Assembly of First Nations National Chief RoseAnne Archibald speaks during the AFN annual general meeting, in Vancouver, on July 5, 2022.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
The former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations is suing the national advocacy organization over the circumstances of her removal.
RoseAnne Archibald, who was ousted as national chief, has filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of Justice against the AFN and members of the executive committee.
Last June, a majority of chiefs took the extraordinary step to remove Ms. Archibald after a review found evidence of staff harassment. Ms. Archibald has denied any wrongdoing.
In a court filing, Ms. Archibald is asking for $5-million in damages for defamation of character, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence.
Her claim states that when Ms. Archibald was national chief, the executive committee embarked on a campaign to “sideline her and ultimately oust her” as national chief.
The document states that Ms. Archibald “suffered damages, which include defamation of character, unreimbursed legal fees, loss of income and pain and suffering.” It also says Ms. Archibald is proposing the action be tried in the city of Toronto.
The allegations made in the lawsuit have not been proven in court.
The AFN in an e-mailed statement said it would not comment on the lawsuit until after it was resolved.
Cindy Woodhouse, a Manitoba regional chief, was elected as national chief last December. At the time of her win, Ms. Woodhouse thanked Ms. Archibald for smashing the glass ceiling when she became the first female national chief of the AFN.
Ms. Woodhouse is among the members of the executive committee named in Ms. Archibald’s lawsuit.
Kristy Kirkup