Urgent action is being taken to address sexual discrimination and harassment within the Assembly of First Nations revealed in a new report.
That report, presented at their Annual General Assembly yesterday, details findings of gender and sex-based discrimination at all levels of the AFN.
It follows a review conducted last year which saw an independent panel gather stories to identify patterns of systemic issues within the Assembly.
During that time, they heard of overarching instances of lateral violence, abuse of power, breach of confidentiality, and misogyny.
More specific incidents included: inappropriate touching, use of overtly suggestive language, gas-lighting, cyber-bullying, and unwelcomed sexting.
They also found that such behaviour had been normalized within the organization, leaving employees demoralized and fearing reprisal.
A survey conducted by the panel found that 60 percent of respondents had witnessed discrimination, and 70 percent feel the issue wasn’t resolved.
35 percent of respondents said they felt unsafe while working at the AFN, or attending AFN events.
A slew of recommendations were brought forward, including: revising their code of ethics and harassment policies, anti-discrimination training, establishing a complaints office, and many more.
Comments