Faculty members at the First Nations University of Canada have expressed their refusal to comply with the board of governors’ directive to remain silent following the outcomes of an independent inquiry into the conduct of the university’s president.
In a statement attributed to concerned FNUniv faculty and shared with CBC News, the faculty emphasized the importance of ethical leadership that prioritizes financial responsibility, student welfare, and accountability to the community. The statement highlighted discrepancies between the current leadership style at FNUniv and the expected standards.
The investigation, conducted by Deloitte Legal at the request of the university’s board of governors, revealed numerous allegations against President Jacqueline Ottmann in 2023. The report, obtained by CBC this summer, disclosed instances of nepotism, financial policy violations, and a lack of adherence to oversight measures by Ottmann.
One significant finding was Ottmann’s dismissal of Jason Wong, the university’s VP of finance and administration and a key whistleblower, during the report’s finalization. Deloitte’s preliminary assessment suggested that Wong’s termination breached university policies and might have been retaliatory.
Despite these revelations, a majority of the board of governors opted to retain Ottmann, leading to the resignation of two members who favored her dismissal in 2024. The faculty’s statement criticized the board’s decision and raised concerns about potential attempts to stifle dissent and academic freedom.
The faculty’s call for action includes suspending the university’s executive team, dissolving the current board of governors, and forming a new diverse and professional board. They also urged an end to political interference in the university’s governance by external entities.
The statement recounted a decline in staff retention, financial instability, and a lack of consistent academic leadership under Ottmann’s tenure, contrasting with prior efforts to rebuild the university’s reputation post-2010 funding crisis.
Indigenous Services Canada stated they were unaware of the changes to the university’s governance structure and the Deloitte investigation’s findings. The department reiterated its commitment to supporting FNUniv financially in line with the principles of Indigenous control over education.
FNUniv’s membership in Universities Canada, a national advocacy organization for universities, was also highlighted, with the association indicating they would review concerns raised about the university.
The ongoing dispute at FNUniv reflects broader governance and accountability challenges within the institution, prompting calls for reform and transparency from faculty members seeking to uphold the university’s founding principles.
