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The top First Nations leader in Manitoba, Canada is facing allegations of sexual assault and is now off the job pending an investigation, as Dan Karpenchuk reports.
It’s not the first time that Arlen Dumas has faced this kind of allegation. Dumas is the grand chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. The allegation of harassment and sexual assault against him was made by a senior staff member, who wrote to the AMC’s executive council. The member says this letter also serves to bring immediate attention to breaches of code of conduct of the AMC constitution, based on my personal experiences of harassment, sexual harassment, and sexualized violence by Grand Chief Arlen Dumas.
The staff member says the harassment from Dumas began on the second day of employment, by phone, in person and virtually. Advocate Hilda Anderson-Pyrz is the chair of the National Family and Survivors Circle. She says the incident has prompted her to reach out to any other victims of this kind of violence.
“The experience of violence, trauma, and the fear of publicly disclosing your experience, you know, it’s a very difficult journey to be on.”
The assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will appoint an acting grand chief Monday and will also review existing workplace harassment policies.
Leaders of Native organizations and tribes across the country are reflecting on the work of Representative Don Young. Alaska’s only Congressman, a Republican, died Friday at age 88. In a statement, the Alaska Federation of Natives said achievements he championed on behalf of Alaska Natives will not be forgotten. AFN President Julie Kitka said “we did not always agree, however, he was always willing to listen and if he could help, he would.” In a recent hearing on tribal co-management of federal lands in the House Natural Resources Committee, Representative Young advocated for Alaska tribes, saying Alaska Natives should be partners in managing parks.
“Parks and partners. That’s what I want. Parks and partners together and you’ll find out your job will be a whole lot easier if you have partners. And the partners should be those who Aboriginally lived there prior to the creation of the parks. Let them have the opportunity for jobs and opportunities to present their point of view.”
The National Congress of American Indians in a statement said Representative Young worked with Alaska Native and American Indian leaders to help protect lands, people, natural resources, subsistence rights, and tribal economies. NCAI Alaska Region Vice-President Mike Williams said “Congressman Young helped achieve a great deal of successes for American Indians and Alaska Natives…putting aside any difference for the betterment of our people.”
Young, who was elected to Congress in 1973, died while traveling home to Alaska. His office is expected to release more details and plans for a celebration of his life.
A documentary telling the stories of three Native women involving missing and murdered relatives premieres Monday night on Twin Cities PBS. “Bring Her Home” tells the story of Indigenous women advocating for missing and murdered relatives. An activist, an artist and a politician seek healing and hope, as they draw awareness to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people. The film is directed and produced by Leya Hale, Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota and Diné. Hale says she hopes the film will drive public awareness and serve as a catalyst for conversation, cultural reclamation and change. The film can be streamed online at tpt.org.
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