A Winnipeg-based non-profit has filed a lawsuit alleging that its former finance director misappropriated more than $6.3 million intended for Indigenous environmental programs.
Key Points
- The lawsuit was filed by the First Nations National Guardians Network.
- The defendant, Melanie Desjarlais, is accused of unauthorized spending.
- Transactions allegedly included millions in payments to TikTok and other platforms.
- A court has frozen the defendant’s assets pending further proceedings.
- No allegations have been proven in court.
According to court filings, the alleged misconduct occurred over several months while the defendant had primary control over the organization’s finances. The organization has since launched an internal investigation and taken steps to strengthen oversight.
Government officials say they are reviewing the situation and have expanded audits related to the funding program.
The defendant has not yet responded publicly, and the claims remain untested.