National Indigenous women's organization accused of union-busting as it lays off dozens of staff

The most prominent Indigenous women's organization in Canada is undergoing a federal financial audit where preliminary evidence of "ineligible expenses" was found, while facing union-busting allegations following a mass round of layoffs, CBC News has learned.

The Native Women's Association of Canada (NWAC), which relies on federal dollars to operate, is battling complaints filed to the Ontario and Quebec labour boards from employees, who allege they were terminated after organizing a union drive.

At the same time, NWAC is letting go of 78 employees — or roughly half its staff — as it blames the federal government for a lack of funding.

The turmoil is rocking the national advocacy organization founded 50 years ago to enhance the well-being of First Nations, Inuit and Métis women.

Former NWAC employee Crystal Semaganis said the non-profit needs a major overhaul. 

Semaganis, who is from Little Pine First Nation in Saskatchewan, was hired as a knowledge keeper in 2021 to lead art workshops, conduct prayers and provide cultural support.

She said she quit in April 2023 after being tired of feeling constantly devalued.

NWAC has "become an elitist model that's so far disconnected from Indigenous women," Semaganis said.

"I would rather be poor than work where I'm treated like I don't matter."

NWAC told CBC News it's unable to comment on specific personnel issues, but added that it has a zero-tolerance policy regarding discrimination in the workplace.

NWAC confirmed recent layoffs include 33 permanent staff and 45 others, whose contracts will not be renewed because of an end in program funding.

After CBC News inquired about the dismissals, NWAC issued a media release stating it's forced to cut its workforce because of the termination of a national apprenticeship program and other government-funded projects.

Employment and Social Development Canada, which funded the apprenticeship program, told CBC News it's not terminating the project because it was always scheduled to end on March 31.

In a complaint before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) alleges NWAC used the sunset of the apprenticeship program to eliminate staff involved in unionizing.