A non-profit group that managed millions in federal funding is suing a former employee, claiming she took more than $6 million for personal use, including trips and payments to a Jamaican dancehall artist.
The lawsuit alleges that Melanie Desjarlais, a Winnipeg resident and former financial director of the First Nations National Guardians Network, misused money meant for Indigenous environmental programs. The organization, based in Akwesasne, says the funds were provided by the federal government to support conservation work in First Nations communities.
According to court documents, Desjarlais had full control over the group’s finances for several months and used corporate credit cards to spend millions, including large payments to TikTok and transfers to the musician. The lawsuit also claims she spent money on travel and other personal expenses.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and no defence has been filed. Desjarlais has not commented.
The group is seeking $10 million in damages. The federal government has since stepped in to manage future funding for the program.
The case has also affected dozens of Indigenous Guardians projects across the country, many of which were left waiting for funding.
