Advertisement

Court rejects Chief RoseAnne Archibald’s attempt to overturn AFN suspension

Click to play video: 'High-profile Indigenous group facing leadership crisis'
High-profile Indigenous group facing leadership crisis
WATCH: High-profile Indigenous group facing leadership crisis – Jun 18, 2022

The Assembly of First Nations says an Ontario court has rejected a bid by National Chief RoseAnne Archibald to overturn her recent suspension.

The organization has issued a statement saying an Ontario Superior Court judge declined to take action on Archibald’s request for a hearing prior to the start of an annual general meeting next week in Vancouver.

Archibald argued her suspension was unlawful because the executive committee does not have the power to suspend a national chief.

The assembly’s executive committee argued that the potential court action raised issues that should be handled through an internal dispute-resolution process and the upcoming meeting.

Click to play video: 'AFN national chief removed from assembly agenda'
AFN national chief removed from assembly agenda

“This decision … does not support the claims that our actions were illegal or outside our authority,” Regional Chief Paul Prosper said in the statement. “We are sorry that the national chief chose the path of colonial court confrontation to resolve this.”

Story continues below advertisement

Archibald was suspended with pay by the AFN’s executive committee on June 17 pending an investigation into four complaints lodged against her by her staff.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

 

The day before, Archibald issued a statement alleging she is being persecuted for trying to investigate corruption within the assembly.

The executive committee says Archibald’s allegations breached her oath of office, the organization’s code of conduct and whistleblower policy. As well, Archibald has been ordered not to publicly discuss the investigation

Meanwhile, the committee now says Archibald will be allowed to attend the Vancouver meeting, where she will have the opportunity to speak to a resolution that asks the assembly’s chiefs to ratify and continue her suspension.

The committee had previously said it would bar Archibald from attending the meeting.

Sponsored content

AdChoices