Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, speaks at the Canadian Club event in Ottawa on May 15, 2007. CTV
A lawsuit filed in Manitoba names former National Chief and Indigenous rights advocate Phil Fontaine. The claim says he sexually assaulted a student during a school trip in the early 1970s. The suit, held in the Court of King’s Bench, names both Fontaine and Sagkeeng Education Authority in the allegation.
Details from the Statement of Claim
The plaintiff attended Sagkeeng Anicinabe High School. The lawsuit says Fontaine arranged and led the school trip through the Sagkeeng Education Authority. It claims Fontaine used his school-given power to abuse a vulnerable child, when the student trusted him. No exact date for the trip appears beyond “in or about 1970.”
The suit states:
“In or about 1970, when the plaintiff was a child, (Fontaine) used the position of power granted by the school authority to prey upon the plaintiff and sexually assault the plaintiff.”
It adds that Fontaine worked under the school authority duties and asked to have “access” to the student under the guise of official tasks. The plaintiff claims this trust gave him chances to act improperly over time.
Fontaine’s Background and Public Role
Phil Fontaine hails from Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba. He served two terms as chief of his nation, then later became National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations. He held that office in the late 1990s and mid‑2000s.
He publicly shared his own story as a residential school survivor. He also played a key role in negotiating the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement in 2006. That deal remains among Canada’s largest settlements addressing historic abuse at such schools.
Alleged Harms, Damages Sought
The suit claims the plaintiff suffered long-term harm because of the alleged abuse. They say they endured nightmares, guilt, shame, trouble forming close relationships, addiction, and needed medical treatments and therapy. The student also left school because of what happened.
The plaintiff seeks damages, including special, punitive, and aggravated amounts, though the claim does not specify a figure.
Education Authority Pushes to Dismiss
Sagkeeng Education Authority denies Fontaine held a role that made him an “employee, servant or agent” under their structure at that time. It filed a statement of defence in early July, calling for the lawsuit to be dismissed.
The authority states it followed all laws and rules, and denies failing in its duties—supervision, screening, or oversight are not admitted. They say they did not breach any responsibilities.
Legal and Community Implications
The suit forms part of several Canadians’ legal actions against schools and authorities over historic sexual abuse. None of these claims related to Fontaine have been proven in court yet.
The Manitoba RCMP says it has not conducted any investigation into this lawsuit’s allegations.
Fontaine previously received major national honours, including the Order of Manitoba and the Order of Canada, for his work. He has not yet formally responded in court via defence.
