Human Rights Tribunal finds former Alexander First Nation chief guilty of sexual harassment

A Canadian Human Rights Tribunal decision released on July 31 found former Alexander First Nation chief Kurt Burnstick liable for sexual harassment of a female employee spanning from 2006 to 2015. The woman, employed by the band from 2000 to 2016, alleged repeated unsolicited physical contact, flirtatious messages, and offers of financial assistance tied to private meetings, with incidents increasing after Burnstick became chief in 2014.

She reported between 50 and 100 instances, culminating in an alleged assault in the chief’s office in October 2015. Tribunal member Kathryn Raymond deemed the complainant credible, citing corroborating texts and witness statements, and emphasized the significant power imbalance. While the tribunal affirmed the harassment, it did not order personal damages because the band had already settled the claim with the employee. The ruling underscores the application of the Canadian Human Rights Act to conduct by political leaders within Indigenous communities.