Canada’s most prominent Indigenous women’s organization announced Friday the resignation of its chief executive amid internal turmoil.
In an email seen by CBC News, Indigenous Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) president Carol McBride informed staff that Lynn Groulx was no longer employed as the organization’s CEO.
“NWAC will continue to serve grassroots Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender diverse populations,” McBride wrote in a staff email. “I look forward to working with everyone as we enter this new chapter.”
NWAC Board of Directors It was announced later Groulx’s withdrawal was announced on the group’s website.
The development comes after a CBC News investigation reported on the turmoil rocking the national advocacy group founded 50 years ago to promote the well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis women.
The non-profit Indigenous Women’s Association of Canada has laid off about half its workforce as it plans to build its business, a move critics say runs counter to its mission to promote the well-being of Indigenous women. are doing.
CBC News reports on an ongoing federal financial audit of NWAC, with preliminary evidence finding ineligible spending.
Groulx said NWAC provided all backup information to support costs and blamed the federal government for cutting program funding, which NWAC said led to the layoffs of 78 employees.
The CEO’s resignation was brought against the union by labor boards in Ontario and Quebec, which NWAC denies.
NWAC president wants organization to return to mission
NWAC said in a statement that Groulx was leaving to lead a new business focused on social business and Indigenous prosperity, but McBride later confirmed he was no longer involved with NWAC.
“It’s always difficult to leave a role you love,” Groles said in a statement.
“It has been an honor and an incredible journey to lead NWAC and contribute to its success. I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished together and am confident in NWAC’s future.”
Today, we are announcing the retirement of our CEO, Lynne Groulx. We would like to thank her for everything she has done for NWAC over the past six and a half years and wish her success in pursuing new opportunities focused on socializing her business and indigenous prosperity. I’m praying. https://t.co/R8y2rS8ryN
Since joining NWAC in 2016, Groulx has focused on advancing the rights of Indigenous women and gender diverse peoples, the organization said.
Gruhl also oversaw NWAC’s new social projects, including plans for a cafe, gift shop and boutique hotel.
Although critics have accused NWAC of straying from its nonprofit mission, Groulx said the business effort is intended to generate revenue for programming and community investment.
Previously, Mr. Gruhl worked for the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
McBride told staff that Nicole Richmond will serve as interim CEO. Richmond is a member of the Bigtigon Nishnaabeg Tribe, an Ojibway First Nation on the north shore of Lake Superior in Ontario.
NWAC announced that its board of directors will conduct a national search for a new CEO to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and development.
McBride told CBC News he is looking forward to the future of NWAC and is excited to work with the new CEO.
“I know we’re going to make some positive changes,” McBride told CBC News.
“I think we’re going to be really focused on getting NWAC back to what it’s supposed to be: championing NWAC and rebuilding NWAC in a way that responds to those needs.”
