board of Directors for serious breaches of their fiduciary duties to the Native Women’s Association of Canada,” said a statement from Beth Dimsdale, chief operating officer at NWAC.
“Since there is an appeal process, NWAC cannot provide further comment about the specifics of these breaches.”
NWAC will elect a new president on Saturday.
Current president, Carol McBride, has opted not to seek re-election for health reasons.
According to NWAC’s website, there are 20 members on its board of directors at the national organization made up of various Indigenous women’s groups across the country. The organization receives $22.5 million in federal contributions and donations according to NWAC’s website.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of NWAC, which represents First Nations, Inuit and Métis women across the country.
