Algonquin elder files lawsuit claiming she was bounced from OCDSB committee
An Algonquin elder has filed a $4.5 million-plus lawsuit against Ottawa's largest school board, alleging she was 'targeted' and subjected to an 'unconstitutional gag order' after she developed a policy to prevent fraudulent Indigenous identity claims.
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According to a statement of claim filed June 3 in Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Monique Manatch was removed from her role as chair of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board's Indigenous Education Committee (IEC) after she developed the policy to 'ensure that resources designated for Indigenous persons would not be diverted by individuals fraudulently claiming Indigenous identity.'
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The allegations have not been proven in court. The OCDSB filed a notice of intent to defend on June 17.
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Manatch was chair of the Indigenous Education Committee from 2016 until she was removed from the position in February, according to the statement of claim. She is a member of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, has been an Indigenous education advocate for 20 years and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Anthropology at Carleton University.
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The policy Manatch was developing was created through extensive consultation with local Indigenous communities, according to the statement of claim, and aligned with best practices, including a 2022 report on Indigenous identity fraud commissioned by the University of Saskatchewan.
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On Dec. 8, 2024, OCDSB director of education, Pino Buffone phoned Manatch about a complaint made against her, but provided neither details nor the complainant's identity, the statement of claim said. On Jan. 27, she learned by email that she was being investigated for alleged breaches of a harassment prevention policy that had allegedly been raised by a parent.
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Manatch's statement said she requested particulars, but they were never provided. On Feb. 2, a third-party investigation firm said she was under investigation regarding concerns about the committee under the OCDSB's Respectful Workplace and Harassment Prevention policy. But there were still no particulars about the allegations and the OCDSB did not respond when her lawyer asked for details about the allegations and clarification about the investigation.
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In a statement, OCDSB spokesperson Diane Pernari said the temporary removal of Manatch from her IEC chair role was a 'necessary decision followed multiple allegations of harassment over several months in which Ms. Manatch was implicated. Given our responsibilities as an employer to ensure a safe work environment, an external and impartial investigation was initiated.'
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Ottawa Citizen
4 hours ago
- Ottawa Citizen
Algonquin elder files lawsuit claiming she was bounced from OCDSB committee
An Algonquin elder has filed a $4.5 million-plus lawsuit against Ottawa's largest school board, alleging she was 'targeted' and subjected to an 'unconstitutional gag order' after she developed a policy to prevent fraudulent Indigenous identity claims. Article content According to a statement of claim filed June 3 in Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Monique Manatch was removed from her role as chair of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board's Indigenous Education Committee (IEC) after she developed the policy to 'ensure that resources designated for Indigenous persons would not be diverted by individuals fraudulently claiming Indigenous identity.' Article content Article content Article content The allegations have not been proven in court. The OCDSB filed a notice of intent to defend on June 17. Article content Article content Manatch was chair of the Indigenous Education Committee from 2016 until she was removed from the position in February, according to the statement of claim. She is a member of the Algonquins of Barriere Lake, has been an Indigenous education advocate for 20 years and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Anthropology at Carleton University. Article content The policy Manatch was developing was created through extensive consultation with local Indigenous communities, according to the statement of claim, and aligned with best practices, including a 2022 report on Indigenous identity fraud commissioned by the University of Saskatchewan. Article content On Dec. 8, 2024, OCDSB director of education, Pino Buffone phoned Manatch about a complaint made against her, but provided neither details nor the complainant's identity, the statement of claim said. On Jan. 27, she learned by email that she was being investigated for alleged breaches of a harassment prevention policy that had allegedly been raised by a parent. Article content Article content Manatch's statement said she requested particulars, but they were never provided. On Feb. 2, a third-party investigation firm said she was under investigation regarding concerns about the committee under the OCDSB's Respectful Workplace and Harassment Prevention policy. But there were still no particulars about the allegations and the OCDSB did not respond when her lawyer asked for details about the allegations and clarification about the investigation. Article content In a statement, OCDSB spokesperson Diane Pernari said the temporary removal of Manatch from her IEC chair role was a 'necessary decision followed multiple allegations of harassment over several months in which Ms. Manatch was implicated. Given our responsibilities as an employer to ensure a safe work environment, an external and impartial investigation was initiated.'
Winnipeg Free Press
5 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Premier offers apology to sword attack survivor
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'As premier, and with (Asagwara), I wanted to come and offer encouragement and support. During our conversation, the family shared some of their experiences with anti-Black racism and I felt it was important to offer my perspective.' Kinew said it's no coincidence that his deputy premier is a Nigerian Canadian. 'We want to send a clear message that this province is for everyone,' he said. 'While the matter is now before the courts and I can't speak to all the specific allegations, I want Nonso, his family and everyone in Manitoba to know that we are moving forward together and that we take a stand against racism whenever we encounter it.' A 16-year-old boy, also a Neelin student, has been charged with attempted murder and other offences. A judge ordered a mental health assessment of the youth at a court appearance this week. Members of the Nigerian community in Brandon visited the Onuke family on Sunday, raising a number of concerns about safety. On Thursday, the deputy premier addressed those issues. 'As a born and raised Nigerian Canadian Manitoban, we have a very strong Nigerian community, a growing Nigerian community here in Manitoba,' Asagwara said. 'Whenever a serious incident or tragedy like this takes place, it's so important that we bring communities together to reassure one another that our province is still welcoming, still loving… Nigerians are valued here.' Asagwara praised the family's resilience. 'The strength and the compassion of the family is remarkable. This is a very smart, very spirited, beautiful young man who is surrounded by love and has a strong community of support around him.' The family was generous to invite the premier and deputy premier into their home to hear about the experience and give their perspective on safety issues, the minister said. Kinew used the visit to emphasize the need for a review of school safety, referencing school resource officers. The Brandon police response to the assault was triggered after an SRO was contacted by a student at the school. 'My thoughts are for this school resource officer, whom I've reached out to but haven't had a chance to connect with directly,' Kinew said, adding he was 'very moved by their professionalism and their swift response, which helped to make sure that a terrible situation did not become worse.' He said the province is open to discussions on broader safety measures. Asked if the government sees a need to implement changes, Kinew said, 'I think it's going to be an ongoing conversation … For me, the overarching principle is 'Every Child Matters,' which means that we need to ensure that every child feels safe.' Helen Onuke, who is Chinonso's mother, agreed that broader collaboration is needed. 'We talked about all stakeholders coming together to discuss,' she told the Brandon Sun. 'Some teachers might have an idea, students have ideas, parents and the city too… just coming together and putting heads together to see how we can make the community safe for everybody.' She described the politicians' visit as 'wonderful' and 'humbling.' 'It's helpful for healing, because it has shown Nonso that the premier is concerned about what's happening, not just with him, but with the entire community,' Onuke said. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Nonso's father, Onyebushi Onuke, noted the outreach from Indigenous individuals in the aftermath of the attack. 'The Indigenous community has been reaching out to me, sending me emails,' he said. 'They are letting me know that this is not part of them… They're promising to come back, to see what they can do to help in this situation.' 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Winnipeg Free Press
11 hours ago
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Taxi firms adopt zero-tolerance policy
Drivers caught acting violently or otherwise inappropriately to Indigenous passengers will be immediately fired, Winnipeg's two largest taxi companies have committed. Unicity Taxi and Duffy's Taxi have spent the past two years pulling advice from an Indigenous-led committee. The zero-tolerance policy is one of several outcomes, according to members. 'My message for the Indigenous community is that we hear you, we respect you and we stand with you,' said Abhishek Tara, general manager of Unicity Taxi. The industry has been plagued with headlines of scandal and poor relations for years. Eric Robinson heard about incidents during his time in government. He was a New Democrat deputy premier and cabinet minister during the 2010s. He's aware of incidents where drivers directed sexual innuendos at Indigenous women and took cellphones from customers until a destination had been reached. Nearly three years ago, Robinson connected with Unicity Taxi and Duffy's Taxi to improve the relationship between industry and Indigenous people. A committee was formed; Robinson sits as chair. A dozen members meet monthly to brainstorm improvements. Most members are women, Robinson said. There's a member of the LGBTTQ+ community, management from both Duffy's and Unicity, and at least one Indigenous woman who's had a scarring taxi experience. The group is now taking their work public. On Saturday, at Red River Exhibition Park — on National Indigenous Peoples Day — Unicity and Duffy's will take the main stage to address their commitment to Indigenous people. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. 'We want to make trust,' Tara said. Much of the work revolves around public awareness, he continued. All 305 Unicity taxis, and upwards of 200 taxis at Duffy's, are equipped with cameras and microphones recording rides. 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The duo tried to file a complaint, Rajotte said, but likely weren't taken seriously because they're Indigenous. '(Unicity and Duffy's) are very firm and sincere in these meetings that I've been at that they're going to take all complaints seriously,' Rajotte said. 'Reconciliation comes when people from different backgrounds get together in a respectful, ethical space,' she added. 'I think that that's what this committee is doing.' Robinson has given copies of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's calls to action to both Unicity and Duffy's Taxi and asked that the documents be made available to drivers, he said. Neither the city nor the Winnipeg Police Service had data on how many complaints Indigenous people have filed against taxi companies in recent years. 'We encourage customers to call 911 for any matters involving violent or criminal behaviour in progress,' Adam Campbell, a City of Winnipeg communications officer, wrote in a statement. After the fact, people can contact the police non-emergency line and the city. Bylaw violations — including sexual harassment, abuse and failure to release passengers from vehicles at the passenger's request — can lead to punishments ranging from warnings to full licence cancellations. Dave Chief, an administrator of the '24/7 Safe Rides for Winnipeg and Surrounding Area' Facebook page — which has more than 11,500 members — said taxi service has 'greatly improved.' 'At least now (people) can call 311 and report any bad drivers,' Chief wrote in a Facebook message. Case investigation and decision times depend on complexity, Campbell said. Cameras in Winnipeg taxis became mandatory in 2018. Ride-hailing services such as Uber don't require cameras and microphones in vehicles. Gabrielle PichéReporter Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle. Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
