Faculty members at the First Nations University of Canada are expressing their refusal to comply with directives from the board of governors to remain silent following the outcome of an external investigation into the university’s president.
In a statement attributed to concerned faculty members, it is emphasized that university leadership should uphold ethical standards, financial responsibility, student-focused approaches, and be accountable to the people and communities it serves. The statement underscores a lack of these qualities in the current university leadership.
The faculty members, who opted to withhold their identities due to concerns about potential repercussions, stressed their responsibility to speak up to protect the university’s values of hope, resurgence, and innovation, which they believe are at risk.
The board of governors engaged Deloitte Legal to probe over two dozen allegations against President Jacqueline Ottmann. A report obtained by CBC News revealed findings of nepotism, financial policy violations, and a disregard for oversight and control systems by Ottmann.
Amidst these revelations, the dismissal of Jason Wong, the university’s VP of finance and administration and a key whistleblower, raised further concerns. Deloitte found Wong’s firing to have breached university policies and to be retaliatory in part.
Despite the findings, a majority of the board of governors opted not to terminate Ottmann’s position, leading to the resignation of two board members who were in favor of her removal in 2024.
The faculty’s statement calls for the suspension of the university’s executive team, dissolution of the current board of governors, and the formation of a professionally diverse board to replace it. It also urges an end to political influence in the university’s governance by the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations.
The statement highlighted the university’s financial challenges, unstable academic leadership, and the marginalization of the elders’ council since Ottmann’s tenure began. It lamented the loss of progress made post the 2010 funding crisis due to what it perceived as a lack of accountability and sound financial management.
Federal response to the governance issues at the university was also addressed, with Indigenous Services Canada stating it was unaware of the FSIN’s changes to the board composition or the Deloitte investigation’s findings. The department reiterated its commitment to supporting the university’s programs within the funding agreement.
The statement concluded by pointing out the need for continued advocacy and adherence to established criteria to address concerns within the university’s governance structure.