A former chief of the Alexander First Nation, Kurt Burnstick, has been found guilty of sexually harassing an employee for nearly a decade by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal. The tribunal’s decision, released on July 31, concluded that Burnstick’s actions constituted the discriminatory practice of sexual harassment.
The victim, who worked for the Alexander First Nation from 2000 to 2016, alleged that Burnstick, who served as a band councillor and later as chief, engaged in inappropriate behavior towards her. The incidents included unsolicited physical contact, persistent inquiries about her personal life, and offers of financial assistance or extra work with ulterior motives.
The woman detailed numerous instances of unwanted touching and uncomfortable encounters, with the harassment escalating after Burnstick became chief in 2014. The culmination of the harassment, according to the victim, occurred in an incident at the First Nation’s office in October 2015 when Burnstick allegedly hugged her, pulled her towards him, and grabbed her buttocks.
Despite Burnstick denying the severity of the incident, the tribunal sided with the victim, citing her credibility as a key factor in their decision. The tribunal found Burnstick’s conduct to be unwelcome, persistent, and gender-based, leading to negative consequences for the victim’s work environment.
While the complaint against Alexander First Nation was settled, the tribunal did not order Burnstick to pay additional compensation to the victim, as his actions were considered to be part of his role within the First Nation, and the settlement with the organization already addressed the issue.
The tribunal’s decision highlighted the significant power imbalance between Burnstick, a political leader within the community, and the victim, whose livelihood and security within the community depended on maintaining a working relationship with him.
