In the heart of Saskatchewan's higher education landscape, the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv), Canada's only fully Indigenous-controlled university, finds itself embroiled in a high-profile lawsuit filed by its former vice-president of university relations, Gord Hunchak. This legal action, launched in early February 2026 in Saskatoon's Court of King's Bench, comes in the aftermath of a damning CBC News investigation that uncovered serious allegations of nepotism, mismanagement, and empire-building against university president Jacqueline Ottmann. Hunchak's suit alleges wrongful dismissal, defamation, breach of privacy, and negligence, painting a picture of a toxic workplace rife with retaliation and infighting. As this case unfolds, it raises profound questions about governance, accountability, and leadership stability in Indigenous higher education institutions across Canada.

📜 The Origins and History of FNUniv

The First Nations University of Canada traces its roots to 1976, when it was founded as the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC) through a partnership between the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN, formerly FSIN) and the University of Regina. Renamed FNUniv in 2003, it operates as a federated college of the University of Regina, meaning degrees are conferred by URegina while FNUniv maintains its distinct Indigenous focus. With campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, FNUniv serves approximately 1,000 to 3,000 students annually, offering programs in business, humanities, social sciences, indigenized sciences, nursing, dental therapy, and bridging initiatives for First Nations learners.

FNUniv's mission emphasizes cultural relevance, incorporating Indigenous knowledge systems, elders' councils, and community partnerships. Recent data shows a modest 1% enrollment increase for 2024-2025, underscoring its role in addressing the postsecondary gap for Indigenous peoples—where only 16% hold university degrees compared to 36% nationally. Yet, its history is marred by recurrent governance crises, including financial scandals in 2005-2010 that led to federal and provincial funding cuts, board dissolution, and reforms to curb FSIN political interference.

Unpacking the 2023 Deloitte Investigation

The current turmoil stems from a 2023 independent probe commissioned by FNUniv's board into over two dozen complaints against President Jacqueline Ottmann, conducted by Deloitte Legal. The 200+ page report, leaked to CBC in summer 2025, substantiated most allegations on a balance of probabilities. Key findings included:

• Nepotism: Ottmann hired relatives (a first cousin and distant cousin) without disclosing conflicts, favoring a "circle of favor" that excluded dissenters.
• Empire Building: Creating in-groups and out-groups fostering distrust and lack of accountability.
• Hiring Irregularities: Bypassing board approval and VP hiring policy to create and fill the VP University Relations role for Gord Hunchak in March 2022, with a $215,587 salary (above the $119,000-$179,000 grid) and a generous termination clause deemed "not commercially reasonable."
• Financial Mismanagement: Exceeding budgets by over $200,000 in 2022-23, duplicate expense claims including alcohol, and post-decision board approvals (fait accompli).

Deloitte recommended board takeover until issues were corrected, highlighting Ottmann's lack of insight into governance roles.

The Whistleblower Firing and Retaliation Claims

Jason Wong, VP of finance and administration and key whistleblower, was fired by Ottmann mid-2023 as Deloitte finalized the report. A separate Deloitte analysis deemed this retaliatory, violating policies and chilling future complaints. Wong's ousting exemplifies the report's warnings of a punitive culture.

Board reactions were divided: Vice-chair Allan Adam pushed for Ottmann's removal, stating, "The president is not the right person for the job." Yet, Chair Sherry Saevil affirmed "complete confidence in President Ottmann," voting to retain her after review. Two board members resigned amid divisions.

Gord Hunchak's Hiring and Rapid Ousting

Hunchak, 60, with 18 years in postsecondary, left the University of Saskatchewan for FNUniv's new VP role. The report criticized his appointment as bypassing processes and rewarding connections, though Hunchak denies close ties to Ottmann or negotiation knowledge, claiming terms were market-rate.

Post-CBC story (October 1, 2025), Hunchak emailed leadership on October 6 about report leaks and toxicity; no reply. On October 14, he learned via colleague of his termination—no notice, pay cut off, access revoked—allegedly to divert from Ottmann's issues.

Key Allegations in Hunchak's Lawsuit

Filed February 2026, the statement of claim details:

• Defamation: Report statements (e.g., part of "circle of favor," policy breaches) leaked to CBC, damaging reputation; top Google result for his name.
• Breach of Privacy/Negligence: Unauthorized disclosure violating acts like The Privacy Act; failure to protect or correct info.
• Wrongful Dismissal/Breach of Contract: Fixed-term deal to 2027; owes remaining salary (~$400,000+); toxic 2025 environment of fear and retribution.

Seeks remaining pay, aggravated/punitive damages, emotional distress compensation. University lawyer: will defend; no further comment.
View Hunchak's full statement of claim (PDF)

Faculty Backlash and Calls for Reform

October 7, 2025, faculty issued a statement decrying a $2M deficit, staff exodus (key finance/admin turnover), three years of unstable academic leadership, and elders' council marginalization. Demands: suspend executives (Ottmann, CAO, Hunchak), dissolve politicized board (post-2022 FSIN changes allowing elected leaders), reinstate professional experts, end FSIN interference.

"University leadership is expected to be ethical, financially responsible, student-centred... This is not the leadership style currently in place," they stated, linking to Deloitte findings and past 2010 reforms.

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Impacts on Students, Faculty, and Operations

Enrollment stability masks deeper woes: faculty morale low, potential chilling on whistleblowing, funding risks (recent multi-year provincial deal Nov 2025 aids stability, but history of cuts looms). Students, many First Nations, face disrupted supports amid leadership flux. Broader Indigenous PSE lags; FNUniv's role is pivotal, but scandals erode trust.

Staff turnover exacerbates admin burdens—opportunities in Canadian higher ed admin roles abound via higher ed administration jobs.

Broader Implications for Indigenous Higher Education

This saga echoes FNUniv's turbulent past (2007-2010 censures by CAUT/AUCC), highlighting tensions between cultural sovereignty and accountability. FSIN governance shifts risk politicization, undermining professional oversight essential for federal/provincial funding.

Stakeholders urge independent audits, diverse boards, transparency. Positive models: URegina federation ensures academic standards. For Canada-wide context, see PSE disparities: Indigenous college credentials at 23% vs. national averages.

Potential Solutions and Future Outlook

Reforms could include:

• Restoring apolitical boards with experts in law, finance, education.
• Strengthening whistleblower protections, ethics training.
• Enhanced oversight by funders, URegina.
• Leadership development via programs like those at crafting academic CVs for admin roles.

The lawsuit's outcome (yet untested) may catalyze change, bolstering FNUniv's reconciliation mandate. Amid 2026 trends, stable governance is key for Indigenous PSE growth. Job seekers: check Canadian higher ed opportunities or university jobs.

In conclusion, this crisis underscores the need for robust, transparent leadership in specialized institutions like FNUniv. Explore rate my professor for insights, higher ed jobs, and career advice to thrive in dynamic sectors.

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