NAN deputy grand chief denies investigation allegations against him

FORT FRANCES — Nishnawbe Aski Nation deputy grand chief Bobby Narcisse says an investigation into unspecified allegations against him are “a political attack,” and have no merit.

Earlier in April, a letter from NAN Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler to the territorial organization’s chiefs was obtained and made public by Globe and Mail reporter Willow Fiddler. According to the letter, Narcisse was barred from entering NAN offices or participating in NAN travel for reasons of workplace health and safety but could continue to work remotely, with pay.

The letter did not specify the nature of any allegations against him; a statement from a Fort Frances law firm, who Narcisse has retained, said the investigation is over alleged violations of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation executive code of conduct.

“Our client denies that any of the allegations made against him have any merit or amount to more than a political attack orchestrated to sideline him and silence his sincere concern for the proper, accountable, and transparent governance of NAN,” said a statement from Judson Howie LLP.

“This complaint appears to be in reprisal for deputy grand chief Narcisse’s expressed concerns that appropriate governance protocols are not being followed and that the NAN executive is taking steps without any mandate from the NAN chiefs (which is normally formalized by resolution of a chiefs’ assembly).”

The statement goes on to say that Narcisse is an elected leader and director of the organization and has been carrying out his fiduciary duties. It adds that people in positions of leadership are free to disagree about “organizational changes, advocacy positions, or policy.” The statement said the public complaint “has been contrived to sanction those who dissent or raise good faith concerns about important governance issues impacting all of the NAN communities.”

The deputy grand chief has offered to have differences over governance roles and responsibilities mediated, rather than have the dispute play out in public, according to the statement, adding that he has raised concerns over the complaint notice he received and its alleged presupposition of misconduct prior to the investigation with NAN’s governance committee.

“Deputy Grand Chief Narcisse has nothing to hide. He intends to fully cooperate with any properly constituted, fair and independent investigation,” the statement said, adding that he “is continuing to perform his duties within the parameters specified by the complaint notice he received.”